Joy-bike:
Tricycle for disabled children, particularly paraplegics

Paraplegia should not be a barrier that prevents children from socializing with their peers, especially other youngsters with no physical disabilities, as this leaves youngsters feeling that they do not fit into society, with negative consequences on personal development and self-esteem.

Toys currently available for paraplegic youngsters are generally adaptations of products designed for children without disabilities. Even when technology is used to offer recreational activities to people with special needs, little attention is given to creating a language of pleasure. While many products designed for general use are desired by people with special needs, this Project shows that is quite possible for a product designed specifically for the disabled to appeal to everyone.

Some benefits:

• Offers enjoyment to physically disabled children;
• Fosters integration with other youngsters, including those with no physical difficulties;
• Smoothes the transition between disability and ability;
• Underpins Education for Health;
• Makes the child more independent;
• Reverts possible tendencies towards idleness, apathy and loneliness;
• Improves muscle strength and willpower, enhancing cardiovascular resistance and specific muscle development, coordination and balance.