Building mobility trainers for toddlers

UC Berkeley students have come together at the Jacobs Institute to assemble assistive devices designed for young children with disabilities. These devices, known as Toddler Mobility Trainers (TMTs), are being built during a series of collaborative events, with the most recent one taking place on Friday, February 13, 2026. The TMTs are designed to support toddlers with mobility challenges, providing them with the tools they need to explore their environment independently.

The build party at the Jacobs Institute brought together a group of eager volunteers, including UC Berkeley students and community members, who worked tirelessly to assemble the TMTs. Among the attendees were MDes students Congruo Guan, Ruo-Lin Wang, and Jacob Sheiner, who were actively putting together the trainers. The event also featured Ria Deshpande, Dana Yichye Shwachman, Emma Humphries, and Shreya Walavalkar, who worked alongside Junghyuk Han and Shawn Schulz to construct new TMTs.

One of the children who had the opportunity to try out the new TMT was Charlotte Posthumus, a four-year-old girl. She was seen happily testing her new mobility trainer with the help of her mother, Jamie Posthumus, and Dana Yichye Shwachman. The TMTs are designed to be adjustable and customizable, allowing them to grow with the child and cater to their specific needs.

The initiative to build these assistive devices has been spearheaded by the Jacobs Institute, which is dedicated to advancing engineering solutions for global challenges. By involving students and the community in the assembly process, the institute aims to foster a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. The TMTs are not only designed to improve the quality of life for young children with disabilities but also serve as a valuable learning experience for those involved in their creation.

The build party at the Jacobs Institute was just one of many events planned to assemble the TMTs. The success of these collaborative efforts has highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and the power of engineering to address real-world issues affecting children and their families. As more TMTs are built and distributed, they will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of toddlers with mobility challenges, enabling them to explore their world with greater independence and confidence.

In addition to the hands-on assembly work, the event also showcased the thoughtful design and engineering that goes into creating the TMTs. The trainers are built with safety and durability in mind, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The design process has involved close collaboration with parents, healthcare professionals, and child development experts to ensure that the TMTs meet the diverse needs of young children with disabilities.

The build party at the Jacobs Institute was a testament to the power of community involvement and the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts. As more individuals and organizations come together to support the production of TMTs, the potential for making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children with disabilities becomes increasingly apparent. The success of this initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation and teamwork in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

In the coming months, the Jacobs Institute plans to continue hosting build parties and engaging volunteers in the assembly of Toddler Mobility Trainers. The institute is also exploring opportunities to expand the program, potentially reaching more children in need across the United States and beyond. The ongoing commitment to this project demonstrates a genuine dedication to improving the lives of young children with disabilities and empowering them to thrive in their everyday lives.

The build party at the Jacobs Institute on February 13, 2026, was just one step in a larger mission to provide assistive devices that support the development and independence of toddlers with mobility challenges. As more TMTs are assembled and distributed, the impact on the lives of these children and their families will be profound. The collaborative spirit and innovative spirit demonstrated by the students, volunteers, and professionals involved in this project serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together to address critical needs in the community.