SensoryPod launch gets a lift from us here at Autochair

Last weekend saw the official launch of the SensoryPod to the press and public and Autochair were there to show our support. Our celebrated Milford Person Lift was innovatively used to assist children with specific mobility needs as they tried and tested all the the wondrous sensations the Sensory Pod has to offer.

The grand opening event, which took place at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday 5 March, followed a week long exhibition introducing families, schools and groups to the benefits of the SensoryPod through a series of free 20-minute multisensory sessions showcasing this stimulating new concept in multisensory development.

Autochair were approached by Kevin Wheatley, from SensoryPod to devise a specialist post to be fitted outside the pod to enable easy transfer from wheelchair into the pod itself, Kevin says "Finding a way to move people with a range of disabilities, in and out of the Sensorypod was proving a real headache. We looked at a number of standard hoist systems but these were too bulky or too difficult to use. I found Autochair on the web and after a quick phone call I knew we were on to a winner. I met Jonathan on site and was immediately impressed with his positive attitude and engineering know how. He demonstrated the Milford Lift, which is simplicity itself to use, and had a mounting system worked out in no time at all. Autochair are the perfect partner for Sensorypod.co.uk as we share a genuine desire to improve the lives of disabled people through application of intelligent design”.

Our popular Milford Person Lift is more commonly used in assisting families with access into vehicles, on this occasion we were asked to develop a special mounting post to facilitate easy access to the Sensory Pod for all those wishing to use it.

Over 350 people attended the ribbon-cutting SensoryPod launch, officially opened by Doncasters Elected Mayor - Peter Davies. Families, dignitaries and local councillors, were invited to explore the delights of all the sensory attractions on offer with SensoryPod staff at hand to assist and demonstrate and talk through any questions they might have. There was also chance to look around the wildlife park in between sessions and children registered on the Together Information Exchange (TIE) database, Doncaster's register of children with disabilities and additional needs, received a free annual pass offering a different kind of treat for the senses - the sights, sounds and smells of the animals at home there.