AwareNow: Issue 32: The Hope Edition, October 2, 2022

You may be wondering, "How do you modify these cars?" Well, we adapt these cars for children with cerebral palsy and caudal regression syndrome by rewiring the vehicles such that they are controlled by a hand-powered button, as opposed to a foot/accelerator pedal. By performing the aforementioned process, we cultivate an enriched environment for all participants; by teaching essential qualities such as soldering wires and drilling techniques, we prepare car builders for a successful career in the STEM field, and continually reinforce a sentiment of compassion, teamwork, and empathy.

"On this episode we are talking with Aanand Mehta, one of the co-founders of Magical Motors. This episode is all about independent mobility in kids. Magical Motors is specialised on the development of assistave technologies for children with disabilities. we talk about their latest technology releases, as well as who you can get involved and start your own chapter in your area and start supporting action similar to these."

"The SSPF Magical Motors Jeep Hack for special needs was a success!"

"One of Aanand’s favorite memories with Magical Motors was in December of 2021 when he met the organization’s first car recipient, 4-year-old Ollie, whose lower spine wasn’t completely developed. Aanand helped build a red McLaren car for Ollie’s Christmas. Ollie told Aanand that it was the best Christmas present ever.  

'It’s rewarding moments like these that make the experience totally worth it,' Aanand said. 'His mom told me that he can’t stop driving the car.'"

"Together, the team rewires toy cars so they can be driven by children aged three to eight. They make it easier to navigate with hand controls instead of pedals, and even install harnesses, remotes and back support – anything and everything to make a kid’s car accessible and fun. 

In addition to refurbishing toy cars, Aanand’s Magical Motors is on a mission to expand its program to high schools across the country in an effort to support volunteerism and STEM education. Aanand has developed a program and materials to help anyone become a successful automaker."

"Together, the team rewires toy cars to be drivable for kids between the ages of three and eight. They make them easier to navigate with hand controls instead of foot pedals, and even install harnesses, remote controls and back support — anything and everything to make a child’s car accessible and fun.  

In addition to renovating toy cars, Aanand’s Magical Motors has a mission to spread its program to high schools across the nation with the goal of supporting volunteerism and STEM education. Aanand developed curriculum and materials to help anyone become a successful car builder."

"Let’s go back to Ollie’s initial reaction. Did any of you catch what he said when he saw his new best-friend? He said “Wow! I can ride the car? I wanna ride the car!” Simply seeing his car inspired him to move! And I see nothing more innocent, more pure, and more encouraging than this initiative to move. It’s moments like this that inspire me to apply our mission to every child possessing a barrier to expressing themselves through movement."

"It took us months of hard work, paperwork, and correspondence to form a registered 501(c)(3) organization. The next step was finding our target market. In terms of that, we started off local, spreading the word on social media groups, and the future-recipients began communicating with us to have a car made for them. In late-2021, we began networking with other like-minded groups, such as STEM organizations and therapy clinics, and we are in the midst of forming partnerships with them, in an effort to implement our program in their facilities.

To any young professional (like us) looking to make a difference in the community by registering a 501(c)(3) organization, make sure that you have a target audience in mind and a defined, detailed, and organized plan of how you will help your target audience. In addition, a successful and passionate entrepreneur is always willing to elaborate upon their ideas to anyone, as they may allow you to develop connections that can expand your mission. In other words, the skill of networking, or contacting other like-minded individuals to further your outreach, is vital."

"We also thought of spreading our mission to STEM organizations, therapy centers, and medical centers across the country, as a way to diversify our beneficiaries. And now, we are collaborating with more than 10 nationally-renowned like-minded organizations that embrace our program and look forward to working with us!"

"Magical Motors adapt children's toys and cars to be used by children with developmental disabilities..."

"...after receiving cars, participants develop a newfound attitude of independence and freedom of expression. Overall, our mission is to bring about a more inclusive community. And you can help us fulfill our mission by becoming the founder of a Magical Motors chapter at your school!"

"Thank you Magical Motors! Oliver is now cruising the streets! This wonderful nonprofit organization purchases power wheels, adapts them for children with physical and developmental disabilities and provides them to families free of charge. We were introduced to the engineer behind the car, our new friend Aanand, and had the opportunity to learn about his passion for children. "

"Fichadia, a Millard North High School junior, is passionate about applying engineering and technology to social and community causes. At 14-years-old, he co-founded the nonprofit Magical Motors to create assistive mobility vehicles for children with developmental disabilities."

"Saturday marked a return for the semiannual project, which had been dormant for more than a year because of the pandemic. Since 2016, Munroe-Meyer volunteers have helped provide more than 40 cars for local kids ages 9 months to 6 years."

"Fichadia, a Millard North High School junior, is enthusiastic about making use of engineering and know-how to social and group causes. At 14-years-old, he co-founded the nonprofit Magical Motors to create assistive mobility autos for youngsters with developmental disabilities."

"The creators of a nonprofit organization, 'Magical Motors,' showcased their work on modifying wheelchairs for kids with cerebral palsy and down syndrome. The chairs look like small toy cars that are operated by buttons and an easy-to-grip steering device."

"Rohan and Aanand are cousins who started Magical Motors to (1) assistive technologies to children with developmental disabilities, (2) connect educational theory with applied use cases, and (3) build STEM curriculum for high schools across school districts."

""'We're rewiring the acceleration from the gas pedal at the bottom because they are not able to us their legs to a button on the steering wheel,' Fichadia said."

"Power wheelchairs can cost thousands and are built for older individuals, leaving children with mobility challenges few options. Fichadia is working to achieve his Eagle rank through this community project and raised more than $2,000 to fund the toy cars, engineering parts and modification tools. To modify the cars, Fichadia and his fellow scouts will be working with a team of organizations."