Innovative Seat Helps Special Needs Children

FORTY FORT, Pa., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- By fitting a standard exercise ball into a metal base, a Pennsylvania engineer has created a new kind of classroom seat that benefits special needs children.

According to Howard Newman, the inventor, testing of the AlertSeat™ in special education settings, regular classrooms and in occupational, physical therapy and home environments indicates substantial benefits for students compared to ordinary educational furniture.

The AlertSeat™ has been shown to help developmentally delayed children improve their time on task, and reports from both special education and therapeutic settings cite improved posture for AlertSeat™ users. This benefit is observed in traditional classrooms, as well.

The device produces behavioral benefits in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity, as well as those with special sensory needs. According to Newman, who is also president of Newman Adaptive, the manufacturer, the effect appears to be related to the AlertSeat's™ ability to absorb energy. "In a classroom setting.  A fidgety student can move without being disruptive," he said. "This would not be the case with a hard surface chair."

Newman Adaptive has applied for a patent on the AlertSeat™. It's uniqueness resides in a combination of parts that result in a new seating device for special education and therapy.

The ball portion of the AlertSeat™ is enclosed in a zip-off cover made of a durable laminated vinyl-nylon fabric. The ball cover features double-sewn grab handles for easy portability. It is available in seven standard covers, both solid and two-tone. Logos and images are easily imprinted. Covers for the smallest sized seat feature an anti-microbial fabric

The steel base rests on stable rubber feet molded to prevent sliding and reduce noise. Bases are available with a durable powder coating or in a chrome-plated finish, and have a 400 pound capacity.

The seating surface is a ball formed from a burst-resistant, industrial grade synthetic compound. The standard model has 400 pound capacity, though the company can supply balls with up to 3,000 pound test strength.

The AlertSeat™ is available in four sizes, with matching bases. Caster dollies are available for all sizes. The smallest sized seat fits pre-k to kindergarten-aged children. Models are sized up from there to cover elementary, middle school, high school and adults.

Prices range from $79.75 for the smallest size to $119 for the largest.

For more information and ordering guidance visit www.alertseat.com.

SOURCE AlertSeat