Wheelchair table
The project focused on creating a custom table for the client, a full-time wheelchair user with multiple health challenges, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and severe back pain. The client required a table that accommodates her specific needs, allowing her to engage in hobbies such as art, colouring, and meal preparation without the discomfort of leaning forward. The goal was to design a table that fits her wheelchair and body shape, enhancing her ability to participate in activities she enjoys and improving her quality of life.
The Challenge
The client’s existing setup posed significant challenges:
- Inadequate Table Design: Standard tables do not accommodate her wheelchair, forcing her to lean excessively, which exacerbates her back pain.
- Accessibility Issues: Current tables are not designed for her to reach across, comfortably, limiting her ability to engage in social and creative activities.
- Cup Holder Obstruction: The revised steel dimensions for the table obstruct the cup holder hole, complicating her ability to organise art supplies.
(The client also faces logistical challenges, such as parking access at her secure building, which can limit assistance during visits.)
The solution
A custom table was designed and fabricated to meet the client’s specific needs. Key steps included:
- Measurements and Adjustments: Initial visits involved taking precise measurements of the client’s wheelchair and armrests to ensure a proper fit.
- Customised Design: The table was shaped to fit snugly around her body, with a maximum width of 650mm, facilitating ease of use during her activities.
- Compromise on Features: While the cup holder was partially obscured due to steel adjustments, a suitable cup was found to store paintbrushes, allowing the client to continue her art projects.
- Future Modifications: An offer for further adjustments was made, ensuring the client’s ongoing comfort and satisfaction.
The benefit
The custom table offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Accessibility: The design allows the client to engage in her favourite activities without the need to lean forward, alleviating discomfort.
- Enhanced Independence: By facilitating meal preparation and creative hobbies, the table empowers the client to take part in her daily life more independently.
- Social Engagement: With the ability to comfortably participate in art classes and social clubs, the client can interact more with her community, which is vital for her mental well-being.
- Adaptability: REMAP’s willingness to modify the table in the future, ensures that it can evolve to meet the client’s changing needs.
This project not only addresses the client’s immediate challenges but also enhances her overall quality of life by enabling her to pursue her interests and maintain social connections.
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