“We try to add colour to people’s lives because it really changes how you feel, doesn’t it?”

Local mum Monika Mironov and daughter Sofia share a number of things. Their grey eyes, matching smiles, and creative spirit.

It has been over three years since the duo set out to create wheelchair-friendly blankets that throw a splash of colour into the market of grey-and-black disability support products. Monika as the designer, and Sofia as the muse.

“We got the idea when we were going for a walk in the winter time, I would have lots of layers on Sofia, one or even two blankets,” says Monika.

“Sofia loves the outdoors. She gets ‘dancing legs’ when we go out. They bounce up and down and, of course, the layers would slip off and into her wheels.

“Every few metres I’d have to stop and rearrange everything.”

She smiles warmly to Sofia at her side. “To make sure that you’re warm.”

“It was after that walk, when we got home, that we thought we just need to create something that stays on, is comfortable, and super warm.”

Monika taught herself to sew through YouTube tutorials when Sofia’s older brother Nicholas was born. A graphic designer by trade, she was inspired by Sofia to create the Magical Bird Garden design.

“Sofia tested all the blankets I sewed.”

She pauses, turns to her daughter. “Sofia, if you would like to say anything you can interrupt Mama anytime.”

“Work,” says Sofia, through her Eye gaze device. And work they did.

They sold a few blankets on Etsy and were met with gushing praise from several mums. The new ‘Mimi blankets’ were also excellent for strollers.

“With my part-time work as a graphic designer, I just couldn’t keep up sewing the blankets, so I thought maybe let’s make something out of this, especially if other families need this type of blanket.

“We made a Kickstarter and actually raised $13,000. A lot of those funds went towards donating a blanket to someone in need.

“We’ve donated 14 blankets to date and have raised enough to donate up to 80.”

Monika didn’t have to look further than her doorstep to find places wanting the product, including the Canberra Hospital paediatric ward and the NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation) Centre in Sydney.

Sofia, who is known to most by her Polish name, Zosia [Zaw–shah], has a rare neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome which affects around one in 10,000 people. It occurs almost exclusively in girls, being a random mutation to the X chromosomes.

According to Monika, Rett is much like having Cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Parkinson’s disease, and anxiety disorder all at once.

“Sofia can understand everything. She’s very, very smart. It’s just that her brain doesn’t cooperate with the rest of her body,” says Monika.

In spite of the challenges, Sofia is all smiles.

“She’s just such a happy, sociable girl. And cheeky, as we found out ever since she’s started using the Eye gaze.”

“Sofia loves colour just as much as I do … A lot of disability equipment is quite dull and not overly creative or fun … When Sofia chooses the colours, it always seems to be vibrant and bright.”

After years of poring over the little details that she knows will matter to customers like Sofia, Monika has finally “perfected” her design, which includes a detachable hood, a soft minky material for sensory issues, and side straps to stop the blanket from lifting in the wind.

The blankets are available in different materials for the seasons, including a waterproof option.

This is all in addition to the original design, which features a large neck hole for the comfort of wearers, and ease for carers.

“I know special needs kids don’t always like to have something put over their face,”’ Monika says.

“The Mimi blankets aren’t only for special needs. They’re really for everyone in need. We want everyone to know that you can really use it anywhere.”

Monika says it’s been “surreal” to see a product she originally created just for Sofia spread to so many other communities in need.

“We’ve realised how much we can help the rest of the community,” she says.

“Why not?” chimes in Sofia.

Her mum laughs. “Exactly, why not? It’s a wonderful feeling when we send off a blanket that we know will make someone’s life easier, because that’s what it’s done for us.

“It’s been amazing to get the photos. A lot of parents send photos of their little ones in the blanket, with a big smile on their face, and that’s just the best feeling.”

To purchase a Mimi blanket or donate one to someone in need, visit mimiblankets.com.au

Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.