This bra has changed the lives of women living with a disability 🧵 | ABC Australia
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Rachel Whittaker didn’t necessarily understand the mechanics of a bra 15 years ago, but out of necessity she's created an undergarment she calls an "engineering feat".
Ms Whittaker discovered bras were assembled from 25 parts and ones which opened on the side were better for people with limited mobility.
The mother of two, who lives on the New South Wales far south coast, has sold thousands of accessible bras to people with disabilities and those with limited mobility since opening an NDIS-registered online store four years ago.
"When you know that you've changed someone's life for the better, just by doing something as simple as that, it just means the world."
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The company is BraEasy for those of us unable to find it in the transcript or see the two single second frame of the label. Thank you for covering this ABC. I wish you guys had your funding back
Thanks ⭐️
Thank you.
Thank you!
Thank you for that ❤.
Thank you!
The velcro closing bra is probably also very good for people who struggle with fine motor skills.
I’m one of those people
Yes! So many women can benefit from this product
yeah, that's also a disability
@@reidleblanc3140right? I read this, as someone with some cognitive impairment and issues with my motor skills, and actually considered if there are folks out there with poor motor skills that aren't disabled otherwise
I have fibromyalgia and some days I can’t move my left arm well enough to work my bra. These bras are such a great and simple thing for so many, the Velcro too I see being life changing for arthritic women.
I have Fibromyalgia and getting a bra on independently is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT! We'll Done! I'm definitely going to look into these bras!! 😮❤
I’ve got fibromyalgia too and I’ll be looking at the Braeasy website too. Trying to reach around now can be excruciating if the pain is more in my shoulders on a particular day. Take care fellow fibromyalgian.
I'm in the same Fibro boat. I use forearm crutches to walk/balance and have several problems with my hands. If I can get ahold of these bras, they will be lifesavers!
I have fibro _and_ I am a 34 double K cup. 🤦♀️
Life on hard mode for real! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
I also have fibromyalgia and have been wearing a tank top under my shirt when I go out. I live in Florida and easily overheat, so I don’t go out unless I absolutely need to.
Same with fibro and other issues. Would love a bra like this!
I have no doubt that this is a much needed product.
I would suggest marketing the product to physical therapist and occupational therapist. I hope that she gets the financial support that she needs to continue her work. Best wishes and goos luck!
Yes!! Also to caregiving groups for seniors!
Great idea!
And get that design patented!
I don't even wear a bra because I can't find one that would fit without causing pain. Then there's the issue of cost. Most accessible items are way more expensive than regular items. Sure, there's the manufacture costs, but in most cases they charge more becasue they can. They know we have no other options, we pay what we must because we need this item and it isn't availabe elsewhere.
Anyone who makes accessible clothing or any item reall, is a hero in my book.
This. I have been developing stroke-friendly dog leashes and am almost ready to release my design. They can be easily picked up with one hand that has lower grabbing ability. Partially inspired by a person I know who couldn’t easily grab a leash, and being tested on service dog handlers at the moment.
Surely Target & others will set up a section soon - one would think $20-$35 sufficient (?)
I hear you. Bras hurt.
Have you tried a bralette?
@SailorYuki - A lot of the higher costs are already laid out in this video. The woman has a full time job and sews the bras on the side. She is a one-woman operation without the scale of a big manufacturer. She doesn't have access to larger potential customers (Target, Walmart in the USA), nor to a staff to help her, nor is she able to buy raw materials in the quantities that a big manufacturer would with attendant cheaper costs. She is NOT being vindictive or greedy towards you.
It's stupid that bra's close at the back. It's difficult for most
Normally you close them in the front and than swipe them to the back don't you? Also bras that close in the front are available.
The thing with the bras in the Video it seems they close with a velcro fastener they don't require both hands.
I usually put it on backwards, then spin it around
@@PyroGothNerdwhat kind of bra you use?
@@PyroGothNerd A person with mobility issues and fine motor issues, like my daughter can not do that. I am in the states and we have nothing like this for our population.
