Rifton Activity Chair Features

The tilt-in-space feature of this reclining chair allows a student to be placed in a resting position.

Roll over the buttons at left for details on the features that make the Rifton Activity Chair the most versatile and therapist-friendly, easily adjustable chair available today.

Following two years of therapist-guided design, Rifton’s high back reclining chair nails down every feature required for daily school use.

Rifton’s Activity chair adjusts tool-free, making it ideal for the special needs classroom.

Tool-free adjustments

With all adjustments easy to make — and no tools required — the Rifton Activity chair is an ideal choice for the busy special needs classroom or at home.

The Rifton Activity chair can be adjusted while the child is in the chair.

Adjust with client in chair

Unlike a reclining wheelchair, the Rifton Activity chair can be easily adjusted while a client is in the chair. This saves time and makes adjustments much simpler to gauge.

Tilt-in-space is a basic feature of every Rifton Activity Chair, converting it into the equivalent of a high-back reclining wheelchair at a moment’s notice.

Tilt-in-space

All Rifton Activity Chairs have tilt-in-space, which encourages sit-to-stand and resting positions. Tilt-in-space can be activated tool-free while your client is in the chair.
The standard base tilts 15° forward and 15° back while the hi/lo base tilts 15° forward and 25° back.


In addition to tilt-in-space, every Rifton Activity Chair's backrest angle adjusts 5° forward and 20° back.

The spring option allows for calming through self–stim — a must–have for every special needs classroom.

Spring options

The optional seat and backrest springs on the Rifton Activity Chair standard base (and the backrest spring in the hi/lo base) allow for calming through self-generated motion – ideal for clients with autism. The spring column can be locked when not in use.

The armrests and forearm prompts offer a large variety of positioning options.

Arm support options

Armrests provide lateral boundaries as well as upper extremity weight-bearing assist to aid trunk control. Rifton’s armrests can be raised or lowered individually to accommodate clients who need extra trunk stabilization and can be set at angles ranging from horizontal to 60° up or down. The tray accessory attaches to the armrests.

Armrest top surface:
Small 2¼" x 8¾" — Large 3" x 12"


Forearm prompts facilitate head and trunk control while sitting and secure distal placement of upper extremities. This enables the use of the pelvic girdle and trunk core muscles for improved postural stabilization and strengthening. Rifton’s forearm prompts are fully adjustable for optimum positioning.

Forearm prompt padded area:
Small 4½" x 7" — Large 5" x 8½"
Range of adjustment from elbow to fist:
Small 8" – 12½" — Large 10½" – 16"

PTs, OTs, special needs teachers and parents find it easy to change the height of this adjustable chair using the foot pump.

Hi/lo base foot pump

The large and medium hi/lo bases are height-adjustable via a foot pump. The foot pump allows you to lower the client in the chair until his or her feet are on the floor, or raise it to a 32" high table. The chair's height can also be easily set for lateral transfers.

The small hi/lo base is equipped with a gas spring to serve the same function.

The swivel lock on a Rifton Activity chair caster enables straight-line movement.

Caster swivel lock

When the caster swivel lock is engaged, the Activity chair can be pushed in a straight line without drifting to the side. When lock is disengaged, casters will swivel and the chair can be maneuvered into tight spaces.

Choose one of three pad colors with your Rifton Activity Chair to match your special needs classroom decor.

Choice of 3 pad colors

Comfortable seat and backrest pads are essential for providing cushioned support and preventing decubiti. Rifton’s backrest and seat pads are made of polyurethane foam covered with a cleanable, health care-grade polyurethane-coated fabric. The seat pads can be turned front to back for longer wear. Pads are available in three color choices.

The standard base Activity Chair has the option of tool-free, height adjustable legs, with or without casters.

Standard base leg options

Long or short height-adjustable legs, either stationary or with casters for the Standard base: Adjustable in 1" increments, these legs allow you to position your client at optimum height. The grippy tips of the stationary legs are designed to keep your client from sliding and moving across the floor, even with dynamic rocking. The legs with casters are an added feature, making your standard base chair easy to move when transitioning from one classroom to another.

Rifton Equipment | phone: 800-571-8198 | fax: 800-865-4674 | www.rifton.com