Dress for Success: Adaptive Clothing for Kids with Special Needs
Every once in a while, a new idea makes my heart go pitter-pat. Mini-Miracles Adaptive Clothing is one of those ideas. The business’s creator saw a problem and came up with a solution that benefits kids with special needs. I love it when that happens!
Meet Victoria Valencia
I learned about Mini-Miracles in an article published by Action Online: Magazine of the United Spinal Association. The company is the brainchild of Victoria Valencia, who used to work as a pediatric special needs nurse. She became frustrated when dressing young patients with gastrointestinal feeding tubes (G-tubes), tracheotomies, braces or heplock tubes.
The article says this about the origin of the business. “One of Valencia’s friends urged her to do something about it. Although she had no sewing, manufacturing or business experience whatsoever, Valencia took a giant leap of faith. In 2006, she launched Mini-Miracles, an online company specializing in attractive adaptive clothing.”
Features of Mini-Miracles Clothing
The Mini-Miracles website provides these details about their clothing, some of which are now avaible in adult sizes.
Featured Adaptations:
- flat seams – reduced friction
- discrete adaptations so clothing looks normal
- easy access – snaps, Velcro, stretchy fabrics
- roomy seat to accommodate diapers (all ages)
- longer rise in the back to accommodate sitting in wheelchair
- elastic waist for and ease of dressing increased comfort
- meets Health Canada regulations for safety and flammability
Suitable for:
- Limited range of motion and impaired dexterity
- G-Tube feeding
- Wheelchair
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Developmental disabilities
- Contractures
- Toilet/Changing needs
- Catheters and colostomy bags
- IV tubes
- Rigidity
Sounds way cool, doesn’t it? I would have loved clothes like these when our son had his feeding tube.
The Mini-Miracles Website
You can learn more about the Mini-Miracles clothing line and place orders at their at their website, www.minimiracles.ca. If you already use some of Victoria’s products, leave a comment about them. Or if you know of other similar resources, tell us more. Every person with special needs should have clothing that’s functional and fun, don’t you think?
Jolene
Jolene,
Mini-Miracles clothing – How perfect is this! And I love how you’ve tied dress for success in with it!
I appreciate the depth and heart of what you’ve written here . You obviously have given this subject a lot of thought and it’s great that you’re sharing your knowledge with others. You’re truly making a difference in the world, one post at a time. Keep doing what you’re doing!
To your magnificence!
You’re welcome, Andrea. It’s my pleasure to showcase products that improve the quality of life for kids with special needs.
Jolene