@TabeaSerenety normally - no
And if you have no space between boobs and big cup, your only option - back fastening
As we seniors age, your market gets bigger.
Yes. Arthritis.
Just commenting for the algorithm because I think this needs more support ❤
Same!
Yes!
exactly 🤝💓
Good idea! Ironically, realizing things need more support is what started this whole venture. 😆
Thank you. You may be the reason this was in my suggestions!
❤ They also make pretty bras! That to me is the most important part other than being able to dress oneself, No one wants ugly clothes. Well done.
Preach it for the big girls in the back.
Absolute icon. Thank you for loving your daughter so well and bettering our worldwide community.
We need this company to go worldwide.
Assessible clothing is so desperately needed!! This is fantastic!
So needed!!! Bras closing in the back is ridiculous
Invented by ..you guessed it..MEN,!
@@impunitythebagpussare we surprised 😂
ive never been able to latch bras even before i was disabled. its ridiculous
@@impunitythebagpuss Mio Marino told us in his answer that a French WOMAN by the name of Herminie Cadolle is credited with inventing the modern bra. Julia Reece told us that a WOMAN by the name of Mary Phelps Jacobs received the first patent for a modern bra in 1914.
@@impunitythebagpuss you are wrong!
What a great company! Even as we age we lose mobility ...this is a game changer! ❤
This is so awesome! She saw a need not being met, and did something about it. Great work, Rachel, and I'll remember you if I ever encounter someone who needs an accessible bra.
Sooo very grateful, for this news broadcast… and the comment section, I have a spinal disability… and have been looking for a company like this,… FINALLY!!! Seriously - it takes a caring mother ❤️👍
What a wonderful idea! She is so right! It is so hard for people living with disabilities! There are also a lot of women struggling with large breasts who cannot get bras easily at all and women who have neck and shoulder injuries who can't have bra straps to carry the weight but need a support garment because it is very humiliating and embarrassing to wear no bras if you have a large chest and sometimes causes breathing issues with their weight resting on your diaphram instead of being lifted up. There are also many people with allergies and chemical sensitivity that can't wear the bras and clothing that currently exists and need clothing that is made of cotton or natural fibres as well as being made to easily get on and off. It is very hard to manage the simplist things like just getting dressed when you have a disability, health issues or serious injuries, something many take for granted. This woman loves her grandaughter and God bless her for not only making this life changing garment for her gradaughter but to offer it to others who are in the same predicament is a wonderful thing. We live in a stupid world that makes a heap of fast fashion for people that don't need it yet its a struggle for people who have a disability or with other challenges to get the basics they do need!
You said this so much better than I could’ve!!!
This is so important, thank you for funding and publishing this important journalism and media.
Having a daughter currently with GBS in the U.S.
This is phenomenal!!! Way to go and THANK YOU!!!
I hope your daughter recovers soon..
A family member of mine had GBS too-
Accessible bras are so important to have! Kudos to this woman!
Brilliant mum, your daughter is a very lucky and loved young lady. I can relate to these dissability challenges at 75, l can’t put on knee stockings, the current “ objects” are clumsy and painfully at times. I can get away with no bras at my age. 😊 well done mum and a thank you from all folk with a wonky way of working ❤️
What a wonderful mom she is!
Time 0:59 "How could the world let theses people struggle for so long and do nothing, I have to do something"
Words echoed by many who witnessed injustice and felt compelled to combat this injustice
Gosh that design makes soooo much sense. I’ve had 5 spinal surgeries and I have restricted movement in my right shoulder so probably since I was in my teen (I’m now 33) I’ve done my bra up at the front, turned it around then done the straps which are alway loose, I think because I’m constantly pulling them out over my arms. I live in the UK but I’m definitely looking her up.
I have limited mobility and putting on a sports bra or even a back closing one is very difficult. This is a great idea.
This is why I like buying front closure bras. I just don't like twisting my arms and not being able to see where I clasp my bra.
The problem with those is usually the fit. front closing ones must fit and cannot accommodate for size change that occurs with fluctuations of breast volume and overall body weight. Especially important during quick shifts like puberty, pregnancy or menopause. There's less space to fit hooks and it can destabilize the bra. Also sometimes motion like leaning forward and hunching to grab stuff can undo them :'D
So, basically all models have pros and cons to them.
