Furniture

[SarahGarza88]

My daughter Clara is 1‘5“ tall and 17 pounds because of her dwarfism, she is six years old.

Do y’all have any suggestions for how Clara can set up on the furniture more easily? Right now we mainly just pick her up and put her on the furniture (couch, chair, bed, etc.). She can climb up, she is just barely able to do it though, the furniture is really tall for her. Do you have any suggestions so she could more easily get up on the furniture herself?

Also when she is, it is normally all way too big for given that the furniture is just regular furniture. I don’t know if there is a solution to this but is there a way to make it fitting to Clara’s size?

Thank you for the group listed in my last post. I will look at it again, from what it appeared I had to pay. But I will look at it further. I just wanted to ask this question in the meantime.

[barry1010]

Toddler beds and chairs would be better for her. You can put a set of stable wooden steps at the side of the bed

[Khandro]

It might sound absurd, but Japanese families traditionally like to eat from low tables like this;
https://ibb.co/JFKrFpg

[roopower]

A set of moveable steps would suit. To sit her at the table get a booster seat with a back cushion. ( sounds awful but you can get steps for little dogs to get onto the couch, bed etc which. I think, would work)

[barry1010]

Good idea, also the Japanese low level futon bed

[Buenchico]

I certainly have no expertise in this area but I know that, here in the UK, local media (e.g. newspapers and radio stations) have often been successful in getting tradesmen to come forward, on a purely voluntary basis, to (for example) help adapt a disabled person's home to make life easier for them. These days though, appeals through Facebook for help seem to be effective in some cases too. (There might also be specific charities that can help).

[Here's an example of the type of thing that I'm thinking of: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-66056394 ]

I'm sure that there must be people in the USA who're just as willing to help. Perhaps you could find a way of reaching out to volunteer joiners, upholsterers, etc, in order to have special furniture made to meet your daughter's needs?

[barry1010]

That sort of thing usually comes at the very big cost of publicity, though. Fine if people don't mind having their private lives splashed all over the media, but terrible for people who like their privacy.

[barry1010]

Some lovely low level beds fit for a princess here https://www.amazon.co.uk/montessori-bed/s?k=montessori+bed

[Khandro]

What I'm suggesting above is that instead of trying to bring her to your level, at least some of the time you could go down to hers, - I'm sure she would like that and it might be fun.

In my student days we frequently sat around on cushions & mattresses were often on the floor,

[SarahGarza88]

Barry, the link provided wouldn’t open. I also wouldn’t want to get toddler beds and chairs if they look like they are meant for toddlers if that makes sense. Clara does get self-conscious that she still is able to use things designed for very small toddlers.

[SarahGarza88]

Any advice how we could adapt our couches and chairs in the living room so that Clara could fit more comfortably?

We’d like her on the same furniture with us and don’t exactly have a room for two sets of each.

[barry1010]

If you're on FaceBook Amy Roloff has a page and she welcomes questions and comments.
She might be just the person to advise you or at least put you in touch with people/organisations that can.

[pastafreak]

Barry that's an excellent idea...I came across her when googling yesterday.
Theres also another young American woman with the condition...considerably older than Clara but maybe worth contacting.
Out at the moment...Will search later.

[bobbinwales]

I guess Sarah wants to keep the press out offh it and avoid publicity for clara as they would have a field day with this case as clara is exceptionally small.for her age...perhaps one of the worlds smallest six year olds

[bobbinwales]

Have we mentioned little people of America help group before...

[Buenchico]

^^^ Yes, Bob. That's the group that Sarah mentioned in her post. It requires a subscription of $55 p.a. (or $120 for 3 years). My guess is that Sarah would find it worth paying but that has to be her choice.

[barry1010]

I wish you well but won't be trying to help you with questions relating to furniture, pets, equipment for Clara. I have only known adults with dwarfism so really have no experience of the problems she faces.

I have no idea of her mobility, balance, centre of gravity and to be honest I cannot picture a six year old smaller than my children when they were born.
You've certainly given me a lot to think about but I can't help.

[calmck]

Little People of America have a comprehensive guide to furniture adaptions

[barry1010]

They do, but Sarah is thinking about joining LPA due to the cost.

[calmck]

If I had a child with a disability such as dwarfism I would not think twice about paying US 120 for a 3 year membership after reading what the association offers to affected families.

[Tuvok]

What gets me is that your issues are not new/sudden - you’ve had 6 years!