Meghalaya’s PwD artisans craft special chairs for children with cerebral palsy

SHILLONG, Dec 3: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often face significant challenges with posture, movement, and coordination, which can hinder their comfort, mobility, and participation in education and social activities. Adaptive seating, such as CP chairs, plays a crucial role in improving posture, preventing conditions like scoliosis and pressure sores, and enabling greater independence. Yet, for many children with neurological disabilities in Meghalaya, particularly in rural areas, access to these essential aids has been a persistent challenge.
To address this gap, the adaptive seating initiative has been introduced that balances inclusivity and sustainability to provide CP chairs tailored to the needs of children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, and these special CP chairs were brought to life by 16 artisans from across Meghalaya, each living with disabilities themselves, and who were trained to create these adaptive chairs.
The State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs (SRCDA) identified and sent these artisans to the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (IICP) in Kolkata, where they underwent hands-on training in designing and crafting customised CP chairs.
For artisans like 33-year-old Simseng M Sangma, who was born with a locomotor disorder and has worked as a carpenter for five years, this project was transformative.
Reflecting on his experience, Sangma said, “I have always worked with wood, but this was different. Creating something so meaningful, something that could change a child’s life, was deeply fulfilling. I feel proud knowing I could contribute in this way.”
Similarly, 30-year-old Lamphrang Kharsyntiew from East Khasi Hills described the project as a turning point in his career. “Being part of this initiative taught me to look at carpentry beyond just making furniture. These chairs are not just functional; they represent hope and opportunity for children who often have very few options. Helping them gave me a sense of purpose I had never experienced before,” he said.
To ensure that each chair met the therapeutic needs of its user, the artisans worked closely with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals. Experts like Larisuk Raplang, an occupational therapist, and Sujata Das, a physiotherapist, were also involved in this process.
The chairs are not one-size-fits-all. Each child has unique needs, and we wanted to ensure that the design of the chair supports their comfort, posture, and overall well-being.
The final products are not just chairs; they are customised adaptive tools, crafted with empathy and precision, to help children with disabilities participate more actively in their daily lives.
The initiative also brought together diverse organisations and funding partners, such as the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society, to ensure its success. On Tuesday, 13 children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders received their custom-made CP chairs.
This initiative addresses a critical gap in assistive care for children with disabilities in Meghalaya. By localising the production of CP chairs, it reduces dependency on external suppliers and ensures sustainability. Furthermore, empowering disabled artisans not only provides them with livelihoods but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and mutual support.
As Simseng M Sangma aptly put it, “We often see disabilities as limitations, but this project showed me that disabilities can also be a source of strength. It’s about finding ways to contribute and support one another.”
In a state where accessibility remains a challenge, this programme offers a blueprint for how localised and inclusive solutions can bridge critical gaps and create lasting impact. For the 13 children who now have access to these chairs, it’s a step toward a more comfortable and independent life. For the artisans who crafted them, it’s a reminder that their skills and efforts can spark meaningful change.