I say all that but I quit wearing bras long ago as they have me headaches and sensory issues XDDD
Do in the front and spin like the rest of us!
They're ok for small breasts but for women with bigger breasts, they are no good because part of the support is the part between the cups.
@@καλύτερο-όνομα-ποτέ that doesn't work for larger sizes.
@@KxNOxUTAthe last i can recommend potentially is bralletes and sports bras after that i don't know
Im recovering from a frozen shoulder, this would've have SO helpful the past year of my life. I basically stopped wearing bras, and even sometimes underwear because of this disability. Praise God, I'm healing and regaining function, but even the smallest every day tasks are impacted. I pray for this business to succeed and thrive. This should be covered by insurance
How wonderful. That's what being a mum is about 💚
Well done Rachel! The world needs more people like you!
I am not disabled, but I think this design should be mainstream. I’ll buy one. Brilliant design
Thank you Rachel and daughter xx
That ladies is a wonderful, loving, talented mum. God bless her gracious heart.
That’s so wonderful the mom found a solution for her daughter and for others around the world
What an exceptional woman! In 2024 it is mindblowing how those of us with disabilities are still treated.
It seems as if society wishes we would all just hide away in our homes rather than live our lives with any amount of dignity and normalcy.
This woman is brilliant and incredibly thoughtful. May her business expand infinitely and remain stable. Well Done!! 👏🏼🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The power of a mother’s love. This is fantastic
What an INCREDIBLE story of LOVE, FEMALE EMPOWERMENT, PERSONAL FREEDOM, RESPECT, DIGNITY, TRUEST EMPATHY, SUCCESSFUL WOMAN’S SMALL BUSINESS, HOPEFULLY TREND SETTING, A HUGE “THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX” - THAT IS LIFE-CHANGING, A TRUE LABOUR OF LOVE !
I loved this SUCCESS STORY, for all the reasons above !
The daughter gets her privacy back, a mother who changes many women’s lives.
It just can’t get better than that !!
I wish the very best and much success to both ladies here !
Julie
Canada
That's amazing! I have very few bras that I can wear due to a bad shoulder. I need to look these up!
The brand name is BraEasy if you missed it! 💜
I wear "tank" bras from hanes. They are pretty much just tank tops with stitching at the bottom that gives support. Im you aren't getting miracle lift because there is literally zero padding but as a D/DD depending on weight fluctuations I appreciate something that holds them up and in while I'm out inv public. No swinging, swaying, or accidentally saying hi to strangers 🙃😂
They have some with soft sponge in the shoulder straps too for more comfort. Not sure if that is an issue or not, but bras do put pressure on the shoulders, and I can see how that can be painful if you have shoulder pain. I have no idea if it would help, but perhaps putting shoulder pads under the straps might help as well, although it limits what kind of dress or top you can wear. This lady's company is def needed as can be seen from the comments. So many can benefit from accessible clothing.
Necessity is the mother of invention. And the love of this mother invented something wonderful that not only helps her daughter but people around the world. 😊
Is there a reason the actual name of this womans business isn't mentioned or even a link to the business's website provided? I would definitely like to take a look at these bras as I have a cousin with cerebral palsy that would appreciate having some of these bras.
The ABC isn’t allowed to have anything that might be seen as advertising
The company is called BraEasy. Another commentor said it. Apparently you can see the label for like 2 seconds in the video.
The business is called Easy Bra 😊
@@c.r.mcleod8959, it's actually BraEasy.
@@Alinor24thanks.
accessable items help all of us!
As a caregiver, I know how much most people value their independence, especially with personal care. Thank you ❣️
Wow. My mom could have benefited from this when sick with heart disease and losing dexterity and fingers with failing health. What an incredible way for women to retain their independence and dignity! ❤
Bra-easy sounds terrific.
I can immediately think of three women to share this with. What a game changer!
