Smergos is the first proudly South African company to specialise in designing, manufacturing and selling accessories for wheelchair users. Co-founders Nick Smit and Nicole Vergos are dedicated to creating a range of wheelchair accessories that are both functional and fun.
Both Nick and Nicole have dealt with their own disabilities for most of their lives and have overcome numerous challenges along the way. At six months old, Nick was involved in a car accident that resulted in cerebral palsy with left hemiplegia. Nicole was born with osteogenesis imperfecta – a congenital disorder characterised by brittle bones that are more easily prone to fracture.
Consequently, she has never been able to walk and is a permanent wheelchair user. Their personal experiences have given them an awareness and understanding of what people with disabilities require and how the current marketplace is failing to meet many of those needs.
Smergos launched to the public at the end of 2015 with a range of wheelchair bags that fit neatly on any wheelchair. Last year, the company won joint second place in the SAB Foundation Disability Empowerment Awards. This was an amazing opportunity and a big leap forward for the business.
Before the win, Smergos was completely self-funded and, as a result, various projects and product developments had to be introduced in phases. The prize money helped the duo to accelerate growth and create new accessories faster. These will be released in the coming months.
Now, Smergos needs your help! The link (below) will take you to a short survey relating to just a few of the new or updated accessories Smergos has to offer. Nick and Nicole would like to find out what you think about their products.
These include:
- The first product from their Cuptain range: a cup or bottle holder that securely clips onto a wheelchair.
- The Biz Bag: a laptop bag specifically designed to carry and protect laptops, tablets, books and other office equipment.
- The zip-tag, which clips securely onto a zip, making it easier to open and close your bag.
- The updated BBF (Best Bag Forever): a bag specifically designed to carry a wide range of personal belongings on a wheelchair.
The survey will take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Note: only persons aged 18 years or older can participate. There is an option at the end of the survey to leave your contact details. By doing so, you’ll automatically be entered in a lucky draw where you stand a chance of winning a Smergos hamper.
Good luck! 😊
Click on the link to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Smergos.
For more information or to keep in touch with the Smergos team, follow them on social media either on Facebook or Instagram.
