* This post is written by a guest blogger - it is not sponsored. *
My name is Louise Sertsis and I’ve been dealing with physical disability for many years. I am now advocating for the disabled, trying to make society aware that we have the same wants and needs as our able-bodied counterparts. I've had MS for twenty years, and have been on long term disability for thirteen of those years. I have a university degree and a strong desire to help individuals with differing abilities. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with MS during my studies, therefore having a very different life experience than most. I went through a very dark point in my life where everything seemed impossible and hopeless. I was able to emerge with a sense of purpose and excitement for the future. I almost feel reborn, and ready to start living once again. No one else would hire me, so I started Advanced Freedom and created the Handi Pac! Advanced Freedom is driven and inspired by the lives of people with physical disabilities. I strive to solve the challenges of mobility, comfort and safety, as I face this challenge every single day. I started this endeavour with the hope to make my life easier and becoming more independent. I wanted to share this with others who experience the same struggle and have similar needs as I do. It is my mission to create functional and accessible products for people with physical disabilities.
"I was fortunate to be given a Handi Pac from a neighbour. I love how it is so multi-functional. I can use just the lap bag or combine it with the vertical bag to enable me to shop and pick up groceries. I am always worried that the plastic bags the grocery stores use will break and they are usually difficult for me to remove from my rear handles.
I used to hang my valuables (wallet/credit cards) on the back of my chair in a shoulder bag and having the lap bag sure puts my mind at rest. The vertical bag's separate compartment can even hold my laptop.
Everything connects with ease with the clever magnetic fasteners and pull loops. I have full use of my hands but see how they would be great for people with less mobility such as a quadriplegic. An added bonus is that they combine to keep me dry from the elements. It's built tough and will improve your independence."
- A review of the Handi Pac from John, a customer.
The AccessiStrap holds your legs together without losing strength over time. It uses a new magnetic closure that is super strong when together, yet easy to undo when not needed. Its accessible features make this design welcomed by wheelchair users. Having multiple sclerosis myself, my dexterity and coordination are affected. The AccessiStrap solves all my issues with a functional pull toggle and a large O ring to manipulate this strap completely on my own. It is a much-needed upgrade to the inaccessible Velcro straps that exist today. The AccessiStrap will not ruin my clothes, which is an added bonus for me and all wheelchair users.
I'm so confident you will see the benefits of this much overdue product. It is fully adjustable and will cover a range of people. We also custom make for special requests to increase or decrease the size - just let us know your personal specifications. Whether it's for everyday use, a sporting event, or rough terrain (including sidewalks), this strap won't disappoint. I especially like it when wearing a dress or longer skirt as my legs are fixed and don't come apart.
Hi, I'm Lauren and I have been living with a collection of disabilities for the past 8 years. I initially had a passion for teaching children with special needs, but my health prevented me from pursuring my dream career. Despite this, I now love nothing more than sharing my experiences to help other people living with disabilities.
Hi, I’m Lori and was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and a family of co-morbid conditions which has made life highly complex. However I constantly aim to make life as ‘normal’ and fulfilling as possible - and through this, I discovered the benefits of writing about my journey.
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