
Wheelchair to rocking chair adaptation
Talia has complex needs which are in part a result of scoliosis and spinal surgery.
Her parents thought that it would be fantastic for her to ‘experience some park life fun’ by being able to adapt her wheelchair into a rocking chair.
The Challenge
Talia would like to be able to experience the fun that other children have when using a swing in a children’s playground, both indoors for winter use and outdoors in the summer.
It was decided that the simplest solution would be to create a rocker that her existing wheelchair could be wheeled into.
The rocker adaptation would need to be easy to access, durable for outdoor use, gentle on the floor for indoor use and above all, safe.
Ease of access was provided by small kick-down legs that allowed the rocker to be tilted so that the wheelchair could easily be wheeled onto the rocker by just a single carer.
Durability was ensured by a sturdy (over engineered) wooden frame and metal braces whilst the lower surface was made laminate floor friendly by the addition of soft Velcro loop strips on each rocker.
Several safety features were built in which included fixed and removable chocks to restrain the wheels as well as front & rear straps to firmly attach the wheelchair to the rocker.
The solution
The spring loaded kick-down legs and removable rear wheel chocks make it easier to get the wheelchair onto the rocker.
The wrap over shape of the rear wheel chocks helps to prevent the tendency for the wheelchair to tip forward due to the forward position of its center of gravity.
Four quick release straps are used to firmly attach the wheelchair to the rocker to ensure safety during times of vigorous rocking motion.
The completed rocker with the wheelchair installed.
Talia enjoying the rocking experience 😊
Makers Paul & Frank during the handover of the completed rocker.
A video of Talia using her new rocker can be viewed here:
The benefit
Talia’s mum, Clare, says: “She absolutely loves it, it is just amazing she can experience what other children do.”
- Skills involved:
- Issues Addressed:
- Activities Helped:
- Location:
- Solution: