Clothing manufacturing is the second most polluting industry worldwide, responsible for deforestation and water contamination and affecting an already delicate balance between humankind and its ecosystem. According to Green America, it’s responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution and emits...

These challenges led me to consider the incredible resilience of people living with disability who are constantly confronted with barriers. My first-hand experience helped me gain a greater understanding for one small part of inaccessibility in the world. What’s amazing is that there are so many people out there looking to make the world more accessible and inclusive.

Recovawear is an adaptive clothing line that helps you regain some independence during your recovery. Now for the folks at home – next time you’re getting dressed, try to put pants on with a straight leg to see what it's like. Penny was kind enough to send me some pants and underwear and these products definitely made it easier and less painful to get changed with a straight leg. Safe to say, I have never been more excited to receive clothes in the mail.

It was the summer of 2013 and things had taken a turn. After three days of dancing and dehydration at the Meredith Music Festival in country Victoria, I came back to Melbourne tired and dusty, only to land myself in the ER trying to get out of a chair. My knee had locked up again, and I knew this time was different. It was completely stuck, with pain so intense that it was hard to breath. I couldn’t dangle my knee, as with it being ‘locked up’, the traction was excruciating. I was totally immobile. When the ambulance came, it took 20 minutes (and lots of screaming) just to get me onto the stretcher. 

Products which enhance recovery, minimise reinjury and provide psychological support for families really makes a difference to patients well-being. Speeding up recovery time, helping people return to work, reducing the costs of care and improving self-esteem doesn’t just benefit patients -  it also matters to their families and treating professionals.