As the founder of Optivus, I intimately understand the obstacles faced by parents and caregivers when it comes to dressing individuals with special needs. Our mission and story are profoundly personal; they originate from a mother’s love for her son and her determination to make a difference.
My son Liam, the heart and soul of Optivus, was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder called Type 1 glutaric aciduria. This condition interferes with his ability to metabolize protein, leading to severe brain damage. He transformed from a healthy baby to a severely impaired child with stiff limbs and regular spasms. What was once a simple chore of dressing him became a painstakingly long task due to his specific needs.
Despite his condition, Liam harbors an unparalleled enthusiasm for fashion. A new pair of shoes or a fresh shirt fills him with a joy that words cannot describe. Even as a young child, Liam exhibited a discerning eye for color coordination, expressing his preferences through non-verbal means like pointing with his eyes or moving his hands. He asserts his choice of clothes with confidence every morning, even though he cannot verbalize his preferences. Yet, this joy that fashion brings is often clouded by the difficulties we face when trying to dress him, as his coordination issues can make the process unnerving and complicated.
The Creation of Optivus
The creation of Optivus is a response to these challenges. Our goal is to relieve these strains by offering adaptive clothing tailored for individuals with special needs. Our commitment to inclusive fashion drives us to design clothing that not only addresses the unique physical needs of our customers but also honors their personal style and preferences. We firmly believe that everyone deserves to express their personality through their attire and feel confident in their fashion choices, regardless of their abilities.
We at Optivus are set out to combine functional design with fashionable aesthetics, aiming to empower individuals like Liam to dress comfortably and effortlessly. In doing so, we also intend to lighten the load for their caregivers. Our clothing line integrates innovative features like easy-to-use fasteners, adjustable elements, and soft, sensory-friendly fabrics, all with an aim to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dressing experience.