Rifton Activity Chair
Adaptive Seating for Children and Young Adults with Special Needs
Introduction
The Rifton Activity Chair has become a standard in classrooms for children and young adults with special positioning needs. Its versatility and effectiveness have led to its adoption by parents for home use and by speech and feeding specialists in clinics. The chair is celebrated for revolutionizing adaptive seating and delighting therapists with its adaptability for various users and needs.
Find inservice videos, letters of medical necessity, and informative articles at: www.rifton.com/activitychair
“These chairs are the talk of the school. I've been trying as many kids as I can each day, but no one wants to give the chair back! The adjustments are fabulous, but it's how comfortable, functional, and straight the kids are in the chair that really excites us.” - Judi Rogers, OTR/L, LAUSD, California
The Hi/Lo Activity Chair (R870) is shown with a contoured headrest, laterals, and tray.
? Free Shipping | sales@rifton.com | 800-571-8198 | RIFTON.COM
Key Features
- Removable, cleanable pads
- Sturdy, stable frame
- Spring Option: Standard base includes springs in backrest and seat for self-generated, dynamic motion, ideal for clients with autism. The spring column can be locked.
- Height-adjustable legs
- Caster Swivel Lock: Prevents chair drift during longer pushes.
- Adjustable back
- Tilt-in-Space functionality
- Broad range of upper body supports
- Sturdy, versatile footboard
- Height-adjustable frame
- New! Center wheel for better navigation
- Double-locking casters
- Hi/Lo base option
- Tool-Free Adjustments: Chair can be easily adjusted with a client seated.
- Easy height adjustment via foot pump for Hi/Lo bases.
Footboard Features
- Knee angle adjustment
- Footplate angle adjustment
- Flip up or lock down functionality
Therapeutic Applications
The Activity Chair is designed to support various therapeutic programs and user needs:
- MOVE™ Program: When used with forearm prompts, it serves as a forward-leaning instructional seating device.
- Easy Transfers: Armrests can be removed, and the Hi/Lo chair raised for ideal transfer height. The footboard flips up and the chair tilts forward for sit-to-stand transfers. Lowering the chair allows for stand-and-pivot transfers, enabling client assistance.
- Feeding Clinics: The Hi/Lo base allows feeding at various heights. Therapists can precisely duplicate recommended tilt-in-space and backrest angles. Features like adjustable headrests and easy-to-clean surfaces make it ideal for oral motor exercises and feeding sessions.
- Activity Participation: The Hi/Lo base facilitates participation in activities at different heights, from counter height to low tables.
The chair's tilt-in-space feature allows transitions between forward-leaning for tasks and reclining for rest or increased support. Standard bases tilt 15° forward and 15° back; Hi/Lo bases tilt 15° forward and 25° back. This feature aids sit-to-stand and offers various resting positions, adjustable with the client in the chair.
A medium standard chair shown in posterior tilt to support a student with poor head control. The tilt-in-space feature accommodates users needing higher head support.
Components and Accessories
The Rifton Activity Chair offers a wide range of components for customized support:
Arm Supports
- Armrests: Provide lateral boundaries and upper extremity weight-bearing assist. Adjustable individually in height and angle (horizontal to 30° up or down). The tray attaches to armrests. (Small: 2"x8", Large: 3"x12")
- Forearm Prompts: Facilitate head/trunk control and secure distal upper extremity placement for postural stabilization. Fully adjustable. (Padded area: Small 4"x7", Large 4"x8"; Range: Small 8"-12.5", Large 10"-16")
Headrests
Optimally position clients with poor head control. All adjust front-to-back and up-down with a two-knob system.
- Flat headrest (9"x5")
- Contoured headrest (9"x5")
- Winged headrest (16"x5" flat, 6" between wings at 90°)
Upper Body Supports
- Laterals: Provide upper body support and spinal alignment. Independent vertical, lateral, and angle adjustment. (Small: 5"x4", Large: 6.5"x5")
- Laterals with Chest Strap: Add trunk support and security for clients with limited upper torso control.
Harnesses and Straps
- Chest Strap (Wide): Provides added trunk support. (Max circumference: Small 34", Medium 40", Large 52"; Width: Small 3", Medium 3.5", Large 4")
- Butterfly Harness: Offers maximum anterior support for security and freedom of movement. Slim-cut version available for larger female clients.
