Standing Tall with Leon!
- Adaptive Design
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
Leon is a bright, happy, just-turned-two year old with a love for languages. He understands Spanish, French, and English. His young, creative mind is constantly forming new thoughts, and he is learning how to share them. From the beginning, Leon has had to work extra hard to strengthen his torso and legs. If anyone is ready to explore the playgrounds of Manhattan, it’s Leon. When Leon was two years old, his parents and his occupational therapist, Patricia, contacted ADA to see if we could provide equipment to help him get stronger.
The designers at ADA first built a supine stander for Leon. “A supine stander is a device that helps children stand while being supported from behind,” explained Senior Adaptive Designer and Fabricator, Adam El-Sawaf. “It can be gradually tilted from a lying-down position to an upright position. We built a wooden frame with adjustable straps for Leon’s feet, knees, hips, and chest. The stander could be tilted upright, allowing Leon to experience the benefits of standing while still having the support he needed.”
Leon loved the freedom that the supine stander provided, but as he grew stronger, he needed a different device to continue building strength in his legs and torso, so his body could support him as he prepared to take his first steps.
Patricia has been partnering with Adaptive Design for over a decade, ensuring that her clients receive the necessary equipment when they need it. When her client, Bella, graduated from her prone stander a few months ago, Patricia kept the device in her apartment, knowing a new client would soon be ready for it. ‘It’s lightweight and easy to move, so learning she held on to it came as no surprise. We are privileged to work with incredibly caring therapists who go to great lengths to provide excellent care to their patients,’ explained Fabrication Director, Antoinette LaSorsa.
As Leon’s trunk control improved, and he was able to transition to a prone stander Patricia made adjustments necessary to introduce the stander, initially built for Bella. Leon is now is starting to move his legs intentionally, and is taking his first steps. Standing has helped stretch his tight muscles, support healthy bone development, and improve his visual engagement with the world around him. Being upright also allows him to interact face-to-face with his parents.
We at ADA are delighted to see this little guy thrive! When he’s not working hard at work getting stronger, Leon loves avocados (his favorite food), dances with his beloved sloth toy, mimics lions and sheep with roaring and "baabaa" sounds, swings at the playground, listens to music, and delights in being upside down.
At ADA, every piece of equipment we build — including Leon’s — is provided at no cost to families in New York City. We are only able to do this because of the generosity of our community of donors. We invite you to join us in helping more children like Leon reach their full potential.
We're raising funds to purchase essential workshop materials, so we can continue to create custom adaptations that empower children with disabilities. Every donation helps keep our shop full of essential supplies like cardboard, wood, and glue. Join us in making a difference— Donate Today!
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