Creating independence with a custom Bodyfurn® chair

Jack loves school. His inquisitive nature and sense of humor brings joy to those at rural Omakere School. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Jack’s learning journey has been different to most. His inability to walk had made maneuvering a classroom difficult, and highlighted the need for a supportive chair that was tailor-made for his requirements. Being an active learner, dynamic movement was also an important consideration for Jack to remain comfortable and engaged.

Jack’s parents, Jane and Rob, recognising his need for more supportive classroom furniture, searched high and low for suitable solutions but found it difficult to source options appropriate for Jack. It was also important to Jack that his chair wasn’t too dissimilar to his classmates’. 

At Furnware, we’re all about designing and creating furniture so children can thrive in the most inspiring learning spaces imaginable. So, when Hamish Whyte, Owner of Furnware, met Jane and Rob back in 2020 through mutual friends, he was determined to help provide Jack with a comfortable solution that met his personal needs.

Furnware’s best-selling school chair, The Bodyfurn®, is a unique chair that was developed after many years of research, design, and testing. With proven results, the design forefronts comfort and therefore concentration, with its independently pivoting seat and back that offers the right support without restricting circulation.

So, the process of customising Jack’s chair began. To ensure Jack was safe and supported in his chair, custom arm rests were added to a Bodyfurn® chair. The arm rests were made to be adjustable so Jack could sit close to his desk. We also added a gas lift option to Jack’s chair, which enabled him to seamlessly adjust the seat height in relation to the height of different desks and tables. This meant that, wherever Jack worked, he could modify his chair to suit the environment. Lastly, we replaced the original castors with glides, to ensure the chair was stable and would not give way.

Upon delivering the customised chair, Marianne was met with a big smile and a warm hug from Jack. It was safe to say he was thrilled with his new, personalised chair. 

A few months later, Jack took his first ever steps unaided. Rob attributed the custom Bodyfurn® chair to Jack’s progress, deeming the arm rests instrumental in allowing Jack to push himself up to stand and build his muscles. 
 

Fast forward to 2023, Jack had outgrown his beloved chair. The school contacted Furnware in February to see what could be done. Happy to help, and pleased to hear it was still in use, Marianne collected the chair, which involved a temporary goodbye for Jack.

The custom Bodyfurn® returned to the Furnware factory and the small gas strut was swapped for a medium sized strut. Marianne dropped the chair back to Omakere School, where Jack was delighted to be reunited with his chair.