Fashionable clothing for disabled Australians, everyone has the right to access appropriate clothing

As a nurse I have witnessed how degrading it is to have clothing forced on when in pain or unable to move or bend parts of the body. People often opt for over-sized clothing for the sake of comfort.

We wouldn’t leave the house if we didn’t like the clothes we wore but what if you didn't have a choice? A disability is traumatic enough, having to wear unattractive clothing adds to that trauma.

I aim to offer choice and restore dignity to people with a disability.

When you don't feel attractive your self esteem suffers which can result in social isolation. I aim to assist people to regain social contact and the feeling of belonging in the community.

There are often complications from immobility for e.g. incontinence or pressure sores. If you suffer incontinence and struggle to undo pants or stand up, the mere thought of leaving the home where you can’t easily get on the toilet is enough to prevent anyone from leaving home.

I aim to provide clothing that restores confidence and independence.

Regular clothing is designed for mobile people and contains features that can cause discomfort or complications for people who are immobile e.g. an elderly woman in a nursing home spending her days in a 'tub chair’ or a young man with a spinal injury spending his days in a wheelchair. The shirt label that irritates the back of your neck can cause aggravation to frail skin. If you can feel it but can’t move to 'fix' it then you’re stuck with the discomfort. If you cannot feel it due to paralysis then the irritation occurs without your even knowing.

I aim to manufacture clothing designed for the seated position and to maximise comfort.

Many carers (hospital, nursing home, or families caring for loved ones at home) struggle to dress those they care for and are prone to injuries. They struggle lifting or moving to get clothes on or off.

I aim to provide clothing that reduces effort for carers.

We have successfully taken five new styles to manufacture