A woman who suffered a life-changing head injury while on duty as a police has launched a range of adaptive clothing for children.
The Manchester Evening News reported that Helen Hignett-Clawson founded Adaptive Clothing UK to make it easier for disabled children to get dressed.
Other media have also picked up on Helen’s work as she promotes the business.
The mum-of-two was serving as a police officer for Greater Manchester Police when she was assaulted in a hospital car park in 2010. She was on duty when her handcuffed attacker struck her across the head multiple times. As a result she developed various health and mobility issues.
The BBC reported that she is now living with acute hemicrania continua, a chronic and persistent headache. She also has severe hemiplegic migraines, migraines which mimic a stroke, leaving her temporarily paralysed down the right side of her body.
In recent years the conditions have led to her blacking out and having seizures – as well as developing PTSD and fibromyalgia as a result of the mental damage she suffered.
With her new business Helen plans to initially focusing on childrenswear in tribute to her 12-year-old niece Lilly, who has multiple developmental disabilities including autism.
The debut collection, from Adaptive Clothing UK, consists of everyday basics such as t-shirts, joggers and leggings, as well as sun safe swimsuits, vests and onesies. It is designed for children aged zero to 16 and will be manufactured in the UK.
Helen said: “My mission is to help parents and carers to dress children who have physical limitations with more ease and less pain.
“A lot of the clothes I have seen on the market for children with additional needs prioritise functionality over fashion. The closures are very visible, and there tends to be limited fabric options. I was determined, therefore, that our adaptive features would be concealed, and that the prints would be vibrant and contemporary.
‘All the labels are printed on the fabric, and we have consciously used flat stitching to minimise discomfort and any sensory triggers. We have added poppers in strategic locations to make dressing and changing faster – reducing discomfort and stress for everyone involved.”
To find out more visit Helen’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveclothinguk
