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Life changed dramatically for Delma Tshabalala when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, but now, she's a hailing designer, creating adaptive wear for people living with multiple disabilities.
READ: What to know about multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the central nervous system
Tshabalala said before her diagnosis, she fell so ill that at some point she was in a wheelchair and blind because doctors turned her away seeing nothing wrong.
She said for many years, she had no answers and was very frustrated. However, doctors only suspected she had signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis because there were very rare cases of the disease in the country.
To turn the situation around, the mother of three said she began to sew her own clothes and altered the ones she already had.
She added:
"My range offers customised blazers, easy-to-wear shirts that have extra zippers and openings to accommodate every body type. I also make clothes for short people and those who don't have mobility, whether on the upper body or lower body or the entire body."
Tshabalala said most people who had the disease would not know sometimes because of how costly the tests were.
The MRI scan with health insurance was around R30 000 to R35 000.
"Doctors say I'm one of the few cases of multiple sclerosis black patients in the country. I feel that more awareness needs to be created and people need to take the symptoms very seriously."
Tshabalala said her brand restored the dignity of many people living with disabilities because always asking for help was making her uncomfortable.
South Africa has a population of 7% of people living with disabilities. As age progresses, the percentage increases to 53.2% from the age of 85.
READ: Schizophrenia identified as mental disorder with the most adverse economic outcomes
"Asking people to take my pants or clothes off was embarrassing for me. My husband was the only person I was comfortable with so when he was at work I was struggling."
Tshabalala said her diagnosis helped her to learn to listen to her body.
"I feel so great to be alive and I make sure I do everything I can when my body allows."
She said she could also drive short distances, sketch her designs and sew them.
Through stylish features like adjustable fastenings, magnetic buttons, velcro and other accessible elements, Wearapy adaptive allows people with physical disabilities to live more freely and independently, while still looking chilled and refined.
