The Liko FreeSpan freestanding overhead lift system was specified for Sir Charles Parsons School for students with special education needs.

High quality, highly adaptable equipment was essential to allow the teachers to provide the guidance, care and support that students require.

The Liko FreeSpan freestanding overhead lift system smoothly overcomes one of the obstacles faced by students trying to enjoy Rebound Therapy – part of the school’s broader educational curriculum – which takes place on the trampoline.

“It’s a wonderful way for our students to get some exercise and stretch out their bodies after sitting in
their wheelchairs. Liko’s overhead lift means we are able to position the children anywhere on the trampoline,” explains Lisa Loraine, a learning support teacher at Sir Charles Parsons School.

“They feel secure and comfortable as the system glides them out of their chairs, and it practically eliminates the risk of associated back injury.”

The FreeSpan system is not affixed to the walls or the ceiling and can be easily moved between rooms as it is equipped with wheels which facilitate ease of positioning and room cleaning. FreeSpan is made of aluminium and have many different rail lengths available.

Part communication aid, part physiotherapy and a fantastic reward to look forward to, Rebound Therapy offers a range of benefits for the students.

Hydraulic lifts were previously installed at the school but the jerky movement caused spasms to worsen in some students. New electric systems, like Liko’s FreeSpan lift system, were finally introduced which were much smoother.

As well as the free standing overhead system, the school has five Golvo mobile lifts which are easy to store and are useful when taking the students from room to room.

Manual Handling Advisor Andrew Gullon said: “One of the advantages is that the mobile lifts have different speeds, so if any student feels fearful of being lifted you can let them go at a slower pace. The students like it when we can move around, and even dance with them.”