International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Inclusivity and celebrating diverse bodies has been at the core of Modibodi's vision since day dot in 2013.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year. It is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally which aims increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities and celebrate their achievements and contributions. This years theme is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

We have always believed in the power of authentic marketing. We choose to use models of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities, and they’ve never been retouched or photoshopped images, despite pressure to do so.

“When I first started Modibodi, I was repeatedly told we'd need super glamorous models to make supposed unmentionable topics (menstruation and incontinence) mentionable to Australian women and the media. I refused to believe this was the only way we could have a presence in the market and from day one we've sourced customers or everyday people from diverse backgrounds to help model and sell our products,” Kristy, Modibodi Founder and CEO.

This year we launched our new Detachable Bikini, which will help more Australians with disabilities manage periods and incontinence. The hook and eye side fastening means the underwear can be put on and removed without having to lift a foot or remove any clothing – giving back independence and allowing ease of changing.

Monique Murphy, an Australian Paralympic swimmer who regularly works with Modibodi, says "We are missing the presence of people with a disability. Mainstream media doesn’t show a realistic image of the range of people that make up our community,"

Monique Murphy modelling our Detachable Bikini

Emily, who was born with cerebral palsy, was eight years old when she began to notice the lack of representation of people with disabilities in mainstream media, especially advertising and marketing.

"I’ve grown up disabled. 13 and half years of Cerebral Palsy. Every minute of every day, I’m disabled. It is who I am. I decided when I was eight years old, I had to use my voice and take control of my “own” story as I didn’t see my disability being included.

I recognised the exclusionary messages in advertising, that people with disabilities were being excluded from mainstream media and advertising. The media told me that my disability was a tragedy. It told me I didn’t exist or belong, and it made me feel invisible. I needed to change those perceptions around disability because many people still think that disabled lives are not worth living.

I love that Modibodi includes girls and women of all different body shapes and sizes. Our bodies are all different and as a young teenage girl it is so important that I get see “real” bodies and bodies just like mine. I obviously also REALLY love that they include disability too!” says Emily.

Now 13, Emily says that Australia still has a long way to go towards equal opportunities for disabled actors and models, but that we are headed in the right direction.

We believe demonstrating awareness and understanding about disability helps change negative stereotypes and helps create a positive and more inclusive society.