Innovative wheelchair design unlocks possibilities for kids with disabilities

A local philanthropist and a group of Tulane University students teamed up to design and build wheelchairs for kids with disabilities, providing mobility and independence. CBS News' David Begnaud introduces us to the group behind this effort.
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[@debcarpenter8519]

I worked for seven pediatricians back in the early 1980's. It was frustrating to see kids from two to twelve years that would crawl or be confined to a normal size wheelchair because there weren't mobility devices specific to their needs. Thank you to all the engineering programs at universities that have helped families overcome this problem. You're heroes in my book!

[@XOguitargurlOX]

This also looks like it's more environmentally sustainable materials! Kudos to those students!

[@gnilkaew123]

A friend helped build my daughter's chair when she was 9 months old. She's 5 and hell on wheels now. Learning to be mobile at a young age changed her perspective of the world. I can relate to these parents and I'm moved to tears by this program.

[@vangu2918]

I'm glad to hear that your daughter has been able to be more involved in her life.

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Awe, that’s wonderful. I bet she’s impossible to keep up with now. 😂 My niece is 5 and I can only imagine. 🥰

[@teresalegler2777]

Fantastic news! Had worked for over 20 years with severely handicapped children, ages 2-19. The differences in early childhood to suddenly be able to be upright, seated, able to maneuver themself makes a profound difference not only in her physical but also their mental development. The cost of some of the chairs for these chairs were up to $10,000. So grateful for these young students and their helpers for making the lives of these youngsters and families bloom and improve. Yippee to my hometown, NOLA!

[@macherie1234]

I'm in tears that these children won't be like me, immobile unless carried by someone else until I had surgery to straighten my leg at four. Even then, I wasn't expected to walk but I watched my youngest brother starting to walk and tried it myself at 4½. I *then* got braces and crutches. And I still find the most freedom in the pool, where I can move as well or better than everyone else.

[@wendysnyder6443]

Oh, honey! Bless your heart! 🥰☺️😌

[@kp4636]

They talk about the chair and say can you imagine the independence for that family? Can you imagine the independence for that CHILD?! Their developmental delays will decrease due to the being more engaged and involved with their environment. These chairs are so good for these children’s bodies, growth, speech, and cognition! Big thank you to these wonderful people! ❤

[@mtm7800]

This is what humanity is capable of. It makes my heart soar!

[@IndieCindy3]

Same here! ❤

[@speaktrue77]

This story made my day! Congratulations to the little guy and also to the genius creators!!! 🙌🏼🤩

[@dianev6180]

Our healthcare system needs to return to its roots and move away from "for profit", shame on us that we ever got into the situation that insurance underwriters call the shots. Shame on Corporate America for all the greed and abuse they get away with due to the revolving door of politics.

[@katiekane5247]

Just try to alert them to over billing and a potential scam. Medicare doesn't care!

[@AZ-kr6ff]

It's the legal system, not the healthcare system.

[@dianev6180]

I agree 100% they write the laws and regulations that they use to go after everyone@@AZ-kr6ff

[@melodypaz7247]

​@@AZ-kr6ff¿the legal system?

[@AZ-kr6ff]

@@melodypaz7247 Yeah. Specifically, tort law.

[@nephtys369]

This is amazing! I wish we’d get more of these stories.

[@somozamaria]

This is so heartwarming I’m glad the babies get a chance it’s these chairs

[@Lblu1181]

Wonderful! A lone time ago was pulling out of our driveway & mom who was driving said 'do you hear something?' We got out of the car to check behind it and a little child on a big wheel had fallen over & was crying. Since the big wheel was so low to the ground my mom never saw the child. Putting a tall flag on the back of these wheelchairs would be just perfect for allowing people driving vehicles to see there is someone there, we had a happy ending story, the child was safe. This design is amazing! So happy for the children & families!

[@AZ-kr6ff]

You just nailed what everyone is overlooking. The reason why medical devices are so expensive is because of the research, and development, and insurance bonding that goes into creating a product that won't lead to injury or death.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

Good idea

[@spacebar9733]

​@@AZ-kr6ff believe that if it helps you sleep at night.

[@AZ-kr6ff]

@@spacebar9733 Oh ok... I just made up tort law so I can sleep. That makes a lot of sense.

[@spacebar9733]

@@AZ-kr6ff you thinking the law is a moral code explains a lot.

[@emmag.2260]

I’m a wheelchair user. These volunteers are literally giving quality of life to these children. Without a wheelchair life is so hard. This is amazing.

[@dianecallari1080]

This is wonderful! I’m an SLP/ATP presently working with preschoolers with physical disabilities. I’d love to reach out to see if they are interested in sharing their design or make more chairs for my students.

