Supporting Inclusion with Assistive Technology

At Schuchmann, we are committed to empowering children with disabilities worldwide by providing high-quality, functional, and inclusive assistive devices. As part of this mission, we recently donated two smilla. paediatric therapy chairs to the UK-based charity Child Aid to Eastern Europe, to support children in Moldova — a country where access to assistive technology remains extremely limited.

A Mission with Impact: Inclusion in Moldova

The donation is part of a broader effort to improve support for children with disabilities in Moldova, where public systems for equipment provision are nearly non-existent.

“Currently, there is no system for equipment provision for children with additional needs,” explains Charlotte Graham, Occupational Therapist and long-term partner of Child Aid. “Some adults may be ‘lucky’ enough to be provided a basic wheelchair – but often these are in a poor state of repair.”

Graham, who has travelled to Moldova twice as part of Child Aid’s outreach, emphasises the urgency and impact of such donations:

“This is a charity very close to my heart,” she says. “People with disabilities are usually hidden away, with little financial means, unable to live the fulfilling lives they deserve.”

How the smilla. Chair Makes a Difference

The smilla. chair is a modular, adaptable therapy seat designed to meet the individual postural and functional needs of children with physical disabilities. With its ease of use and precise adjustments, smilla. enables safe sitting, better participation in daily routines, and enhanced comfort at home, in therapy, or at school.

“The children are always so grateful to finally have some equipment that will allow them to participate in life,” Graham shares. “Schuchmann, your donation is very gratefully received and will no doubt improve the quality of life for the children and their families.”

Building Local Capacity in Therapy and Inclusion

Over recent years, Child Aid has worked to strengthen occupational therapy, postural management, and mobility training in Moldova. Their team supports therapists in treatment centres, hospitals, and universities, fostering sustainable change and professional growth in the local healthcare landscape.

“The professionals are innovative and passionate,” says Graham. “We’ve been most fortunate to have received some wonderful second-hand equipment to date, which Child Aid has shipped to Moldova and Ukraine to support this work.”

We at Schuchmann are proud that our smilla. chairs can now contribute to this important initiative, helping children achieve better posture, greater comfort, and increased participation in everyday life.