School desks for children come in many shapes and sizes with various features. Some types of school desks are wheelchair accessible, while others are tilting/adjustable desks.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry superior quality school desks from esteemed and experienced vendors, including TherAdapt, Sammons Preston, R.E.A.L. Design, Innovation In Motion, Ad-As, Kaye Products Inc., Otto Bock Health, and Enabling Devices.
What is a Wheelchair Accessible Desk?
A wheelchair accessible desk enables a child to perform work at a desk while still in a wheelchair at home, in a classroom, clinic, or workplace setting. An area of the desk may be cutout so the wheelchair can get as close as possible to the work space. Some features this type of desk may have are a storage area for supplies, the ability to be adjusted in height to accommodate different users, and a retaining lip to keep items from sliding off. Many wheelchair accessible desks are also computer desks. Their features may consist of two adjustable tabletops to fit individual preferences for a keyboard and a monitor, a sit to stand height adjustment, and a laminate top to protect from spills and other objects.
What is a Tilting Desk?
A tilting, also called an adjustable, desk is designed to be a multi-use desk for a child as well as an adult. It is a solution for enhancing classroom accessibility while still saving space. A tilting desk also works well at home, work, or in clinical environments, and accommodates different wheelchair sizes and styles along with different ages of users. The tilting ability helps position the user for a greater range of movement in the arms, shoulders, and hands for easier reach. The desk’s tilting also allows a child to be positioned at the proper distance from the work to stabilize the head, eyes, and trunk. Some features a tilting desk may have are a raised metal edge around the top to prevent items from rolling off, a scratch-resistant laminate top, and a wheelchair cutout. Some tilting desks are available with interchangeable tops that easily snap on and off.
What is an Easel?
An easel allows a child or adult to enjoy the benefits and convenience of a tabletop surface anywhere. It is designed for work and play at home, school, and in a clinical environment. Some features an easel may include are a skid-resistant base, an easily cleanable surface, and the ability to turn it two different ways for varied types of work. Others may be attached to a tabletop or lap tray to secure it so the user does not throw it, to prevent damage and possible injuries.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO