FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Gina Adams is a Farmington Hills mom and entrepreneur who launched a startup to empower people with disabilities. The inspiration came from her stepfather who was diagnosed with Parkinson's.
She saw him lose dexterity and was inspired to try and help him.
"He could no longer take care of himself daily activities like brushing teeth and buttoning shirts," she said.
Adams, who has a background in the apparel industry, came up with Buttons2Button, which are magnetic adapters that are added to button down shirts. They're transferable and machine washable.
"Each piece attaches to your button and button hole and then you can overcome your fine motor skills," Adams said. "You can push your shirt together to close it."
Cherly Angelelli is a wheelchair ballroom dancer. A diving accident left her hands and legs paralyzed. Without fine motor skills, she says a product like this helps restore independence.
"If you have a disability, this product makes your life easier," Angelelli said. "I think this product is going to help a lot of people with arthritis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries... I think the possibilities are endless."
The magnetic adapters are sold in sets of 10 for $30.
Adams recently started a crowdfunding campaign. They're taking pre-orders now to raise capital up front with delivery by December or your money back. They're already about midway to their crowdfunding goal.
Buttons2Button is the first product from Adams' company Wareologie, but she has others in the pipeline.
"There are 30 million people in the U.S. have hand dexterity limitations, so if we can help some people feel better and help alleviate some of their frustration and time, that's my end goal," Adams said.
If you'd like to place a pre-order or contribute, go to: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/buttons-4-a-better-life#/
They also donate $1 per order to the foundation of your choice. This month, they are paying it forward to these foundations:
American Heart and Stroke
Arthritis
Scleroderma
