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Three Fresno State students turned an engineering class project into a custom mobility solution for a 6-year-old boy living with a rare neurological disorder.
Students in the Lyles College of Engineering Honors Program designed and built a customized ride-on toy car for Beau Bewarder, who has KIF1A-associated neurological disorder, a progressive condition affecting vision, development and mobility.
The project began after Beau’s mother, Katie Bewarder, an employee in Fresno State’s University Development department, asked faculty whether students could create a toy adapted to her son’s needs.
Under the supervision of associate professor Dr. The Nguyen, students Hunter Fraser, Kaitlyn Rockholt and Gabrielle Torres spent about 13 weeks designing, modeling, 3D-printing and assembling the vehicle.
The finished car includes a push handle, wooden footrest and customized steering wheel to accommodate Beau’s physical limitations while allowing him to enjoy an experience many children take for granted.
Nguyen said the project gave students an opportunity to apply classroom engineering concepts to solve a real-world accessibility challenge.
Katie Bewarder said the custom vehicle has become one of Beau’s favorite toys.
“Although Beau couldn’t express it with words, his actions and emotions showed us he felt incredibly special,” she said. “He was over the top excited and so happy to know that ‘Beau Car’ was going home with us.”
Rockholt said seeing Beau enjoy the finished product made the months of work worthwhile.
“It was very rewarding to become a part of his life in the way that he had become a part of ours through this car,” she said.