Each day, The Kids’ Project, a program of Pine Tree Society, provides affordable wooden adaptive equipment that helps children with disabilities become more actively involved in the world around them.  Items like adaptive chairs, adjustable tables and barrier-free playground equipment help increase a child’s self-esteem, promote a greater sense of self-worth and increase success at home, therapy and educational settings.

But a couple of months ago, the tables were turned on Jeremy Lucas, The Kids’ Project director. 

“I got a call from a local Occupational Therapist who we’ve worked with in the past,” said Lucas. “She knew that we design and construct custom items.  One of her clients, a mother with a disability, needed to have an adaptive crafting cabinet and table built and installed in the apartment she shared with her daughter.”

The OT explained that the mother and daughter loved working on arts and crafts project together, but that the duo's current setup provided many challenges to the mother, who uses a wheelchair. 

“The mission of The Kids’ Project is to serve children with disabilities, so projects like this aren’t the norm,” said Lucas.  “Once in a while we get requests to construct custom items that help parents with disabilities. Items like adaptive cribs have been common projects in the past.”

Lucas jumped at the chance to work on the unique project, and connected with one of his nearly 60 skilled volunteer woodworkers.  The result was a beautiful built-in crafting unit, which features low shelving and a table that easily folds out during use.

“I’m so pleased we were able to design something that is beautiful and functional,” said Lucas.  “We’ve created a piece that not only improves the mother’s daily living, but also provides quality time for her and her daughter.”