This is a game changer in more ways than one...fabulous
Having a recent hand injury resulting in a cast, I absolutely understand the need for something more than the standard. Having to rethink getting dressed, even for a short time, was traumatic for me. I can't even imagine having that as a lifetime struggle. A big thumbs up to everyone out there thinking outside the box to make everyone's lives better, easier, and more functional. We need every single one of you and more! ❤
Her designs are fantastic. Why has this not been available from the start? Everyone needs these.
This is amazing! Needs to be available in stores as well! But only under her brand! She did all the hard work & created an excellent & needed product. This can help so many individuals
I pray she doesn't get bought out by someone who cares less than she does.
This is brilliant!
Good find, it’s always nice to see an item I take for granted reinvented for others that may lack full mobility.
What a caring wonderful mom!
That was absolutely genius and I’m going to be looking into this because I have some shoulder issues and that would be amazing! Thank you for finding this alternative. You are so appreciated.🥰💞💞💞💞
Great selection for a news story. Plenty of positive, hardworking, innovative people to share as news!
Thank you!❤
Bless you! Stopped wearing most bras but this is great - hope affordable…
Such a needed product. I simply stopped wearing bras due to my health issues and disability. What a great mum! ❤️
Bless you! My daughter helps me, as it’s “a process”! Now, at 80+, I gave up. Many blessings!!!
Oh wow! I really need this! The only problem with the a lot of the disability websites selling clothing for us disabled people are really really expensive! I recently bought some clothing from a website that was having a sale. That’s the only way I could afford to buy the clothes. I will be ordering from her. What a great Mom she is. 🤗🤗🤗
This is such a brilliant undertaking and wonderful to hear about. Inspirational work.
I love everything about this! What an excellent idea!
Love this woman’s ingenuity! I have chronic pain and some days my hands are just too stiff and painful for standard bras. Accessible clothing is indispensable and a bra that I can adjust and use by myself is the most important thing in a woman’s wardrobe. These should be marketed to everyone bc you can adjust the size quite a bit and so easily!
You make my heart sing. Not only a wonderful mother to a beautiful daughter, but a god send to so many other woman who needs products like these to be more widely available. 🥰🇨🇦
There is so much prejudice and hatred in the world aimed at people who are considered different. This story made my day. She is just one woman who decided to make life better for so many. The world needs millions of people to follow her example and do better. A simple act of kindness daily can and will make a person's life better.
What an obvious but previously un-recognized solution! I am a retired occupational therapist who is a large- but saggy-busted female. I had so many patients who were like me but struggled so much with their brassieres that they gave up wearing them, then were so uncomfortable. I’m now ashamed of myself for not figuring this out for them! They certainly were not doing back-flips so didn’t need to worry about the Velcro popping. Kudos to this creator.
What an excellent venture. Good on her for seeing a problem and coming up with a solution for it. Especially as she did it without any backing. It’s the everyday things that mean the most to disabled folks.
Absolutely genius! Funny how in the states Candace Owens was ripping disabled model, but this thoughtful woman figured out a way to make this easier for others.
Being able to purchase a front closing bra was a game changer for me, due to neck injuries/a left shoulder injury. Great to see even further innovations for people with even less mobility than myself.
How wonderful! Clothing should be accessible for everyone. I wish this style was the standard.
I am someone that has arthritis, fibromyalgia and other issues that make putting a bra on a painful experience. This woman and her idea is life changing and I applaud her. I think this bra would be great for all women. Going to her site now
I have MS, I’ve had to really change the type of clothes I wear as buttons are now very difficult for me to manage. But I need to wear a bra every day and this story has given me hope that I will be able to dress myself as I need help with my bra at least 1/3 of the time, luckily I live with people that can help. But being totally independent is almost impossible, & getting dressed/ undressed is a problem that a lot of people don’t even realise I have a problem with. Stories like this show the reality of disability & that there are solutions ❤
This is kindness at its utmost! I love that she has so much compassion to invent and to support many women. I volunteered for our local convalescent home in northern British Columbia Canada and was shocked to find out how adaptive clothing was so expensive and so over the top with high end fabrics that made it totally unaffordable to the average patient. I did my best to modify their existing clothing become adaptable to their needs. Sending big thank you’s for being such a beautiful person.
