Chapter 65: Adaptations for Wheelchairs and Other Sitting Aids

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HealthWiki > Disabled Village Children > Chapter 65: Adaptations for Wheelchairs and Other Sitting Aids

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

Many children need more support or special positioning than is usually provided by a regular chair or ordinary wheelchair. So we should try to get or make a chair designed to fit the individual child. Unfortunately many children get wheelchairs that are much too big. Often no others are available. Here are 3 ways to adapt them.

1. If a folding chair is too wide, make the cloth seat and back narrower. The chair will not open as wide (but may be too high).

   TOO WIDE	NARROWER (BUT HIGHER)
   		Be sure to check how well the child can reach to turn the wheels.

2. If the chair is too big from front to back, or if the child needs a better position, try a wedged cushion and padded backboard.

   padded backboard wedged cushion

   Some children need straps across their hips or ankles to keep a good position. (See the precaution in "Meeting the needs of the individual child, family, and community".)

3. If still more help is needed for positioning the child, make a sitting frame designed to meet her needs. Here is an example.
   

   lower-back support pad

   notch for removable table-board

   adjustable head support (padded)

   holes for chest support strap and hip support strap

   hip support pads

   lift for tilting seat back

   removable footrest with holes for foot straps

   knee separator
   CAUTION! Some children will need fewer or different features than those shown here. Adapt features to the needs of the particular child, and test them before making them permanent.

   The sitting frame can be used on the ground.	It can be placed in a chair (or strapped into the seat of a car).	It can be fitted into a wheelchair.	Or make a simple wood wheelchair with all the features of the sitting frame.

Seating adaptations for specific children

The various adaptations discussed here are designed to meet specific needs of individual children, especially children with cerebral palsy. Remember that each child’s needs are different, and adaptations that are not carefully fitted to the needs of the child may do more harm than good.

1. Carefully consider the child’s specific needs before including any adaptation or special seating.
2. After making an adaptation, evaluate how the child uses it.
3. Check often to see if it continues to help the child. An adaptation for a growing child may help her progress at one stage of development but hold her back a few weeks or months later.

This page was updated:04 Apr 2024