Gravity Chairs: Changing Lives and transforming classrooms

Gravity chairs: the calming resource transforming classrooms

Gravity chairs are a valued resource to people with special needs and their families, helping users to stay calm and focused while being adequately supported physically. These lightweight foam chairs can be used with palliative care patients or people with autism or ADHD, and many schools are starting to embrace gravity chairs as a therapeutic resource for students. When children with special needs become agitated, the chairs help them regain their composure, allowing them to return to their lessons.

Hamilton North School was able to purchase two gravity chairs, thanks to a grant from the Mazda Foundation. The special sensory chairs are made out of contoured layers of foam that give the upset child a squeeze, similar to a hug – as the chairs conform tightly around the body, the tightness allows the pupils to relax. So far, the chairs have been a huge hit with the children and teaching staff, allowing the students to remain calm and composed and facilitating their participation in class.