The perfect adaptive classroom chair for special needs students.
With its supportive seat, sturdy armrests, and stable frame, the new Compass Chair offers mildly involved students the support they need to feel secure and comfortable. At the same time, its simple and elegant construction lets it blend easily into any classroom environment without standing out or feeling clinical.
For teachers and therapists, finding the right adaptive classroom chair can be a challenge. The Rifton Compass Chair is designed to be the perfect inclusion chair—strong enough to provide stability but subtle enough to encourage independence and dignity. It is not just another special needs chair; it is supportive seating that enhances learning, interaction, and participation for children and adults of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a chair for an autistic child, a student with mild physical needs, or simply a comfortable seating solution that promotes good posture and security, the Compass Chair is a classroom-ready solution that improves focus and confidence.
New Features for the Compass Chair
Height adjustment: The new legs offer double the height adjustment range, giving you more flexibility to find the perfect fit. Proper positioning is essential for posture and participation, and with the expanded adjustability, the Compass Chair grows with the student.
Dynamic feet: For students who benefit from movement and sensory input, the new dynamic feet add a subtle bounce and softer feel. This gentle movement helps release energy, improve focus, and provide a calming effect. Many teachers and therapists note that movement-friendly seating can make a noticeable difference in engagement during lessons.
Stability feet: The stability feet clip on or off the front and back legs independently, enlarging the base of support. For more active or tip-prone students, this added stability reduces the risk of falls while still allowing natural movement.
Low friction legs: Optional low friction legs allow the Compass Chair to slide more easily on floors. This makes repositioning the chair within the classroom environment simple and convenient.
Easy installation: All the new legs and feet are compatible with any Rifton Compass Chair, past or present. Installation requires no tools, making it easy for educators and therapists to adapt quickly.
Coming Soon:
A compatible rocker base and an anti-tip platform will soon be available to ensure all four legs stay on the floor when needed. These additions will further expand the chair’s functionality, giving teachers and therapists even more options for adaptive seating for classroom use.
Download the Compass Chair brochure for full details.
The Benefits
The Compass Chair is more than just a classroom chair—it is a thoughtfully designed piece of supportive seating that balances comfort, stability, and inclusion.
- The five available sizes accommodate everyone from small children to adults.
- Adjustable legs allow fine-tuning for optimal positioning.
- Seat and back have a non-slip texture for added security and stability.
- Height adjustments allow for four inches of flexibility
- Calming blue color and minimalist design blend seamlessly into the classroom environment.
- Provides gentle boundaries and sensory input for students who need calming support.
- Encourages better posture and alignment for improved learning focus.
For educators, the Compass Chair reduces the need for constant adjustments. For families, it offers peace of mind knowing their child is seated securely and comfortably.
The result? A special needs chair that truly enhances inclusion and participation in daily classroom activities while supporting both physical and emotional well-being.
Special Needs Chair Features
Use the slides below to learn more about the features of the Compass Chair. Each feature was carefully designed to support physical comfort, attention, participation, and learning outcomes.
- 1 Extreme durability
- 2 Contoured seat and back
- 3 Armrests
- 4 Lateral thigh support
- 5 New! Height-adjustable legs
Components for the Compass Chair
Use the slides below to learn more about the components of the Compass Chair. Every component of the Rifton Compass Chair is engineered to make the chair both practical for teachers and beneficial for students. From the stable frame to the optional assistive components like dynamic feet or stability bases, these features allow the chair to be used in a wide range of classroom and therapy settings.
Sizes & Dimensions
Use the dimensions chart below to help you make the right choice for your client.
Want to make sure it fits? Download a detailed chair sizing worksheet.
Important: Make sure that seat width, depth, and height are adequate for each user.
The user’s overall height and knee to heel measurement are a general guide to help you select the appropriate chair. Choose the model that allows for growth.
Knee to heel :
36 – 45
With short legs: 9 – 11
With standard legs: 10 – 13
Product Resources
Learn more about the Compass Chair using the resources below.
Downloads
