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HPU Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Honolulu program is set to host a series of events in early October, culminating with the locally focused “Go Baby Go” event. This program, part of a national movement, provides modified, ride-on cars for Hawai‘i keiki with disabilities, offering them increased mobility and a chance to engage in play and socialization with other children.

The event, taking place on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 12:30 to 3:00 PM Å·ÃÀAƬ's Graduate College of Health Sciences lab, brings together local families and children with HPU students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and engineering who plan to customize up to five cars for five children, keeping each child’s unique needs in mind. 

“Go Baby Go is such a powerful way to mālama our local keiki by giving them a sense of independence and joy,” said HPU Occupational Therapy Program Director and Assistant Professor Tracey Recigno, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L. “This event isn’t just about mobility; it’s about bringing our community together to support one another, and our students are honored to be part of this journey with the families.”

Originally founded by Professor Cole Galloway at the Å·ÃÀAƬ of Delaware, Go Baby Go has grown into a global movement. The ride-on cars provide children with mobility disabilities the opportunity to explore their world on their own terms, which research has shown is key to supporting cognitive, social, and motor development.

Leading up to the main event, HPU students will participate in a series of hands-on activities designed to enhance their knowledge of assistive technologies. On Thursday, October 3, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, students will work in the Graduate College of Health Sciences lab space to adapt electronic toys for children with disabilities. Later that day, from 2:45 to 5:00 PM, students will explore adapted gaming technologies Å·ÃÀAƬ’s eSports Arena at Aloha Tower Marketplace and visit the HPU Makerspace nearby to learn about 3D-printed assistive devices.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, HPU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program will collaborate with Shriners Children’s Hospital in Oahu to host Camp Ho‘omana, the first-ever camp event for children with congenital hand differences. Held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM Å·ÃÀAƬ’s Graduate College of Health Sciences lab, the camp will feature games, activities, music, and more to provide these children with a joyful and supportive environment. 

HPU’s OTD program in Honolulu is the only occupational therapy doctoral program in Hawai‘i, reflecting the university’s commitment to serving the unique needs of local communities. Located downtown, the program offers students hands-on experience through state-of-the-art simulation labs and opportunities for collaboration with other health programs. Students benefit from the mentorship of faculty who are respected leaders in the field, both in Hawai‘i and globally.

For questions on the above-mentioned events, or on HPU’s OTD programs, please contact Tracey Recigno at trecigno@hpu.edu.