- Thigh Belt: Provides knee adduction and thigh support/security. (Max circumference: Small 32", Medium 41", Large 52")
- Pelvic Harness: Secures hips and upper thighs for stable pelvic positioning, controlling extensor spasticity and sacral sitting. (Max thigh circumference: Small 22", Medium 25", Large 31")
Trunk and Leg Positioning
- Hip Guides: Attach to arm supports to align the pelvis and provide trunk support. Independently adjustable vertically and horizontally. Remove with arm supports for transfers. (Small: 3.5"x5.5", Large: 4"x9.5")
- Abductor: Separates knees to control leg scissoring. Adjustable forward/back in three positions. (Small: 3"x6"x3.5", Large: 4"x7.5"x4")
- Adductors: Provide lateral knee boundaries for proper alignment. (One size: 5" high x 6" long)
- Leg Prompts: Support individual legs for clients with limited muscle control, maintaining alignment. Adjustable in/out and laterally. (Max circumference: Small 14", Medium 16", Large 18")
Foot Positioning
- Footboard: Facilitates weight-bearing. Can be used with sandals or ankle straps. Flips up or swings back for transfers.
- Ankle Straps: Allow moderate movement while improving postural control. (Max circumference: Small 12", Large 16.5")
- Sandals: Adjust to position feet correctly for optimal body alignment. (Small: 3"x7", Medium: 4"x9", Large: 5"x10.5")
- Wedges: Accommodate specific ankle needs or uneven leg lengths. Can raise heels/toes or add flat lift. (Thickness: Small 1", Medium 1.5", Large 1.5")
Support Kits and Adapters
- Lumbar and Seat Support Kit: Foam inserts to adapt seat/back contours.
- Backrest Filler Pad: Provides additional lower back support when backrest is in top positions.
- Mini Kit: Backrest insert pad and mini trunk support for children as short as 28". Allows earlier positioning and extended use of the small chair. (Trunk support max circumference 26", backrest pad 1" thick)
- Whitmyer Headrest Adapter: Allows installation of Whitmyer headrests. (Rifton supplies adapter and power tip; Whitmyer parts sold separately).
- Directional Assist Wheel Retrofit Kit: (Medium Hi/Lo only)
Other Accessories
- Push Handles: Recommended for chairs with wheels for caregiver maneuverability.
- Tray: Attaches to armrests, provides work/play/feeding surface with raised edges. Adjustable angle (horizontal to 30° up/down) and height. (Small: 19"x18", Medium: 22"x20", Large: 25.5"x22.5")
- Handhold: Attaches to tray for arm/hand positioning, useful for spasticity and joint alignment.
Sizing and Dimensions
The Rifton Activity Chair is available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes, designed to accommodate growth. Key user dimensions include overall height, seat width, depth, and height. Always ensure adequate sizing and do not exceed the maximum working load.
Small Chair (R820 Standard Base, R830 Hi/Lo Base)
Room to Grow:
- Small chair with mini kit at its smallest dimensions: Backrest height 12.5", Trunk support width 5.5", Seat depth 7", Seat width 7", Armrest height above seat 5", Seat height above footboard 7".
- Small chair at its largest dimensions: Backrest height 15.5", Distance between laterals 11.5", Seat depth 12", Seat width 12", Armrest height above seat 7.5", Seat height above footboard 12".
Key User Dimension: Height
- Overall Height: 32"-48"
- Height with mini kit: 28"-38"
Item Dimensions (inches)
| Dimension | R820 Small Standard Base | R830 Small Hi/Lo Base |
|---|---|---|
| Frame width | 21-23.75 (legs) | 26 |
| Seat height above floor | 9"-21" (legs) / 13"-21" (casters) | 10"-25" |
| Seat angle (tilt-in-space) | 15° forward, 15° back | 15° forward, 25° back |
| Backrest angle | 5° forward, 20° back | 5° forward, 20° back |
| Footboard knee angle | 45°-110° | 45°-110° |
| Seat height above footboard | 7"-12" | 7"-12" |
| Seat width (with hip guides / without hip guides) | 7"-9" / 8"-12" | 7"-9" / 8"-12" |
| Seat depth (with mini kit) | 7"-11" | 7"-11" |
| Armrest height above seat | 5"-7.5" | 5"-7.5" |
| Trunk support width | 5.5"-11" | 5.5"-11" |
| Backrest height | 12"-15" | 12"-15" |
| Headrest height above seat | 14"-21" | 14"-21" |
| Max. working load (lb) | 75 | 75 |
Medium Chair (R840 Standard Base, R850 Hi/Lo Base)
Room to Grow:
- Medium chair at its smallest dimensions: Backrest height 15.5", Distance between laterals 6.5", Seat depth 11", Seat width 8.5", Armrest height above seat 7", Seat height above footboard 7.5".
