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Heavens Special Child...Special T-Shirts For Special Kids
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
The more read the blog is, the more e-mails I get asking me about the T-shirts, and most of the comments have been fantastic, however, there were two people who asked me if by putting slogans on the shirts, it is setting our kids apart. Sorry to burst your bubble, but as much as it shouldn't be the case, it's the wheelchair that sets them apart. The slogans are just a great way of making people realise, that you don't get to stare and be derogatory, just because our kids are different.
If most kids and adults were stared at or teased, they would be able to have their say, not everyone can do that. And as a parent or carer, it would be easy to get involved in fights on a daily basis about this. So instead, the slogans get the message across without having to get into a confrontation. Many kids are gaining confidence from wearing them. 100% of the time, they stop people staring, or actually make them realise they were staring in the first place.
So far the comments from kids and parents wearing the shirts have been amazing. They are raising awareness, making people realise that 'it's rude to stare', that even if a child can't tell you, they notice if you are being derogatory. And remember, they aren't just for kids, one of our best sellers is actually a bright pink hoodie saying 'wheelchair babe', and the majority of them are sold to elderly ladies in wheelchairs...fantastic. Of course a few elderly gentlemen have caught on and sales of 'chicks dig the chair' in adult sizes are on the rise. Hmmm!
A couple of people also asked if they have special fastenings for easy fitting. All I can say is, that we don't dress differently just because we know we are going to be sitting down all day, so we don't provide those for kids just because they are going to be sitting own all day. These types of clothes, would set them apart in a less positive way. What we want are ordinary, affordable clothes in ordinary colours, just with great slogans to reflect their personalities. I know that specialist clothing may be more necessary as people get older, adn its personal choice, but its not something my son would want. He wants trendy jeans just like his friends.
My son's favourite slogan is 'my other wheelchairs a porsche', not only does it make people smile, but it makes them realise that he isn't insecure about his disability. He has no choice but to embrace it, and he thinks everyone else should too.
I hope this answers your questions, if not then let me know.
Sal x
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15 April 2009 at 09:45
my 13 year old niece is autistic- she asked me to get her a tshirt that says'my aunty lisa thinks i'm a martian'.........it cracked me up.she was dead serious......her beauty astounds me and YES, maybe not Mars, but wow, she is from somewhere out there !!!
15 April 2009 at 13:13
I love the t-shirts!!! I think it makes people (kids especially) comfortable with the wheelchair and that is nothing but good for your boys! You're such a cool mama!! :-)
15 April 2009 at 15:25
Sally! I'm glad to see you are still fighting the good fight!
The t-shirts are brilliant...not only do they send a message, but they immediately let people know that the cool dude or dudette with the wheels has a killer sense of humor!
Gotta love that!
15 April 2009 at 16:15
What a great concept! Simply Brilliant I tell you! I love what they say and the difference they make!
15 April 2009 at 17:19
the t-shirts are awesome...and if they make the ones wearing them feel good thats all that matters!!!!!
15 April 2009 at 17:31
I agree with America's Next Top Mommy...you are just the coolest mom...the children love wearing the t-shirts too they make you smile:)
15 April 2009 at 17:53
The slogan's are great Sally!
15 April 2009 at 18:24
Love the shirts. Love how passionate you are about bringing light to the specialness and everything wonderful that sometimes people dont see! Great job!
15 April 2009 at 19:04
no questions here, sister! i do, however, feel the urge to give you a big ol' kiss right now!
i like the porsche shirt the best, too, although i am still giggling about the older gents in their "chicks dig..." shirts!
15 April 2009 at 21:41
I love those shirts. Your spirit is contagious!
15 April 2009 at 21:55
I think the shirts are cute and funny.
15 April 2009 at 22:05
I love this. Love it like crazy : ).
16 April 2009 at 00:37
I LOVE the slogans! Very hip and cool~
16 April 2009 at 12:34
thanks everyone, the t-shirts are making a huge difference, i feel that Aaron would be very proud, i picture him laughing his little cheeky laugh whenever someone wears a cheeky slogan...
18 April 2009 at 23:01
has anyone ever had anything negative to say about the slogans?
18 April 2009 at 23:02
No, but a couple of people have asked if the t-shirts are almost encouraging people to stare...luckily they do the opposite, people stare anyway, this stops that!