29 Sep 2025 
At TES, we believe in the transformative power of movement. For over a decade, we’ve proudly partnered with West Coast University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and Los Angeles City College (LACC) to bring the gift of mobility to young children with delayed mobility skills. This collaboration is more than a partnership—it’s a heartfelt mission to spark joy, independence, and exploration in the lives of kids aged three and under.
Each spring semester, DPT students from WCU and engineering students from LACC come together for a remarkable philanthropic event. Guided by the expertise of WCU’s pediatric professors, Dr. Cameron Brown, PT, DPT, PCS, and Dr. Claudia Sipakati, PT, DPT, PCS, alongside TES’s own Dr. Jacklin Pfaff, PT, MPT, DSc, these students pour their skills and passion into modifying electric ride-on cars. Meanwhile, Dr. Jayesh Bhakta, Ph.D., Department Chair of Physics and Engineering at LACC, leads his students in rewiring and building these cars to ensure they’re safe, functional, and tailored to each child’s needs.
What makes this initiative so special? It’s the perfect blend of compassion, innovation, and hands-on learning. WCU’s $1,500 annual donation fuels this effort, enabling at least five children each year to receive customized, vibrantly decorated electric cars designed to help them move independently.
These aren’t just any ride-on cars. Each vehicle is a masterpiece of creativity and care, thoughtfully adapted with features such as PVC piping, pool noodles, kickboards for headrests, and secure seatbelts to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. A large red switch on the steering wheel empowers kids to activate the car themselves, fostering a sense of cause-and-effect and the thrill of exploration. For added safety, parents can use a remote control to guide the car, but the real magic happens when a child takes the wheel, discovering the joy of moving through their world on their own terms.
The impact is profound. The smiles on the children’s faces and the tears in their parents’ eyes tell a story of gratitude and hope. For children who can’t walk independently, these cars open up a world of possibilities, allowing them to explore their surroundings with newfound freedom.
For WCU’s DPT students aspiring to become pediatric physical therapists, this partnership is a life-changing opportunity. Working alongside TES physical therapists and LACC engineering students, they witness firsthand the transformative power of mobility for two and three-year-olds. It’s a chance to apply their skills in a real-world setting, collaborate across disciplines, and make a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families.
The partnership between TES, WCU, and LACC is a shining example of what happens when compassion meets innovation. Together, we’re not just building cars, we’re creating brighter futures for young explorers. This heartwarming initiative proves mobility is more than just motion; it’s the key to independence, joy, and discovery. As we look ahead, we’re committed to continuing this incredible collaboration, bringing the gift of movement to more children for years to come.
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