Beau Bewarder lives with KIF1A-associated neurological disorder, which impacts his vision, development and mobility. His mom, Katie Bewarder, who works in University Development, reached out to the Lyles College of Engineering to see if students could design a toy car to meet Beau's needs.
Beau Bewarder’s eyes twinkle with curiosity as he studies the camouflage green toy car in front of him.
Moments later, his initial hesitation gives way to excitement.
A bright smile flashes across the 6-year-old’s face as he climbs into what his family now affectionately calls “Beau Car.”
For most children, riding a toy car is a simple childhood experience. For Beau, who lives with KIF1A-associated neurological disorder, that is not the case.
The rare progressive disorder, which affects about 600 individuals worldwide, impacts Beau’s vision, development and mobility. It also causes hereditary spastic paraplegia, leaving him unable to use his legs independently.
“The world around us is not made for Beau and for kids like him,” said Katie Bewarder, Beau’s mother. “We strive to give Beau experiences and joy just like any other kid. We cannot just buy certain toys and give him certain experiences, so we have to create them.”
Hoping to find a solution, Katie, who works in University Development, reached out to faculty in the Lyles College of Engineering after learning about their existing work in medical prosthetics. She connected with Dr. The Nguyen, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and posed an unusual question: Could his students design a toy car that could meet her son’s complex needs?
The answer was yes.
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