- Medium chair at its largest dimensions: Backrest height 19", Distance between laterals 12", Seat depth 16", Seat width 14", Armrest height above seat 10.5", Seat height above footboard 15.5".
Key User Dimension: Height
- Overall Height: 40"-56"
Item Dimensions (inches)
| Dimension | R840 Medium Standard Base | R850 Medium Hi/Lo Base |
|---|---|---|
| Frame width | 23.5"-25.75" (legs) | 27" |
| Seat height above floor | 12"-23" (legs) / 16"-23" (casters) | 12"-23" |
| Seat angle (tilt-in-space) | 15° forward, 15° back | 15° forward, 25° back |
| Backrest angle | 5° forward, 20° back | 5° forward, 20° back |
| Footboard knee angle | 45°-110° | 45°-110° |
| Seat height above footboard | 7.5"-15" | 7.5"-15" |
| Seat width (with hip guides / without hip guides) | 8.5"-11" / 11"-14" | 8.5"-11" / 11"-14" |
| Seat depth | 11"-16" | 11"-16" |
| Armrest height above seat | 7"-10.5" | 7"-10.5" |
| Distance between laterals | 6.5"-12" | 6.5"-12" |
| Backrest height | 15"-19" | 15"-19" |
| Headrest height above seat | 17"-24" | 17"-24" |
| Max. working load (lb) | 150 | 150 |
Large Chair (R860 Standard Base, R870 Hi/Lo Base)
Room to Grow:
- Large chair at its smallest dimensions: Backrest height 19", Distance between laterals 9.5", Seat depth 15", Seat width 11", Armrest height above seat 7", Seat height above footboard 11.5".
- Large chair at its largest dimensions: Backrest height 24", Distance between laterals 14", Seat depth 20", Seat width 17", Armrest height above seat 10.5", Seat height above footboard 21.5".
Key User Dimension: Height
- Overall Height: 50"-74"
Item Dimensions (inches)
| Dimension | R860 Large Standard Base | R870 Large Hi/Lo Base |
|---|---|---|
| Frame width | 26.5"-27.75" (legs) | 29" |
| Seat height above floor | 16"-24" (legs) / 16"-24" (casters) | 16"-24" |
| Seat angle (tilt-in-space) | 15° forward, 15° back | 15° forward, 25° back |
| Backrest angle | 5° forward, 20° back | 5° forward, 20° back |
| Footboard knee angle | 45°-110° | 45°-110° |
| Seat height above footboard | 11.5"-21.5" | 11.5"-21.5" |
| Seat width (with hip guides / without hip guides) | 11"-14" / 11"-14" | 11"-14" / 11"-14" |
| Seat depth | 15"-20" | 15"-20" |
| Armrest height above seat | 7"-10.5" | 7"-10.5" |
| Distance between laterals | 9.5"-14" | 9.5"-14" |
| Backrest height | 19"-24" | 19"-24" |
| Headrest height above seat | 19"-29" | 19"-29" |
| Max. working load (lb) | 250 | 250 |
Order Forms
Use the dimension charts to select the appropriate size. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
Small Chair Order Form (R820 Standard, R830 Hi/Lo)
| Option | R820 Small Standard | R830 Small Hi/Lo |
|---|---|---|
| * Base | Without spring With spring | Without spring With spring |
| * Arm supports (pair) | Armrests Forearm prompts | Armrests Forearm prompts |
| * Adjustable legs | Short Long Short with casters Long with casters | Short with casters Long with casters |
| * Pads | Tan Blue Red Pink Purple Green | Tan Blue Red Pink Purple Green |
| Headrest | Contoured Flat Adjustable winged | Contoured Flat Adjustable winged |
| Laterals (pair) | Small Small with chest strap | Small Small with chest strap |
| Push handles | (Recommended for chairs with wheels) | Included |
| Tray (requires armrests) | Yes | Yes |
| Handhold | Yes | Yes |
| Chest strap (wide) | Yes | Yes |
| Butterfly harness | Regular Slim cut | Regular Slim cut |
| Thigh belt | Yes | Yes |
| Pelvic harness | Yes | Yes |
| Hip guides (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Abductor | Small Large | Small Large |
| Adductors (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Leg prompt | Yes | Yes |
| Footboard (recommended for chairs with long legs) | Yes | Yes |
| Mini kit (backrest insert and trunk support) | Yes | Yes |
