DIY Network

Installing a Therapeutic Swing DIY to the Rescue installs a vessel for therapy! From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-705

With his giggles flowing, there's no question what's Will's favorite part of his new room.

To get started on this project, Amy Devers and Larry Schrecker, Will's Dad, install an indoor version of one of Will’s favorite activities - a therapeutic swing chair. This swing is part of Will's therapy sessions in Occupational Therapy. It helps him to develop the part of his brain that senses balance and gravity and also helps him to strengthen and stretch his muscles.

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Materials:

therapeutic swing (basically a large spandex sack suspended from the ceiling)
drill
heavy duty eye bolt (rated high enough to support the weight of an adult)
plate
washer
nut
wrench
swinging rotation unit
heavy-duty snap (rated high enough to support the weight of an adult)
swing rope

Figure A

Steps:

1. Start by cutting a hole in the drywall in the ceiling to see what type of framing members are there (Figure A). Make sure there is a nice solid beam for which the swing to be supported.

Figure B

2. Next, drill a hole through the beam large enough for your eye bolt to thread through (Figure B).

Figure C

3. Then, install a heavy-duty eye bolt threading through the hole in the beam. When threading an eye bolt, it is a good idea to use another bolt to help turn the eye faster (Figure C). Turn the eye bolt just until it pokes through on the top side of the beam.

Figure D

4. Now place the plate in position on top of the beam over the eye bolt, using the washer and nut to keep it in place. Use a wrench to hold the top nut in place while tightening the eye bolt all the way into the beam (Figure D). This will help distribute the weight across the whole beam.

Figure E

5. Next the swinging rotation unit goes up, hooking it into the eye bolt using a heavy duty snap (Figure E). This will allow the swing to rotate.

6. Then attach the swing’s rope to the lower safety snap (Figure F).

7. Finally, to complete the project, patch the hole in the drywall and paint the ceiling (Figure G). Of course, it is always a good idea to "test" the swing.

Figure F

Figure G

RESOURCES :

Abilitations
Website: www.abilitations.com