Canberra inventor wins dual design awards for wheelchair blankets
Monika Mironov designed special blankets that solve a key problem. Her blankets won two Australian Good Design Awards for keeping wheelchair users warm.
Monika Mironov is a Canberra mum. She built Mimi Blankets to solve a real problem.
She needed to keep her daughter Sofia warm in her wheelchair. The blanket kept slipping off or catching in the wheels.
The blankets attach firmly to wheelchairs and mobility stroller frames. They have an adjustable neck opening.
They also have a detachable hood and seasonal materials. Mimi Blankets won two Australian Good Design Awards.
The awards were for Product Design, Sport and Lifestyle, and Fashion and Textiles. More than 2000 Mimi Blankets have sold worldwide.
About 75 per cent sold overseas. Monika taught herself manufacturing and product design from scratch.
She drew on feedback from parents, carers, and the disability community. The business has now expanded.
It includes waterproof, cooling, and sun protection products. The company is opening a US warehouse.
It will employ people with disabilities.
- More than 2000
- Blankets sold
- About 75 per cent
- International sales
- Two Australian Good Design Awards
- Design awards
- Sofia has Rett Syndrome
- Founder's daughter
Why it mattersThe design shows something important. Solving one family's real problem led to a product. This product helps thousands of people around the world. It helps them stay comfortable and included.
AustraliaAn Australian innovation winning international recognition and reaching families globally, proving disability-focused design can be both practical and beautiful.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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