Written by Megan Smith, PT
For some, It may be easy to take everyday tasks, like sitting comfortably in a chair or working at a desk, for granted. As parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists, however, we know that for the neurodiverse and differently-abled kids in our lives these activities can pose a challenge in-and-of-themselves.
What started as a post-retirement project for former craft, design, and technology teacher Geoff Smithwaite in the mid-1980’s, blossomed into a passion for helping children with special needs. In 1976, Geoff worked with a student to design a special wooden chair with expanded postural benefits. Shortly thereafter, a local branch of SCOPE (a disability charity group in England and Wales) approached Geoff to ask for his expertise in designing a chair for a student with Cerebral Palsy.
Once news of this bespoke chair spread within the special needs community, the Smirthwaites were beset with requests from parents, and even conductive education centers, to create more designs and produce more adaptive furniture of all types. Before long, word of Sheila and Geoff’s ability to communicate with children and parents to truly meet the needs of the family spread and caused demand to skyrocket.
Today Smirthwaite products are available globally. Despite their acquisition by Prism Medical in 2015, the original spirit of Geoff and Sheila’s vision of helping kids and their families lives on in a wide range of products offered.
Adaptive technologies and equipment come in all different shapes and sizes depending on the needs of the individual. This goes doubly for special needs furniture, where aesthetic choices, like color, are also important. Special needs furniture can be as simple as postural support seating to provide extra lower body and trunk support for the child during fine motor activities, Other pieces of equipment could include adjustable work tables to encourage good posture and provide an accessible working surface, or standing frames for mobile support and comfort during periods of weight-bearing and standing. It might even be something as basic as specially shaped pillows for head-support at bedtime.
The point is that there are many options for parents and caretakers. An important part of determining individual needs will be consulting with your child's care team and occupational therapist. Rest assured, however, in the spirit of Geoff’s original wooden chair, there is an adaptive solution available for any need or level of need.
Sometimes adaptive furniture can look, well, a little clinical. Smirthwaite’s offerings prove that it is possible to merge form and function. Bright, cheerful, and simple designs come across as friendly and inviting. By making fun designs that allow all types of kids to engage with their classmates and friends, Smirthwaite is promoting inclusivity.
Smirthwaite has been producing and selling adaptive furniture for kids for almost 40 years now. They work closely with therapists, caretakers, parents, and kids -- this helps to ensure that a Smirthwaite product has been thoroughly vetted by all of the stakeholders involved.
The simplicity of the design ensures that kids and parents will find the furniture inviting and easy to use. Wooden chairs/furniture are built from Ash wood-- this material has antimicrobial properties making it very easy to keep clean and hygienic. Furthermore, Smirthwaite’s upholstery contains germ-fighting agents that can protect against MRSA, E Coli, and even viruses (through an anti-mycotic coating).
 | Tilt Desk for Children by Smirthwaite View Product |
In educational settings, it is important for all kids not to feel isolated or left out. This holds even more so for children with special needs. Introducing adaptive furniture to the classroom setting that looks and feels like furniture any kid could use promotes inclusivity. Small and uncomplicated changes can make a huge difference.
 | Smirthwaite Folding Height-Adjustable Activity Table View Product |
Smirthwaite’s most basic classroom chair is a fantastic example of how minor changes and simple design can drive real innovation. Their Felix stacking school chair looks a lot like other chairs you might see in any classroom. Superior posture support, lateral side armrests, and two-in-one seatback and cushion allow for comfortable learning all day long. What’s more, like all of Smirthwaite’s products, they are easy to clean and bacteria-resistant. The covers are removable and can be washed and replaced. These beautiful chairs are also fully modular and stackable-- a must-have for any classroom environment where storage space is at a premium. Additionally, they come optionally with pelvic straps or anti-tip legs for added postural support and security.
 | Smirthwaite Felix Chair for Kids View Product |
To learn more about how Smirthwaite excels in the classroom check out our article Special Tools for Special Kids: Smirthwaite is the Best Choice for Schools.
Smirthwaite has been in classrooms for many years, but as you may know, the need for quality adaptive furniture and equipment extends into other areas. For instance, in clinical settings, the same care must be taken to provide adaptive equipment that will suit myriad needs. This is not only for the benefit of the child, but also for the caretakers working at the clinic.
 | Changing Unit with Adjustable Height - Easi-Lift by Smirthwaite View Product |
To that end, Smirthwaite is now producing a Mobi Height-Adjustable Changing Table and Transfer Aid. Patient transfer is a big issue for children living with functional disabilities. Extra safety considerations, such as stow-away side rails and a wide-lipped security border, ensure that not only will it be easy to move the patient for needs like bathing and toilet, but that it will also be safe and secure. For caregivers and clinicians, it is worth noting that power height controls make adjusting the table a breeze.
 | Smirthwaite Hardrock Chair for Body Rocking View Product |
For kids who have slightly more autonomy and the ability to bear weight when standing or walking, Smirthwaite’s Buddy Stander and Gait Trainer provide moderate up-right support in a friendly and cheerfully designed frame. Standers like this model are designed to enable maximum participation from kids-- its slim frame allows the user to fit through doors, while robust casters provide a smooth ride over most surfaces. A device like this is the perfect transitional tool as kids move from the clinical therapy setting into life-at-home.
 | Smirthwaite Buddy Entry-Level Vertical Stander View Product |
Of course, transitioning out of clinical therapy and into more general use leads to the next, and perhaps the most important place for adaptive furniture in a child’s life: at home. Home should be a place of comfort and relaxation for families despite whatever special needs they may have. Suppose your child has been using their Buddy Stander in physical therapy and in general clinical transportation and activities. It makes sense to transition this sort of tool into the household and day-to-day operations.
 | Corner Chair for Kids by Smirthwaite View Product |
It is no surprise that research supports the idea that people with functional disabilities living in adaptive/accessible homes “have better health and wellbeing.” Furthermore, a study published in The Journal of Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology which engaged kids living with cerebral palsy had similarly persuasive findings. Families of kids who were introduced to adaptive, home “study devices” reported meaningful improvements in performance and satisfaction.
 | Heathfield Chair for Postural Support by Smirthwaite View Product |
If you are interested in reading more about all of the benefits of adaptive furniture in the home, take a look at our article Special Needs Support + Active Engagement = Contoured Positioning Chairs.
SmirthWaite is a company that cares-- their story and their continued passion for helping kids at the individual level is inspiring. When you are looking for simple, aesthetically charming, and engaging furniture for the special needs child in your life, you would be hard-pressed to find a better company than Smirthwaite. Whether you are an educator or administrator, an occupational therapist or home-health aid, or a parent/guardian Smirthwaite has a product that will fit your life, and more importantly, the life of the unique and wonderful little guy or girl in your world.
To look into any specific needs or questions, check out our entire line of SmirthWaite products.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
