Mimi Blankets

Through first hand experience of taking my daughter for walks in her wheelchair, her excited movements would turn every outing into a cycle of constantly stopping to readjust the blanket particularly during cold Canberra winters. Recognising this was a frustration shared across the disability community by other parents, carers and therapists, I set out to design a blanket that wouldn't fall off and was easy to put on. In doing so I discovered a gap in the market - existing products were bulky, bland and clinical in appearance, further many were not designed for the specific ergonomic demands of seated posture.

The Mimi Blanket's core innovation is a bilateral integrated strap and button attachment system, with straps permanently sewn at optimal positions on both sides of the blanket to secure directly to wheelchair and mobility stroller frames. These straps prevent displacement during movement and eliminate wheel entanglement. An oversized neck opening with a front access design accommodates seated posture and allows easy donning and doffing by caregivers or users with limited upper body mobility. Wheelchair-optimised dimensions, engineered specifically for seated posture and wheel clearance, ensure safety and full-body coverage without catching in wheels, brakes or control mechanisms.

The Mimi Blanket has sold over 2,000 units to customers worldwide proving that purpose-led design can be both commercially viable and life-improving. The blanket enables wheelchair users and their carers to easily put on and participate in outdoor activities by reducing the need for constant readjustment. For individuals with complex needs, their parents and carers, this translates into meaningful improvements in daily quality of life and independence. With over 400 positive customer reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5, Mimi Blankets has demonstrated that the disability community represents an underserved market in need of thoughtful, well-designed adaptive products.

1. Integrated Bilateral Strap System: Sewn straps with buttons positioned at optimal points on both sides of the blanket that attach directly to wheelchair and stroller frames. This prevents blanket displacement during movement, resists wind, and eliminates the entanglement hazards posed by loose fabric near wheels, brakes, casters and footrests.2. Wheelchair-Specific Neck Opening: An oversized front-access neck opening is ergonomically positioned for seated posture, including the forward-leaning position common in wheelchair users. Multiple adjustment points accommodate varying body sizes and support easy fitting by caregivers assisting users with limited upper body mobility.3. Wheelchair-Optimised Dimensions: Every dimension is engineered specifically for seated posture: full-body coverage from neck to feet accounting for the bent-knee position, with controlled fabric dimensions to prevent excess material dragging or catching in wheelchair components.4. Detachable Hood: A removable hood provides head and weather protection during outdoor mobility and is designed for easy attachment by caregivers or individuals with limited dexterity.5. Seven Material Variants: Bamboo (breathable, year-round), Berber Fleece (winter warmth), Waterproof Berber (maximum weather protection), Waterproof Minky (soft and versatile), Minky Plush (soft and cosy), UPF 50+ Sun Protection (summer outdoor use), and Summer Rain Poncho — ensuring suitability across different climates and conditions.