What makes a product truly accessible? Is it the label slapped on by a store or the experience of someone who relies on it daily? These questions drive Day Undefined, a company with a deeply personal journey and a mission to make accessible living more intuitive and empowering for people with disabilities.
The Story Behind Day Undefined
Kate and Liam, the co-founders of Day Undefined, were inspired to create their company after Kate’s sister, Jen, was diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) at just 20 years old. Jen’s diagnosis came as she was adjusting to college life, and among many challenges, her ability to write was rapidly declining. For Kate, supporting Jen’s independence became a priority—navigating the ups and downs of finding tools that truly met her needs.
From mobility aids to everyday items like cups, utensils, and keyboards, their family experienced firsthand how frustrating and disjointed the process of finding suitable products could be. The bigger issue? Products labeled as “adaptive” or “accessible” often weren’t designed with the disabled user in mind, and the shopping experience frequently prioritized the “patient” perspective over the person.
The Challenges of Finding Accessible Products
Through Jen’s journey, Kate and Liam uncovered four major pain points that people with disabilities encounter when searching for accessible products:
- Medicalized Shopping Experiences
Products marketed as “adaptive” often focus on the medical aspect, ignoring style, personality, or user-friendly design. As a result, shopping experiences can feel cold and outdated, reinforcing stereotypes instead of celebrating individuality. - Lack of Authentic Reviews
How often do you see a product labeled “accessible” with detailed feedback from someone who uses it? Rarely. Customer reviews—especially from disabled users—are often buried or absent altogether. - Overlooking Mainstream Solutions
Many mainstream products can be excellent alternatives to those labeled “adaptive.” Unfortunately, these aren’t widely shared in disability-focused spaces, leaving individuals unaware of accessible options hiding in plain sight. - The “Disability Tax”
It’s common for products marketed as “adaptive” to cost significantly more than similar mainstream items simply because of the label. This unnecessary markup further alienates disabled customers.
Shaking Up the Status Quo
Day Undefined was created to tackle these issues head-on. The company focuses on three core strategies:
- Real Reviews, Real Voices
By sharing honest product reviews and videos from disabled individuals, Day Undefined ensures users can make informed decisions. These insights come from people who know exactly what works—and what doesn’t. - Collaboration with Companies
Day Undefined works with brands to test their products for accessibility and offers feedback to help improve design. It’s about creating products that work seamlessly in real life, not just on paper. - Education and Advocacy
Through webinars, courses, and other resources, the Day Undefined team raises awareness. About the needs of disabled users while empowering individuals with real-life knowledge.
Why It Matters
For Kate and Liam, this isn’t just business—it’s personal. Their vision comes from a desire to transform a frustrating process into something inspiring and user-focused. Whether it’s a rollator that makes mobility smoother or a stylish mug that doesn’t sacrifice function for flair, Day Undefined proves that accessibility can—and should—be both practical and thoughtful.
Join the Movement
Day Undefined isn’t just a brand; it’s a growing community. Through newsletters, social media, and direct outreach, they connect people with disabilities, their allies, and companies eager to make a difference.
Kate and Liam’s work reminds us that accessible living is about more than just products—it is about dignity, independence, and recognizing the entire person behind every purchase.
A Call to Action
We’re so grateful to Kate, Liam, and the Day Undefined team for sharing their story and shedding light on this subject. If their mission resonates with you, consider joining the movement by subscribing to their newsletter, following them online, or sharing your experiences.
Finally, if you’d like to share your journey with Ataxia or get involved in raising awareness, visit Our Community. Here, we can connect, share our stories, and inspire change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone.
