PT/OT

Anchors: A Way to Increase Independence

June 11, 2013 by Diane McCormack, OTR
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Rifton’s Anchor family is more than a collection of suction cup grab bars and hand grips. The Anchor family is a set of distal arm stabilizers that enhance proximal stability of head, shoulder, trunk and pelvis. In essence, they assist students and young adults in becoming more independent in the classroom, community and home. Previously, a hierarchical development theory emphasized working on...

Stories Anchors: Matthew August 20, 2008
A young boy with disabilities sitting in a Rifton chair in a classroom.
K.D. Nesbitt, Special Education Teacher Noblesville, IN The elbow anchor gives Matthew the chance to accomplish tasks he otherwise could never do. His motor condition causes his arms to move rapidly and abruptly. He often knocks things over when he tries to reach them or pick them up. Matthew has always struggled – even to get food to his mouth without knocking everything off his tray. If I put...
Stories Anchors: Derek July 17, 2008
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Derek uses the elbow anchors while sitting at a multi-purpose table. He sits like this every day during morning group. Derek also uses the elbow anchors at the lunch table, while sitting in a Rifton advancement chair. (We use the advancement chair without the L-bars and arm prompts.) The elbow anchor has been a great tool for our students who are still working on head and trunk control while sitting. The...