Meet Taylor, who uses a R82 x:panda chair

Meet Taylor

Taylor Miller, 7, from Castlewood in Coventry, who lives with Cerebral Palsy (CP), uses a R82 x:panda chair – launched in 2007 and now the biggest selling modular seat worldwide. The x:panda is suitable for various conditions but particularly to children with CP. The patented dynamic system is helpful for children who struggle to maintain position during involuntary extension. The chair provides contoured support to the spine and maintains pelvic position in neutral alignment.

Taylor, a friendly and happy youngster, lives with parents, Laura and Daniel, and two brothers, Lennon, 18 months and Mckenzie, age 12. The family moved two years ago to a specialist accessible bungalow provided by The Housing Association. Having recently extended, they now have the necessary space and layout to suit a child with disabilities. Taylor is located in a room next to his parents at night, with a ceiling track in the bedroom and bathroom, and enough room for a ceiling track hoist and specialist adjustable cot. Vitally, there is space for Taylor’s adaptable and bespoke x:panda chair on a High-low frame which ensures ideal support for a growing child and allows Taylor to be properly seated. Based on the original R82 Panda chair, the x:panda concentrates on optimal pelvic positioning, aligning the spine and correct articulation at the hip.

Research shows incorrect positioning can lead to long term health issues, such as curvature of the spine and exacerbated breathing difficulties. As the x:panda is very adaptable, it can be easily configured to each child and can be adjusted for growth in depth, width and back height as well as accommodating individual leg positioning. It is available in four sizes, from 6 months to young adult. The x:panda features tilt in space, recline and a dynamic back that can help children who might typically have pelvic issues, hip migration and tight hamstrings.

Taylor attends Castleford School, an all-spectral school, recommended to best suit his needs and Laura Miller says the school has been a life-line. Meeting other parents in similar situations has meant accessing new advice and help and the weekly parent coffee meetings have provided vital social support. Laura explains: “Taylor benefits from the school routine and can become very unsettled without it. We feel fortunate that Castleford offers extra holiday sessions if desired. The school also provides physio once a week, takes Taylor swimming which he loves, as well as bowling, cycling and trips to the cinema.”

The family are delighted with the new chair as Laura explains: “Taylor’s muscle tone fluctuates and he cannot sit unaided at all, so requires adult support if playing on the floor for instance. The x:panda benefits by providing necessary support and is adapted easily to match his growth– meaning we can keep using the seat for longer. After using the x:panda for some time, Taylor now has better control over his core stability. His breathing has improved and he has been discharged from his chest consultant. He can happily sit in comfort to watch his favourite programmes on TV and we can now go out as a family for meals and on outings.”