Charity's chair is in Demand

Students with learning disabilities at The Collett School, in Hemel Hempstead, now have access to special chairs that help keep them calm, thanks to a local charity.
The sensory chairThe sensory chair
The sensory chair

Last year, Abbots Langley-based DEMAND designed a rocking chair to help students at the school self ­regulate during times of stress and sensory overload.

With sponsorship of £5,000 from Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, DEMAND has now been able to make five additional rocking chairs with a new and improved design, so every student in the school will be able to access a chair whenever they need to.

The Sensory Shell Chair provides a sheltered, relaxing and soothing space, thanks to the integrated hood and the curved design which encourages a gentle rocking motion.

The hood helps children and adults with sensory processing disorders, such as autism, to make sense of their world by limiting environmental stimuli.

The design is now being produced and sold by DEMAND to support the charity’s other charitable activities helping disabled people across the UK and beyond.

Managing director of Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, Dan Dark, said: “I was delighted to see the result of the partnership from our support,

“DEMAND’s ingenuity and Collett School’s original concept that has led to the creation of these unique chairs.

“During our visit to Collett School, I’ve seen for myself the direct benefits students get from using the chairs.

“No doubt there will be many other schools who could benefit from adopting this excellent idea.

“Following our initial partnership with DEMAND, we are looking at other ways to help this fantastic school to meet the demands placed upon them to provide special needs schooling in the county.”

The charity would like to hear from anyone who would like to sponsor or fundraise for a Sensory Shell Chair for a school or group in their area. 
The original sensory chair can be seen in a short fundraising film at www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBumK7RM4p0 
Anyone wishing to find out more or express an interest can email [email protected]