[@aturniakane4539]

the design is online for everyone to use. you can try your local charities/ colleges/ trade schools to see if they are willing to help. look at vets and retries as well as high school shop classes for partnerships.

[@MrLostMD]

I have a small woodshop in largo Florida, I need to hunt down the .dxf files and instructions because I might be able to pump a few of these out.

[@emilybazer]

So kind of you!!!

[@katiekane5247]

I'm going to send this to a retired friend with a woodshop.

[@DigitalNomadsExplore]

Great idea

[@AZ-kr6ff]

They've only had about 10 orders over the last year, and they only take a couple hours to build, so it sounds like they have it covered... if you really want to help, seek people who need one and put them in contact with these guys. You won't.

[@MrLostMD]

the right non profit could scale this up, having worked as a medic for 10 years in an ambulance, PICU, and pediatric CVICU the need is greater than triple digits and that's just in the USA alone. Im thinking of the need for a cheap and effective device for humanitarian relief efforts. They look cheap to make and easily flat packed, I have one being cut out right now. But i appreciate you insightful commentary ;)

[@snuff2023]

FANTASTIC JOB for these people who are making these! Our world is just not built for some disabled people and sometimes the accommodations are mediocre at best. While my 3 boys are not in wheelchairs, they have disabilities and it just warms my heart hearing things like this.

[@davidstadelman6140]

I Thank God for everyone involved in this. Such a wonderful display of love in action. Open sourced from people in Israel, what a great gift to the children everywhere who will benefit. Truly inspiring work being done by this teacher and students. I hope millions see this and the effort spreads like wildfire. Blessings to all.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

It would be cool if they could put a small hole maybe an inch-2” on the back somewhere and insert a sort of zigzag shape pole. It would be a handle so the parents could use it when they take him somewhere. They could push the chair along using the handle device without having to bend over. And maybe another tiny hole for a warning flag so people can see him. Awesome job students. You are doing Gods work in that workshop! The first chair could be adjusted in the same way. But maybe put an elongated curved single piece so it goes across the back. Kind of like a long shopping cart handle. Heck, might as well throw a cup holder on too! 🥤🧃🤗

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

Cup holders are chef’s kiss

[@heathermetz6576]

Absolutely amazing. Gives kids mobility and allows them to participate in their lives.

[@peacheskong2245]

CBS needs to add the link in it's description box for people who want to donate!

[@AZ-kr6ff]

Why don't you do the research and post a link yourself?

[@peacheskong2245]

​@@AZ-kr6ffYou should have kept your useless comment to yourself.

[@AZ-kr6ff]

@@peacheskong2245 I did.

[@shannondominguez9725]

So incredibly grateful for my mobility aid(my chair)it’s a true comfort to have and knowing it’s there when I need it (mainly when I go out of town and there’s a lot of walking)is so important so I understand exactly what these parents feel. Plus it gives this little man a whole new sense of independence that he didn’t have prior which is a big deal as he grows up.

[@CLB30ROX]

This makes me so happy!!! I love open sources. When done right, it does such good for the world 😁

[@oiaiofoster4775]

God Bless Those Young Ppl are Making A Big Difference!!!!!

[@normaowens7340]

This! This is exactly what I needed to see! The first little boy's condition, they forgot to mention comes with the giggles. My daughter was 11 weeks early and i am lucky that besides asthma she has grown too be a healthy woman, but i remember the fears asks the what ifs. That is a long hard road to travel and i am so thankful that little Sebastian gets this step up.

[@drbettyschueler3235]

Did anyone catch the name of the open-source site for the chair? I know someone, with time on his hands, that might be able to make some of these.

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

Tikkun Olam Makers, I think

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

“Toddler mobility trainers “

[@60scinema]

Good on the people who have created these devices. This was a very uplifting and moving story. Sometimes a little care and consideration for others can make a world of difference.

[@emilybazer]

Wonderful!! What a lovely story. May God bless and protect the families and inventors.

[@angiemansfield9381]

This is just wonderful. This needs to b shared so much on social media!! Use it for something good!!!!! Bravo for these wonderful people!

[@thatsright4046]

This is how Americans used too be neighbors helping neighbors it would be nice if there was more of it more love in the world

[@MelanatedMaternity]

Just precious!! Great job guys ❤❤❤

[@jackiealba5421]

That is so beautiful 😍 Thank you 😊 🙏 Autism Mom. Just a blessing Hugs ❤❤❤

[@lorilindquist7196]

Such a heartwarming effort! Bless each and every one of you for taking your time and sharing love. The change to each child's life is immeasurable.

