25 October is World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day. Karin Björk is featured in a film describing the clothes she has designed and produced for wheelchair users.
- The aim of World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is to raise awareness and reach stakeholders large and small who can impact the rights of individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. It is possible to live a good life but it is crucial to get help all the way. A lot of resources are spent on saving lives, that's great, but sometimes we forget that life goes on. That's why it's important to take our place in the social debate and highlight the challenges that exist," says Karin Björk, who runs Design by Björk.
Spina bifida occurs at the very beginning of a pregnancy and often leads to physical disability. For many, the wheelchair becomes a crucial aid to everyday life.
Karin Björk has chosen to design for wheelchair users. She herself has a son who is in a wheelchair and realised early on that there were no adapted clothes.
- I have developed a design that makes life in a wheelchair easier. For example, the trousers are higher in the back and are lower in the front so they don't pinch. In addition, the pockets are in other clever places and the fastening is done with Velcro or hooks," says Karin.
Karin will participate with a recorded film in IF's (International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) channels on 25 October.