Ahh bras are good too. I buy them on ebay and they're shipped from Adelaide. ❤
I’m almost 76 with arthritis in both shoulders an still have a large bust. Although I live just south of Sydney this is first I’ve heard of this lady. She could be a godsend for older people and even younger ones with shoulder issues!
Some of the greatest heroes (and heroines) are people like Rachel! ❤❤
I am so moved, because functional clothing is both something so many of us need, and is a movement that is very close to my heart. I too have cut up all my old bras, but I haven't yet been able to put them back together! I've spent thousands trying different styles of bras, and though some with better than others, I still have a design in mind that I've yet to see elsewhere. I applaud this mother and her garments from the depths of my being!!!
As someone who isnt disabled and can wear regular bras, this is really cool! I know there are bras that come with a front closing zipper (especially some sports bras), but those still arent accessible, and disabled ladies still deserve to have nice, fashionable bras and a range of options if they choose to avail of them. Im a sports bra girly, but ik some women prefer other styles or want cute bras and looking at their site, they absolutely have that, which is just so lovely.
Good for you Rachel from Canada
Rachel you are a genius! Before you….. this much needed item did not exist! Well done🙌🙌🙌
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention and that mother has come up with a wonderful invention bless her
This is fantastic. Good on you Rachel.
When my shoulders were really bad, I could not put on bras or a shirt without a lot of struggling and pain! Add to that, I'm 65 and a larger size in a bra than most women. It's nice to see someone doing something about this!
Stunning! What a positive story in al the mess of self indulgence and chaotic, illogical rhetoric without any substance in the world at the moment. As a senior person not so flexible anymore with more and more aches and pains, I would support this product. Wonderful.
THANK YOU FROM THIS DISABLED WOMAN! MUCH SUCCESS TO YOU! 🙏🕊️
Awesome, Hats Off 👏🏾
they say necessity is the mother of invention, and this mother invented something amazing!
I’m a 63 year old with disabilities. This looks fantastic!
Necessity is the mother of invention, well done to this lady 👍👏
This is remarkable and fabulous that this mom did this.
The hook & loop side closures are brilliant! ⚘
I actually know a few women missing their lower arm. It is a great struggle accomplishing everyday tasks but not being able to put on your undergarments must not feel very good at all. I am just coming out of a serious illness where I required assistance to bathe myself. It was extremely embarrassing and I felt so vulnerable. I can only imagine how it is for someone who does not have someone to help them with daily dressing. To go without your underwear can make you feel so exposed. God bless this woman and may her company flourish!
Why did this nearly make me cry, mommas to the rescue.
Not only does this benefit people with disabilities but it could also help out people in a rush too!
I had a frozen shoulder for nearly 18 months, and putting my bra on every day was the hardest part of all of that. We have to remember that disabilities can be permanent or temporary, but a large portion of the population will have to deal with at least one at some point in their lives. We all need to be thinking about accessibility in all corners of our lives.
I'm so happy to see accessibility challenges reach more and more media companies and their audiences. These are problems that have a dire lack of awareness, because so far in our society, you never have to think about them until they happen to you or a loved one and are left in an ocean of questions and confusion, treading water with zero direction-and oftentimes zero help.
Amazing story and a message to those studying design consider the disability access market a place to explore that utilises your skills with new ground to break pretty rare these days.
This is amazing! 🤩👏 What a wonderful woman, God bless her! 💖
What an amazing woman N
Even the basics of understandable, consistent sizing of clothing & bras would make a WORLD of difference! At the very least, you could measure yourself at home & reliably get clothing that fits.
That goes doubly for bras. What other product can you think of where the sizing/fit is so incomprehensible that 1/3 of all users aren’t using the right size?
footwear
Rachel, you are a Super Hero! The best to you and your lovely daughter ❤
This is life changing for women....what a fantastic idea!!
I have rheumatic disease and a large cup size. Mobility issues along with pain make it so difficult to dress myself. Thank you for covering this!