[@kaitlyndobson3281]

This made me cry. This will help so many children. I work in cps and please connect with dss places in your area too. This be such a blessing to so many!

[@sunnysideup2663]

Absolutely awesome ❤❤❤

[@AvieMare]

These are so cool. Are they remote controlled? I think a push stick for an adult to push the chair at walking height would be a great feature as well, and easy to do.

[@lindaaitken7679]

Sebastian is adorable

[@DigitalNomadsExplore]

He's cute.

[@sarah.s.flanagan]

Insurance in this country is an absolute nightmare. I'm glad that there's kind-hearted people like this helping pick up the slack, but I'm frustrated that they have to in the first place

[@deidreshepherd3776]

Insurance companies need PT/OT explain the benefits of durable medical equipment

[@carriebradley7634]

This is it! When the world seems to have lost its way, its heart, its compassion, and when the cost of medical care and supplies have become so costly that the very people they were designed to help can't get access to them? This is that idea..., that simple but life changing idea, that if it spread, would TRULY change the world! This is truly beautiful. May all of these generous people be blessed for their love, work, and generosity!❤

[@Jiulize]

Aw❤ for me is Sebastian hair style 🤗shows you how conscious his parents r caring for him . Proud of the minds behind the project 😊

[@c.t.murray3632]

That's great news. children will always need our compassion and if it takes a few volunteers to put them together that's wonderful. Makes the whole family feel good.

[@brianag9726]

It is heartbreaking how hard it is for some young children to get wheelchairs. I have battled doctors and insurance companies to try to assist families to get wheelchairs and the frustration, brick walls and wasted time is a crime. Kids cannot be transported on a bus until they have a transportable wheelchair and that prevents some kids from attending school when they are eligible at 3 years old. Thanks for this story!

[@mustafaa965]

David Begnaud and CBS do some of the best stories about LIFE and how people are living.

[@dawn3578]

I'm not crying ❤❤❤ what a wonderful gift they have given these families. Xx

[@saul.t.2.969]

Those little children are so precious. You put love in the world and it will circle around and come back to you. Noam platt…god bless you!

[@debbiecooper1677]

omg those 2 little one where so blasted cute. bless those young people for caring about those kids.

[@user-ci5ov1ok5r]

Amazing

[@Sharon-sw7mr]

Darling children, wonderful parents, and loving kind people who make these chairs. So much LOVE ❤️ ❤❤️ Beautiful story

[@LisaHale-yl2vr]

All you have to do is think outside the box. This can help with muscle development, occupational therapy, sitting upright, really a great more affordable idea, cuz kids grow and can easily outgrow something so quick. Brilliant idea.

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Great job!!! Love seeing the students volunteering for something so special. Wish I could give everyone a hug. 🥰 Keep up the good work!!

[@ashleyfriedrich9856]

Thank you! As the friend of a friend who's sons in a wheelchair. I'm crying. 😢

[@maryann2692]

THANK YOU EACH AND EVERYONE BROUGHT TEARS OF JOY TO MY EYES GOD BLESS

[@carlsonjob2616]

What this group is doing is wonderfull we need more people like them in this world.

[@tajhayes7841]

Programs like THIS 1 R AWESOME & SHOW tht KINDNESS IS an EASY endeavor!! KUDO'S 2 ALL those tht have contributed 2 the original design & the Architect tht refined tht design!! THANK U, KINDNESS STILL LIVES!!

[@mjkay8660]

only a kid at heart can know just what a kid wants

[@lesleyharris525]

Thanks to everyone who made this possible, as the sister of a special person this would have changed her world. ❤

[@lorriemcgee5562]

I can envision the addition of extendable handles, like on suitcases, on the back, so taller people can push without bending over as much.

[@annika2272]

But these are for indepent mobility,not that somebody can push. Strollers exist allready.

[@jillloutsch]

So much love in building a chair for all children whom have children who need this. Bravo ❤❤❤

[@rubiks6]

This is what separates Man from the other animals. This is not "survival of the fittest." This is showing loving kindness to the weakest members of our society. This is us living out being made in the image of God.

[@harrisbrownnurses]

ABSOLUTELY...Great problem solving idea...Thanks GenZ.. Solution driven no time wasters. Wowwwwww

[@AZ-kr6ff]

Nobody involved here is gen Z except possibly some of the volunteers. Nice try though.

[@georgiawilliams6487]

Oh David! You have done it again! Great story 😊❤

[@rebelpeni8599]

That's really awesome. They could also add a detachable handle long enough for the adults to push them around.

[@user-ci5ov1ok5r]

Love This!!!!

