Medict

	These pictures show children with cerebral palsy with and without their individually made seats and the tremendous improvement to their lives which these seats bring about. This is Marie-Carmen in her wheelchair before we made her a special seat, not only is she uncomfortable but as she cannot adjust her position and she is at risk of developing deformities and pressure sores. It is very difficult for her to use her hands, she cannot position her head so she can see them and learning in class or communicating with her friends and family is difficult.
	Marie-Carmen now has a special seat made exactly to her needs. The contoured back rest supports her and prevents her from developing a more severe spinal deformity than she already has, her weight is evenly distributed over the whole seat, thereby minimizing the risk of pressure sores. The head rest and tray and precisely adjusted footplates all help with the above and she is much more comfortable. She can see the teacher and pay attention in class and it is much easier for her to communicate in this position.
	Selenia is a bright intelligent girl and is unable to move from this position, she cannot use her hands, she cannot see people or look them in the eye to communicate, she cannot pay attention in class, she is very uncomfortable and at risk of developing deformities.
	Selenia has a wheelchair and the seat was made exactly to the size and shape she needed. The results are dramatic, not only is she comfortable but she can see the teacher, has a much better chance of learning in the classroom, she can communicate better and use her hands, see what she is doing, even move the wheelchair herself a little, giving her more independence. The risk of developing deformities in her spine is decreased and so is the risk of developing pressure sores. Her self esteem improved tremendously,
	Eli has to hold on all day to the armrests in his wheelchair for support, this means he cannot use his hands for anything else. He looks at his knees all day and this is no good for communication or paying attention in class. Eventually gravity will push down on the back of his neck and he will be permanently in this position.
	With an individually made seat fitted into the chair the difference to Eli is fantastic. He no longer need to hold on for support, the seat supports him, he can hold his head up and see his friends and the teacher. The tray, the carefully adjusted footplates and the precisely placed hip strap all help to make these improvements. His breathing is better as is his ability to swallow and digestion are also greatly improved.
	Chacho is an intelligent boy whose only independent ability is to push himself backwards in his wheelchair. In this position, which he cannot adjust himself, he is unable to make eye contact and communication is very difficulty. Learning in the classroom is a struggle for him also and he hangs all day in the straps which hold him into the wheelchair.
	Chacho has been given a new seat which was individually made for him. Everything is exactly and precisely made to improve his position and his quality of life. The seat is contoured to give him all the support he needs in his trunk, together with the headrest and harness. The seat is fixed into the wheelchair so that Chacho can still propel himself backwards without compromising his improved upright position.