A study of the furniture design requirements for cerebral palsied children

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Wilson, B.E., 1981. A study of the furniture design requirements for cerebral palsied children. MPhil, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Born out of concern expressed by organisations intimately concerned with the welfare of Handicapped Children e.g. The Disabled Living Foundation and Nottingham Childrens' Hospital, a study of the furniture design requirements for Cerebral Palsied children was established.

The first task of the study was to make contact with concerned bodies and define the factors which affected the design of furniture for these children.

This was through a survey of Institutional Care followed by a series of individual- case studies.

Results showed that there were seven distinct, but inter-related areas of concern.

1. Correct Physical Support - Improvement and prevention of physical deterioration.

2. Personal Comfort - Reduction of 'spasm' patterns and skin breakdown.

3. Safety - For the handicapped child and others in his company.

4. Care management - Identification of the needs of both clients, the handicapped child and the person responsible for his care.

5. Visual Acceptability - Equipment which is offensive to look at will often restrict its acceptance and use.

6. Personal Development - Unsuitable and uncomfortable equipment can often delay personal development.

7. Reduction of Isolation - Social integration is difficult for the handicapped child if the equipment he uses has not been designed to suit his environment.

In light of these distinct areas of concern, the study continues by evaluating furniture presently available for Handicapped Children.

It became apparent that almost none of the equipment available at that time was satisfactory in all areas, therefore, if the study was to continue equipment would have to be designed to meet these requirements and monitered in use.

Six specific cases were selected for detailed study and even though the designs were developed for one set of circumstances these studies represented many similar cases.

The final results appear in the thesis as a series of design requirements and form the basis for further work so that others may use the information in the development of equipment and facilities for Handicapped Children.