PACER Helps Preschooler Drive John Deere, Just Like Dad

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- You may be surprised to hear who now owns a new, shiny green John Deere.

Her name is Leah, and she is four-years-old. And the miniature car is about much more than fun for the Wayzata preschooler.

Jennifer Severson says her daughter Leah was born with spina bifida.

"Her spine is paralyzed so her legs don't work, and so she needs a wheelchair to get around," Jennifer said. "We wondered if she would ever be normal. If she would, you know, ever run around and be able to play with neighborhood kids and keep up with kids her own age."

But the Seversons wonder no more. Leah zooms and zooms and zooms regularly around their backyard. Her neighbor got a cart so they could ride together.

"It's so nice to be frustrated with her that she's going too fast [laughs]!" Jennifer said.

This welcomed mischievous behavior is thanks to some help. Jennifer and Ty Severson read an article about adapted cars, and they gave Leah a choice.

"We gave her the options of Barbie cars, little Corvettes, and she wanted the John Deere to look like Dad's," Ty said.

That is when PACER Center, an organization that helps kids with disabilities, stepped in.

"Frankly I didn't know how to do all that and rewire and make it safe. They had the know-how and the proper tools and resources, and they devoted their time to making this possible for her," Ty said.

And they are also making it possible for others by adapting the switch, so kids can operate it with their hands or the back of their heads.

Andy Borne, an assistive technology specialist at PACER Center, helped coordinate Leah's ride.

"To see the expressions on the faces of the parents and the kid and to share in the relief with them that there is, you know, something that they can do to be just as abled as anyone else," Andy said.

Abled, and maybe even a little bit faster.

WCCO's Amelia Santaniello and Frank Vascellaro will host PACER Center's 34th Annual Benefit this Saturday night. Idina Menzel of "Frozen" fame will be performing.

Click here for more information on the event and tickets.