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Living Rooms
CFS 347, Design for Special Needs
Objectives
 | To provide independence and stimulation |
| To promote and maintain motivation and physical body functions |
| To provide safety and conservation of human energy needs |
| Not institutional |
| User preferences |
Activities to Plan For
| Writing & record keeping |
| Thinking, meditating |
| Hobbies |
| Sharing quiet time |
Selection of Furniture:
Basic Considerations
| How will the piece function relative to user needs? |
| Cost & durability |
| Energy expended in use & care |
| Flexibility |
| Space requirements |
| Safety |
Chair Functions
| Must be comfortable over long periods of time. |
 | Moving & shifting about should be possible |
| Feet should be flat on floor |
| No pressure on back of knees, under thighs |
| Assistive in transferring from a
wheelchair |
| Stable and supportive |
| Pleasing to touch and see |
Chair Measurements
| Seat ht. - 16-17" (avg.) - 14-18" (range) |
| 1/2" slant from front to back |
| Seat depth - 16-1/2" |
| Seat width - 17-18" |
| Min. width of chair back across back - 13-/12" & 10" at bottom |
Chair Measurements
| Ht. of back rest - 15-1/2" to 17-1/2" |
| Armrest ht. - 7-8" at front |
| Space between armrests - 18-21" |
| If armchair is to be used with desk, rests should be 7-1/2" back from the
front of seat. |
| Dining chairs - seat ht. should be 10-1/2" to 11-1/2" below bottom of
tabletop |
| Arms should be 1" to 2" below bottom of tabletop |
Chairs - Other Considerations
| High brace or no brace between front legs |
| Front edge of seat should be curved |
| Fabric allows the skin to breathe |
| Open lower back is often preferred by elderly |
| Firm padding |
| Slanted back that conforms to body shape |
| Flame resistance |
Other Seating
| Rockers |
| Facilitate shifting of weight |
| Aids muscle tone |
| Check for stability |
| Sofas |
| Arms for rising & shorter |
| Recliners |
| Chairs with seats that aid in rising |
Tables & Desks
| Top should be no more than 11.8" higher than the chair seat. |
| Keyboard should be 2" lower |
| Wheelchair user needs a higher table |
| Coffee tables are not recommended |
| Need to be sturdy & well constructed |
| No drop-leaf tables |
Characteristics of Tables
| Edges and corners should be rounded |
| Legs should not extend beyond the table edge. |
| Should be light enough to be movable |
| Surfaces should be stain and scratch resistant |
| Height and size should be adjusted for user |
Wheelchair Access
| Bookcases & wall systems need a clear space in front of 30"
(min.) |
| At least one chair needs a 30" transfer space beside it. |
| Lamps and switches should be placed within easy reach. |
| Space in front of sofas should be 42" |
| Coffee tables are not recommended, except for a person who
likes to sit on floor |
| One 6o" x 60" clear space for 180 degree turns |
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