Meet Raven

We met Raven as a first grader in the fall of 2008.  Her occupational therapist requested a modified classroom chair—one that Raven could get in and out of independently.  Raven walks on her hands; in fact, she runs, pedals carts, and shoots baskets on her hands, all with incredible strength and grace.  Raven has caudal regression syndrome: her lower trunk and legs have not developed fully, and she has very limited sensation in the lower half of her body.  Over the last two years, Adaptive Design has worked with Raven and her family, teachers, and therapists to create eleven pieces of equipment: four versions of the classroom chair, a floor seat and desk for homework, two low-ride scooters, a beanbag mattress (that conforms to and supports her body), and portable steps for the bathroom sink at home.

One pressing matter was getting Raven positioned properly at her desk so that she could better focus on her work.
One pressing matter was getting Raven positioned properly at her desk so that she could better focus on her work.
Raven in her new classroom chair.
Raven in her new classroom chair.
The steps on Raven's classroom chair allow her to transfer independently to and from the floor as well as her wheelchair.
The steps on Raven's classroom chair allow her to transfer independently to and from the floor as well as her wheelchair.
Another concern was getting Raven off the floor. We made this scooter board for travel, since she dislikes the bulkiness of her wheelchair.
Another concern was getting Raven off the floor. We made this scooter board for travel, since she dislikes the bulkiness of her wheelchair.
Raven’s classmates cheered and applauded when she used her cafeteria bench adaptation for the first time.
Raven’s classmates cheered and applauded when she used her cafeteria bench adaptation for the first time.
Conversation and eating became easier and more enjoyable with the cafeteria bench insert.
Conversation and eating became easier and more enjoyable with the cafeteria bench insert.
Raven is very active. She loves to play basketball.
Raven is very active. She loves to play basketball.