Figure 1 - 1: Footstool Design from Linda Thiessen, OT (Prince George)
The purpose of this section is to provide therapists and educators with sample design solutions to consider when recommending fabrication or purchase of an adapted workspace for a student.
The design solutions are presented in a logical order that is inherent in the planning and decision-making stages involved in creating adapted workspaces. The sequence presented in this section includes:
Possible design solutions in each area follow a continuum from basic to complex design. These start with relatively minor adaptations to regular workspaces, progressing to significant modifications, and could result in the development of highly specialized and customized workspaces.
Safe and comfortable seating is essential and should be the first consideration when designing an adapted workspace. The first step in this process may involve simple solutions such as footstools and adjustments to present classroom chairs.
Chairs can range from adjustable height with supports and straps to commercial or custom designed scooter chairs. A specialized scooter chair may also include tilt-in-space features that will permit adjustable settings for the student in a variety of workspaces.
Footstools may be fabricated or purchased commercially, including adjustables. A number of school teams responding to the questionnaire indicated their school districts have footstool designs that secure to the chair and/or desk to provide a higher degree of safety.
Some design features to consider include
Figure 1 - 1: Footstool Design from Linda Thiessen, OT (Prince George)
This custom designed footstool illustrates the ease of adjustability.
Adjustable height chairs are commercially available or modifications may be made to existing chairs. Adjustments to a student's chair may be required to improve the student's positioning at the desired workspace. Design teams have found that an insert can fit into a custom chair. This helps the student maintain comfortable and correct posture and yet allows the student to sit at a regular or slightly modified desk.
Figure 1-2 illustrates the ease with which modifications can be made to commercially available school chairs. For example, additional items, like a foam back support, or a lap style seat belt provide simple solutions that enhance position and safety. These additions also demonstrate minimum alterations on the continum of adapting for seating needs.
Figure 1 - 2: Student Chair with Obus - Back Rest
If a student requires more support or unique mobility needs become a factor, there are a number of adjustable seating systems available commercially.
Figure 1 - 3: Mobile Adjustable Chair
Figure 1 - 4a: Positioning Chair
Figure 1 - 4b: Posture Chair with Tray Table
Figure 1 - 5: Bolster Seat
Figure 1 - 6a: Booster Seat - insert model
Figure 1 - 6b: Booster Seat - floor model
Scooter chairs are designed to allow students to fit their knees under a Primary table or desk, so they can sit at the table or desk like their classmates. Once the student is positioned comfortably in the chair, the wheels make it easier to roll the student up to the workspace.
Several examples of fabricated and commercially available chairs are shown in the following figures. For more information about these products, please refer to the Resources Section of this guide for addresses of the suppliers.
A child may sit directly in a padded, custom design scooter chair or the child's personal wheelchair insert may be fastened into the scooter chair. Figure 1-7 is a sketch of a wooden chair on wheels.
Figure 1 - 7: Scooter Chair (custom built)
Variations to the scooter chair may include astride benches with or without wheels, The following suggestions need to be considered when designing a scooter chair:
Figure 1-8 is an example of a unique design that encorporates a number of features including a tray top work surface, adjustable size settings, tilting ability, and rollers for mobility.
Figure 1 - 8: Mobile Adjustable Tilt Chair
