July marks Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a spotlight on a condition too often misunderstood or overlooked; Juvenile Arthritis (JA). For advocates and supporters, this month is about education and action. But for the children and families living with JA everyday, this isn’t just a month – it’s their reality.

What is Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile Arthritis is an umbrella term for several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions causing persistent joint swelling, pain, and stiffness in children under 16. Unlike adult arthritis, which is caused mainly by wear and tear, JA results from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own joints. This can affect mobility, growth, and overall quality of life.

The Daily Reality

JA is not just occasional aches or tiredness – it’s a chronic illness that disrupts childhood. Tasks many take for granted, like holding a pencil, climbing stairs, or playing with friends, can become overwhelming challenges.

Brianna was diagnosed with JA at just five years old. She recalls:

"I was born premature when my mom had an aneurysm, and I was diagnosed with JA when I was five. It started with a swollen ankle. I went to the doctor, and he thought I had fractured it, so he put me in a cast. Later, my parents noticed my right hand was swollen, so I went to the doctor again. They thought I fractured it, even though I never fell or hurt myself, and I was put in another cast. While I was dealing with two casts, my mom noticed my left hand was swollen, so I was admitted to the hospital. It was there that the doctors ran some tests and were able to diagnose me with arthritis."

Brianna’s story powerfully reminds us that juvenile arthritis can be difficult to recognise, even by trained medical professionals. Her journey highlights a common and troubling pattern: early symptoms like joint swelling or stiffness are often mistaken for injuries or growing pains, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. These delays can result in prolonged discomfort, unnecessary treatments, and lost time in starting the therapies that could prevent further joint damage. This is why awareness is so essential. When parents, teachers, healthcare providers and communities are informed about the signs of JA, children like Brianna are more likely to be accurately diagnosed and treated early, offering them a better chance at preserving their mobility and quality of life.

But awareness goes beyond simply recognising symptoms. It‘s also about transforming how we think about invisible illnesses—­conditions that may not leave noticeable marks but still have a profound impact. Juvenile arthritis doesn’t always look like an illness from the outside. A child might appear fine on some days while silently enduring pain, fatigue, or stiffness. This invisibility often leads to misun­der­standing and stigma, where children are labelled as lazy, overly dramatic, or difficult.

Changing that perception requires a cultural shift. Awareness means building compassion and creating supportive environments in every space a child enters—schools, playgrounds, homes, and medical offices. It means encouraging flexible school policies for attendance and participation, ensuring that classrooms are physically accessible, and educating peers and educators to understand what living with JA can look like. It also means emotional support for families who often feel isolated, navigating a complex and lifelong diagnosis.

When we move beyond facts and embrace empathy, we validate the experiences of children with JA and empower them. Awareness is the first step toward equality, inclusion, and healing.

The Ongoing Responsibility

Juvenile arthritis is more than a diagnosis; it is a daily challenge requiring resilience, support, and understanding. This July, as we observe Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, let us commit to learning more, supporting those affected, and advocating for a future where children with JA can thrive.

What Is Purple Tuesday? 

Purple Tuesday 2023, celebrated on the second Tuesday of November, is a global movement aimed at making businesses and organisations more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. At Tenura, we are dedicated to championing this cause. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of Purple Tuesday, our commitment to accessibility, and how we're working towards a more inclusive world.

Why Purple Tuesday Matters:

Purple Tuesday is more than just a day on the calendar; it's a reminder of the essential role of accessibility and inclusivity in our society. It calls upon businesses to prioritise inclusivity and disability awareness to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Tenura's Commitment:

At Tenura, we understand the importance of creating a world where everyone has equal access and opportunities. Our dedication to this cause goes beyond a single day, but Purple Tuesday serves as an annual milestone to reaffirm our commitment. Here are some of the steps we've taken and continue to take to support this mission:

1. Accessible Products: We design and provide a range of innovative, anti-slip and grip-enhancing products that make everyday tasks more accessible for individuals with limited hand strength or mobility challenges.
2. Educational Resources: We offer educational materials, tips, and guides to help individuals and caregivers create safer and more accessible living environments.
3. Community Engagement: We collaborate with organisations and communities focused on accessibility and inclusivity, sharing insights and experiences to contribute to positive change.
4. Feedback and Improvement: We actively seek feedback from our customers, users, and partners to improve our products and ensure they meet the evolving needs of the disability community.

Inclusivity for All:

Our vision is to empower individuals with disabilities, offering products and resources that enhance their daily lives and foster a sense of independence. By creating accessible solutions, we aim to remove the obstacles that limit opportunities and ensure that everyone can participate fully in their chosen activities and experiences.

As we observe Purple Tuesday, we recommit ourselves to the values of inclusivity and accessibility. At Tenura, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to lead fulfilling lives without limitations. Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. Join us on this journey, and let's make inclusivity an everyday reality.

Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and initiatives from Tenura as we work together for a more inclusive and accessible future.