The Pink Chariot Has Arrived: Synshiana’s New Chair

In Synshiana’s world, everything is better in pink. Not just any pink. We’re talking bold, unapologetic, "Barbie" pink. So, when the team at Adaptive Design set out to build a custom chair for this vibrant 12-year-old, there was only one color for the job.

Synshiana is a student at PS 138M, and while her personality is bright, her standard wheelchair was creating a literal barrier. Because it sat lower than typical classroom furniture, she couldn't sit at a desk with her peers, leaving her feeling physically and socially distanced from the action.

Principal Elyse Jaeger reached out to ADA to bridge that gap. Phill Pezo, one of ADA’s newest designers and fabricators, stepped up to lead the mission.

“We thrive on collaboration,” Phill explains. To keep the equipment lightweight and affordable, Phill used heavy-duty cardboard, a surprisingly sturdy alternative to wood, as the primary material. But the magic happened in the finishing touches. Adaptive Design volunteers assembled the frame, a corporate team from Braze handled the hot-pink paint job, and in a truly heartfelt touch, Phill’s own mother hand-crafted pink flowers to adorn the "chariot."

Delivery day at PS 138M felt like a red-carpet event. It seemed the entire school had heard the news. When Phill and the team rolled the chair into the classroom, Synshiana was over the moon.

Photo Caption: Photo 1: Synshiana approaches her new chair in her wheelchair. Photo 2: With the support of the school staff, Synshiana is transitioning from her wheelchair to her new custom chair from Adaptive Design.

This isn't just a seat; it's a tool for independence. The chair features a removable footrest to help Synshiana practice standing and transferring from her wheelchair. Most importantly, it places her at eye level with her friends. With her own built-in desktop, she can now eat lunch, finish her schoolwork, and daydream in pink right alongside her classmates.

“Our entire team put their heart into this,” says Phill. “I’m so happy it’s working for her. And when she outgrows this one? We’ll be ready to build her a bigger one. Once an Adaptive Design client, always an Adaptive Design client.”

This transformation was made possible by the "unsung heroes" of our community. The donors who ensure we can provide life-changing, customized equipment to students like Synshiana.

Want to help us build more "chariots"?

Support our mission by making a donation or coordinating a volunteer build with your team.

And to see the magic for yourself, check out the delivery day footage on our Instagram. Phill walks us through all the special features of the chair. Followed by the delivery and her reaction says it all! 

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Photo Caption: Synshiana sitting in her new pink custom chair, smiling. The photo is taken in the classroom.