[@Speedyskull15]

So sad insurance won’t give him an affordable chair . They’re going to battle w them the rest of his life.

[@katiekane5247]

Insurance has one aim and it's not your health. Corporations are required by their charter to increase profit, guess who loses?

[@AZ-kr6ff]

​@@katiekane5247 The fault lies with the patients who sue the hospitals and insurance companies... that's why cost is so high. Blame the little guy this time, not "The Man".

[@sheelfjohnson]

What a beautiful story! Thank you ❤❤❤ to every person who had a hand in this process, and thank you to that open source website that made it possible. We do need to remember that we can all have a positive impact.

[@brownskingirl7192]

A beautiful story of love for neighbors ❤

[@ashiba4024]

What a blessing for all those volunteers to make those chairs for those precious babies.

[@nancygilliland4002]

Thank you for caring & talented people😊

[@yaraviera4444]

Cutting edge for this angels god bless every family

[@giantschick21]

This is such an encouraging story. Wish these were more readily available and that our insurance system wasn’t so exploitative. But seeing the work these students are doing is so inspiring. They are changing the world one chair at a time.

[@michs3435]

Wow! Wow! Wow🥰😍🤩💯❤💝💖! Thank you for sharing this story. Nice to watch a group of young people and older ones alike and volunteers come together to make a difference at an affordable cost and the main ingredients are LOVE, caring, compassion, and inclusivity with the family. !!Thank you to everyone who from the start of assembling the material from the beginning to the end produces each chair. God Bless. 😇🤗🤗🤗🤗💞💕💓❤

[@KaylaPearlCPNinja]

We need more stories like these!

[@deborahcorso940]

We are all just walking each other home, but sometimes we need wheels. ❤

[@teresacorley7874]

So proud of you guysbthank you for taking the time m e to help thease kids

[@charlenemack7040]

I believe in miracles. Yes sometimes it takes many people to accomplish one but… thank you to all who also believe in miracles. 😊❤

[@joann5051]

Omg i love it. You should get retirees involved in putting those together. I would volunteer to do that in my community, I like building and putting things together.

[@mattyboy999]

This is what it’s all about right here; helping these families get back on their way to hopefully find peace, love, and happiness. Happy holidays to all!

[@candaceismyname5131]

THIS.....THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!! YOU GO LITTLE ONES... KEEP ON WHEELIN' !!!!!

[@brandip77]

This is really amazing stuff. What an impact. And it does make me realize how incredibly blessed I am to have physical independence.

[@vickiefinney6073]

This is so wonderful, in a world of so many people who only thinks of themselves

[@brendanaderifar2462]

How wonderful. Thank you for this.

[@garyh5541]

Thank you for your Creativity! Wonderful!!!

[@Honeybee1975..]

How awesome is this! Thanks to these people!👍

[@nesianhoney94]

Thank you, students! Sweet humans.

[@lifecoachthirl]

This innovative design built in love pulls on the heartstrings. I love this!❤😊🥰

[@got_glintsp963]

THIS is what America should be promoting! We can do amazing things when we work together and when philanthropy is involved.

[@tammymchenry3675]

We need more people like this group!❤❤❤❤

[@Paula_Limberg]

Great point that these are mobility trainers!

[@louisasmiles]

Such a simple design but so devine.

[@red_edj]

I would give my money to organizations like this. ❤

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

I put the link to their site in my comment it’s probably in the newest comment section

[@red_edj]

@@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole thanks!

[@cwtdos1994]

Kudos kudos kudos to everyone in this program!

[@tanyagarcia3721]

That boy seemed so sweet

[@MsMadmax1]

You never know what your child will grow up to be--what their potential is and how they can take a simple idea and change the world for someone. For these young people who put their blood, sweat and tears into coming up with these mobile devices for young children---they are what gives me hope for the future of this country.

[@Leanna-hk5mi]

God bless your thoughtfulness

[@LinkTheFusky]

wood and 3d printing goes a long way, they're absolute heroes to disabled kids

[@yogotti1230]

I almost cried 😭😭. Amazing story!

[@missdonutaltaccount1380]

This is heartwarming, hopefully these are used someday by hospitals for children that are small..

[@realmommee8093]

Great. Whatever can do to improve quality of life. Only thing could cause his brother have issues from stopping to push. Could it have long handle to attach as an option.

[@mikesouthern7666]

That’s little boy, Sebastian. Lord God. 😢 I’ll stop crying in a minute….

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

Look at the Power of Volunteering! Hurray!

[@Sweetdification]

Ugh Awww May TMH Gd 👑 and Ancestors Always watch over these Precious Souls and Children