Clothing is rarely designed with the wheelchair user in mind. When she was injured in a traffic accident aged 21, Heidi McKenzie realised first-hand how difficult it is to find clothes that are both adaptable and fashionable. Five years later she has started her own company – Alter Ur Ego – to sell her own clothing designed to cater to the specific needs of wheelchair users.

Through her blog, Heidi explains that the inspiration for her company stemmed from competing in Ms Wheelchair USA 2012. “Experiencing clothing obstacles on my own was one thing but seeing others struggle was another. I knew I could make a difference first hand,” she explains. Her determination to make a difference has led to a line of jeans, for which she is taking pre-orders from the 25^th of September.

In answer to questions from bespoken, Heidi explained the thought process behind her clothing line. She told us, “Problems with clothing were mainly with pants. Who doesn't have a favourite pair of jeans? Regular jeans would cut into my hips, hang low in the back and the pockets were not accessible. They were not designed for a seated body.” Heidi’s jeans have no back pockets and a high elasticated waist to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. But comfort wasn’t her only consideration. The jeans also feature pull tabs, a catheter opening and large pockets on the thigh for easy access.

Whilst the jeans are clearly a big step forward, at the moment they are available only in a relatively small range of sizes. “I want to expand the adaptable jeans to plus sizes along with kids and teenagers in wheelchairs,” Heidi explained, and her plans don’t stop there. “I have design ideas for shirts, skirts, dresses, even shoes!”

Her designs have already generated a lot of attention. “People have contacted me to let me know that they haven't worn jeans in X amount of years and now they will have an opportunity to,” Heidi says, clearly (and rightly) proud of the immediate difference her clothing line will make. But even with all the excitement, she is still grounded in her motivation to improve the lives of people who share her situation.  When asked about her hopes for this clothing line, she responded “to give people with disabilities confidence to break down social barriers. Letting them express their "alter ego" through fashion so they can have clothing options just like everyone else."

"It's the greatest feeling when you know you can make a difference just by a pair of jeans.”

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