Racing Rascals is a playgroup that brings together children with cerebral palsy and other mobility challenges to play and explore their surroundings using a variety of mobility tools. The project was initiated by Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark in collaboration with several partners, all dedicated to supporting children’s well-being and development. Permobil’s Explorer Mini is one of the powered mobility devices the children can try – a solution designed specifically for young children who need support to move independently.
Play, movement and exploration
With a focus on early mobility, the playgroup gives children the chance to move in ways they never have before. Through play, community and curiosity, technology becomes a natural part of the children’s everyday lives rather than just a tool. It is about giving children the freedom to explore, interact and develop on their own terms. According to Jeanette Kristensen, occupational therapist and co-organizer of the project, Racing Rascals is exceeding expectations: “We see progress in the children’s ability to drive, steer and control,” she says.
The playgroup also has space for siblings and parents, creating a safe environment and strengthening the social dynamic. When the whole family is involved, the experience becomes not only more inclusive, but also more meaningful.
The importance of early mobility
Permobil’s Explorer Mini is a lightweight, powered mobility device designed for children with mobility challenges from 12 months of age and up, and can be used in both sitting and standing positions. It is intended to promote self-initiated mobility and environmental exploration in children with disabilities. According to a report on children's introduction to powered mobility, early powered mobility supports curiosity, meaning-making and development through movement. In addition, there are documented effects on cognitive, visual, language, social and psychological skills. Some examples of skills that can be strengthened by using the Explorer Mini are:
- Attention: The child responds to surroundings, people or the chair.
- Visual fixation: The child maintains vision on objects or the joystick.
- Body and arm control: The child keeps the body upright and reaches for objects or the joystick.
- Head control: There is no head support in the Explorer Mini - the child must hold their head upright.
- Joystick use: The child develops precise control with hand, arm or mouth.
Mobility that extends beyond the playroom
A key feature of Racing Rascals is that mobility tools such as the Explorer Mini can be borrowed and taken home between play sessions. This allows children to continue their development in familiar surroundings and ensures that learning does not stop when the playgroup closes. For many families, it is a valuable support in everyday life and gives children the opportunity to strengthen their motor skills at their own pace.
A step towards inclusion
Racing Rascals is more than just a playgroup; it is a step towards greater inclusion and a deeper understanding of children’s diverse needs. By bringing together technology, play and community, it creates a space where all children can participate and where mobility becomes a source of joy, confidence and development.