Jo is a mum of three and a creative spirit with a background in early childhood education and a passion for art, craft, and community. Her youngest son, Teddy, is a Manawanui customer who lives with cerebral palsy and other complex needs. Like many parents navigating disability support, Jo knows how important it is for children to feel proud of their equipment and their identity.
With Teddy’s support needs in mind, Jo applied to Manawanui’s Fund for Good to bring their idea to life: a project called YOU-NIQUE Disability Equipment Design Vinyls. With the help of a Cricut cutting machine and materials, Jo’s goal is to create custom stickers and vinyl designs to personalise wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility equipment for Teddy and others in the community.
The idea came about when Jo realised Teddy had outgrown the cartoon-themed stickers on his wheelchair, but updating them came with an unaffordable price tag. Wanting to make something more accessible, Jo set out to create customised vinyl designs that reflect personal identity and culture, including Māori-inspired elements, so that people could see themselves in the equipment they use every day.
Since receiving the funding, Jo has already supported 10 clients, creating decals for multiple pieces of equipment. She’s had wonderful feedback from parents who say their children are thrilled – some kids expressing joy with words, others through body language or stims. Teddy’s loved being part of the process too, and is always coming up with new requests – Minecraft is next on the list!
Although she doesn’t plan to turn this into a business, Jo hopes to offer the service locally with an optional koha (donation) to help cover material costs. Long-term, Jo dreams of this project becoming a community resource, helping tamariki (children) and adults alike take pride in their equipment and feel more seen and celebrated.
Through this creative outlet, Jo says she’s also found her own healing. What started as a personal project has become a way to connect, uplift others, and promote self-expression.
“There is something very empowering about having choices and options when not having control over a disability that affects our everyday lives,” she says.
Jo & Teddy’s story was also featured in a Stuff article – read more here