Institute designs chairs for disabled children

General news - Friday December 14, 2007

PAPIER MACHE A SAFER OPTION

Institute designs chairs for disabled children

Story by ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA

Rajanukul Institute has introduced a papier mache chair with a patented safety design for children with mental retardation. Made of recycled materials, the chairs, it says, are safe, durable, and inexpensive.

Panpimol Lortrakul, director of the institute, said staff developed the chair to improve services for mentally retarded children.

''Some children had problems with sitting because their back muscles are weak. They could not sit for long. Some need parents to carry them,''said Dr Panpimol.

''That made it difficult to train them to eat. To teach children to use a spoon and fork, the best position is to have them sitting.''

However, general chairs made of plastic or wood were unsuitable, as children slipped off them.

The institute tried to develop its own chairs, and finally came up with the idea of using cardboard boxes and newspapers.

''It's papier mache. The materials were almost free and the only production cost is the craftsmanship. It takes about two weeks to make one chair,'' she said.

The chairs come in different sizes for three age groups, 2-4 years old, 4-6 years old, and 7-12 years old.

The chairs have two holes in the back so a child's body can be fastened to the chair with a strip of cloth. It also comes with a set of footpads made of sandbags with straps to lock the children's feet and keep them fastened to the ground while seating.

In the middle of the seat is a ridge to prevent children from slipping.

''These papier-mache chairs are cheap, long lasting and easy to make. A well-made chair can be used up to two years. Parents who are interested can get the patterns and instructions from us,'' said Dr Panpimol.

She hoped home-made chairs could be a substitute for imported products which are more expensive.

The institute also plans workshops to teach people how to make the chairs. Families can then sell them back to the institute as a way to supplement their income. The cost of making one chair is between 2,500-3,500 baht, depending on the size.

Bangkok Post