| Ankle straps (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Sandals (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Wedges (pair, require sandals) | Yes | Yes |
| Lumbar and seat support kit | Yes | Yes |
| Backrest filler pad | Yes | Yes |
| Whitmyer headrest adapter | Yes | Yes |
Scan for sizing and pricing: https://www.rifton.com/activitychair
Medium Chair Order Form (R840 Standard, R850 Hi/Lo)
| Option | R840 Medium Standard | R850 Medium Hi/Lo |
|---|---|---|
| * Seat and back includes seatbelt | Yes | Yes |
| * Base | Without spring With spring | Without spring With spring |
| * Arm supports (pair) | Armrests Forearm prompts | Armrests Forearm prompts |
| * Adjustable legs | Short Long Short with casters Long with casters | Short with casters Long with casters |
| * Pads | Tan Blue Red Pink Purple Green | Tan Blue Red Pink Purple Green |
| Headrest | Contoured Flat Adjustable winged | Contoured Flat Adjustable winged |
| Laterals (pair) | Small Small with chest strap Large | Small Small with chest strap Large |
| Push handles | (Recommended for chairs with wheels) | Included |
| Tray (requires armrests) | Yes | Yes |
| Handhold | Yes | Yes |
| Chest strap (wide) | Yes | Yes |
| Butterfly harness | Regular Slim cut | Regular Slim cut |
| Thigh belt | Yes | Yes |
| Pelvic harness | Yes | Yes |
| Hip guides (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Abductor | Small Large | Small Large |
| Adductors (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Leg prompt | Yes | Yes |
| Footboard (recommended for chairs with long legs) | Yes | Yes |
| Ankle straps (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Sandals (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Wedges (pair, require sandals) | Yes | Yes |
| Lumbar and seat support kit | Yes | Yes |
| Backrest filler pad | Yes | Yes |
| Whitmyer headrest adapter | Yes | Yes |
| Directional assist wheel retrofit kit | N/A | R965 (1 kit) R966 (5 kits) |
Scan for sizing and pricing: https://www.rifton.com/activitychair
Large Chair Order Form (R860 Standard, R870 Hi/Lo)
| Option | R860 Large Standard | R870 Large Hi/Lo |
|---|---|---|
| * Seat and back includes seatbelt | Yes | Yes |
| * Base | Without spring With spring | Without spring With spring |
| * Arm supports (pair) | Armrests Forearm prompts | Armrests Forearm prompts |
| * Adjustable legs | Short Long Short with casters Long with casters | Short with casters Long with casters |
| * Pads | Tan Blue Red Pink Purple Green | Tan Blue Red Pink Purple Green |
| Headrest | Contoured Flat Adjustable winged | Contoured Flat Adjustable winged |
| Laterals (pair) | Small Large Large with chest strap | Small Large Large with chest strap |
| Push handles | (Recommended for chairs with wheels) | Included |
| Tray (requires armrests) | Yes | Yes |
| Handhold | Yes | Yes |
| Chest strap (wide) | Yes | Yes |
| Butterfly harness | Regular Slim cut | Regular Slim cut |
| Thigh belt | Yes | Yes |
| Pelvic harness | Yes | Yes |
| Hip guides (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Abductor | Small Large | Small Large |
| Adductors (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Leg prompt | Yes | Yes |
| Footboard (recommended for chairs with long legs) | Yes | Yes |
| Ankle straps (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Sandals (pair) | Yes | Yes |
| Wedges (pair, require sandals) | Yes | Yes |
| Lumbar and seat support kit | Yes | Yes |
| Backrest filler pad | Yes | Yes |
| Whitmyer headrest adapter | Yes | Yes |
| Directional assist wheel retrofit kit | N/A | R965 (1 kit) R966 (5 kits) |
Scan for sizing and pricing: https://www.rifton.com/activitychair
? Free Shipping | sales@rifton.com | 800-571-8198 | RIFTON.COM
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