communicATor

The CIDE Loan Library serves children with disabilities ages birth – 21 in the Early Intervention and K-12 systems and allows their providers to trial equipment with them before purchasing. Many times, ideas for new additions to the library come from the field.

In January 2021, an AT consultant requested a supportive but adjustable high chair to trial with an Early Intervention client, “J,” who didn’t fit in her current chair and was always sliding down. Due to this, J was unable to sit in her current high chair for longer than five minutes. “She was so exhausted from trying to figure out how to sit in the chair that she couldn’t focus on eating and exploring her food,” said J’s mom.

The Loan Library staff explored and purchased a high chair suitable for children with disabilities. It was immediately lent to the AT Consultant to trial with J. In the new chair, J was able to sit upright without sliding around. According to J’s mom, “She is supported. She looks like her chair fits her. She is able to sit upright and now can (on a good day) finish her food during meals. It really did make a difference!”

After a successful trial, the AT Consultant found this chair was a good match for J and was able to provide funding justification so the family could obtain their own.

The Loan Library is supported through collaborations with Early Intervention Colorado, Colorado Department of Health and Human Services and the Colorado Department of Education. The Loan Library is proud to support children like J and help make a difference in their lives through the use of assistive technology.