Cardboard and PVC pipe put together with love

Tri-wall cardboard and PVC pipe can give many commercial assistive technology devices a run for the money.

Certainly that was the case when the Utah Assistive Technology Lab built a specialized chair in partnership with the Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT) for four-year-old Emma.

Emma needed a device that would support her posture while sitting so she can work on developmental activities. UCAT's super handyman Ed Whiting sent Emma's measurements to Clay Christensen at the AT Lab.

Using tri-wall cardboard, Clay built a reclined v-back floor sitter made specifically for her height and size. Also built was a tray using cardboard and PVC pipe to fit the size of the chair, providing Emma a platform to eat and play on.

In the rough: a v-back tri-wall chair built by the AT Lab.

The chair was then sent to UCAT for phase two, where the chair and tray were painted and a harness was added. 

UCAT finished the chair and tray table.

 Then it was try time. The device fit Emma perfectly, and best of all, the device is lightweight making it easier to travel with than a heavy wood or plastic model. 

4-year-old Emma in her new chair.

A few hours on each organizations part, and $10 to $20 of materials provided a much-needed device. Similar products bought commercially range from $300 to $500.