4.3 - Storage and Space Saving Ideas

Easy access to supplies, storage of supplies, and security of equipment are all very important features of any workspace design. These features must be considered in the initial stages of planning the workspace in order to maximize the efficiency of the product.

School teams have offered a number of valuable suggestions for storage and space saving ideas. Taking the time to consider these important features in planning and designing a workspace can mean increased independence for a student, improved function of the workspace, and longevity of the equipment.

Attaching Additional Storage

The initial step in determining the need for storage space is to look at ways of adding or attaching storage units to existing workspaces. Consider the following suggestions when deciding on what types of storage will be required:

1. Attach side baskets with a sliding drawer mechanism, if needed.
2. Attach side pouches made of wood, cloth, or plastic.
3. Purchase from office supply stores desk top bins and organizers for on top, beside, and inside desks
   • in / out baskets,
   • plexiglass side attaching storage compartments, or
   • place lazy-susan rotating style trays.
4. Place simple plastic or wooden box bins beside or near the desk.
5. Attach handles. These may vary depending on individual need.
6. Mechanisms for easier access can include pivot systems, drawer slides, swing away, lockable and detachable in what ever direction is needed.
7. A hinged desk top can be used to meet space saving needs.
8. Under chair storage is useful.

Custom Storage Solutions

School teams submitted illustrations demonstrating a number of unique approaches to meeting storage needs. Figures 3-1 to 3-4 illustrate the move from simple solutions to complex solutions.

Figure 3 - 1: Storage and Space Saving Ideas

This illustration shows how to add features to a regular classroom desk. This sketch includes side mounted book and pencil boxes and an in/out bin with a rotating lazy-susan.

Figure 3 - 2: Side Pocket Pouches on Commercial Desk

Side pouches are easy to install and a very inexpensive. These pouches can be used for a variety of storage needs.

Figure 3 - 3: Customized Desktop with Drop Storage Area (School District No. 68 - Nanaimo)

This example illustrates the use of a regular classroom desk with a modification. The standard desktop has been replaced by a larger desktop and a drop storage area has been added. This customized desk is a simple storage solution for a student who can be seated at a regular classroom desk for all activities.

Figure 3 - 4: Custom Design for a Student With Multiple Needs (Cathy Cavey, O.T. Child Development Centre, Abbotsford)

The side compartment is on lockable castors. The storage compartment can be fixed to the desk or detached and moved to another location (by the student if necessary). It has a locking mechanism for security. The drawer handles were customized to allow the student with poor fine motor control to open and close the drawers independently.

Previous Section | Contents | Next Section