Over my 40 year career as an occupational therapist, I designed a variety of platforms to raise the surface while clients ate. Some platforms were angled, heights varied and some had cut outs that that held a plate or bowl snugly in place. I usually ordered them to promote an upright posture in order to improve safety and comfort. Some platforms made it easier for the client to scoop food and bring it to their mouth. Raising the eating surface also makes eye-hand coordination easier for individuals with visual impairments and decreased motor control.
I usually experimented using a cardboard box to help determine best height or other feature of the platform. If the client had a tendency to throw objects- I continued to use a cardboard box rather than ask the adaptive equipment department to construct one out of wood. The benefit of using a wooden platform is that they are heavy and don’t move around or fall apart easily.
So…. it felt a bit weird for me to use a cardboard box platform as shown below. My goal is to improve my posture and decrease back pain and so far I am pleased with the results.
I also use a comfortable seat cushion that helps me to maintain 90 degree angles at my knees with feet flat on the floor.
