UA students build car for child with special needs

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Charles Carter became emotional watching his son drive a car for the first time Friday.

"Tears came into my eyes," he said.

You see, it's a huge step for a child who can't walk.  Five-year-old Justin Carter was born without long bones in his arms and legs.

"Actually, seeing how limited he was, kind of heartbreaking," University of Alabama engineering student Joe Kabalin explained.

Engineering students from the university worked with Justin for months at UA's Rise Center. Four of them built this specially-made electric car for Justin to move more freely on his own for their senior design project.

"Seeing him light up and all smiles when we came in with different prototypes of trying to see how he could control the buttons. When we brought the joysticks for the first time, he didn't want to let go," Kabalin went on to say.

Justin can drive and steer it using buttons and a joystick.

"I just thank God for the level of people that's surrounding him and just thank God for everybody who put in time with him and shows their true love for him. That means a lot," Carter added.

Much more than a toy, this car gives Justin the independence to move around without the help of others.

"We didn't let his deformity limit him at what he's trying to do, because we always highly motivated him," Justin's father expressed.

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