MDF Magazine Issue 62 7 August 2020 (7)

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How to Dress to Impress with AdaptiveClothingBy Vantage MobilityWhat is adaptive clothing, and why is it important?Adaptive clothing is a form of assistive technology, likecanes for walking or glasses for seeing, made specificallyfor people with disabilities. There are certain distinctions inadaptive clothing that make getting dressed easier for peoplewith disabilities. The options are geared toward specificdisabilities or ailments, such as magnetic buttons and slip-ontennis shoes for people with arthritis or Parkinson’s.Stephanie Thomas, a disability fashion stylist and founder ofCur8able.com, says disability-friendly clothing is often timesmore comfortable and in some cases, safer to wear. She alsosays it gives people with disabilities the independence andfreedom to dress themselves according to their own personalstyle.But consider this:While most able-bodied people can head into a store atthe mall and find something they like, many people inwheelchairs cannot. Sometimes it’s because of thedifficulty in wheeling around small shops or weaving inbetween people. But perhaps the most prominent reason isthere simply aren’t accessible clothing options for peoplewith seated body types.Think about it:When was the last time you saw a rack of clothes designedfor people in wheelchairs? And though this article featuresseveral disability clothing brands, many of which can onlybe accessed online, Thomas emphasizes that people withdisabilities need so many more options.12Of the available adaptive clothing companies out there,Thomas says there are still many styles not reflected, likegrunge, preppy and more.Now what we need to realize is this:If able bodies can choose any style to express themselves,why can’t people with disabilities? To learn how to advocatefor more disability clothing options and to learn how to makethe most of your personal style right now, check out thefollowing tips.5 Steps to Dressing Stylishly for People withDisabilitiesInvest in adaptive clothing, and here’s why:• Whereas regular trousers might rise near the ankle or thewaistline might be pulled down and expose one’s backsideupon sitting, adaptive pants are specifically made tocombat those issues.• Adaptive tops with three-quarter or full-length sleeveshave extra material near the elbow, making it morecomfortable to set arms on wheelchair armrests.• Adaptive clothing is usually made with softer, sweatresistant fabric that is more gentle on skin and helpsavoid skin sores.• Adaptive clothing provides more accessible fasteningoptions: be it zippers in easier-to-reach areas, magneticbuttons, or elastic materials to avoid fasteners all together,disability-friendly clothing makes getting dressed less of ahassle. That means you can focus on what really matters:looking good and feeling good!• Just remember, like a nice suit for work or a dress for aformal event, adaptive clothing should be considered an
MDinvestment purchase. This is apparel that caters to yourexact body type and will most likely be more expensivethan non-adaptive clothes.Befriend a tailor• Especially for people who are temporarily disabled or notin a place to invest in adaptive clothing, tailors can makegreat alternatives. Ask a tailor to examine your nice piecesof clothing and see if he or she can let out some of the hemsto provide more comfort room in the creases of your body,like your waist, knees, elbows, etc.Understand your body shape to choose the most flatteringclothes• Want to look taller? Thomas says wearing deep-cut shirtswill elongate the line from chin to chest and make your upperbody appear longer.• Have narrow shoulders? Thomas says halters are an extremelyflattering option.• Have thick, muscular arms? Sometimes spaghetti strapscan make this shape arm appear overpowering. Instead, trytank tops with thick straps. Thomas says this option canhelp balance the body.Look for adaptive qualities in non-adaptive clothing• Lowered pockets or pockets with zippers: For people inwheelchairs, pockets are often useless because the contentwill pour out the sides and onto the wheelchair. Find zipperedpockets or pockets near the calf area to avoid this.• Avoid double seams or thick, itchy materials: Fabric likethis is more likely to cut into or irritate the skin. This canlater lead to skin sores and serious infections.• Wicking material: Like athletic wear, clothes withwicking materials are sweat resistant and will help preventskin sores.• Minimal rivets: Those metal pieces, often used in denimor as decorative material, can dig into skin and cause skinsores and irritation.• Conveniently placed buttons and zippers: The convenienceof a button or zipper is dependent on the person with thedisability. Consider what’s best for you when shopping.Wear what makes you feel good• Always choose outfits that make you feel confident. If afriend loves a certain outfit on you but you don’t, ditch it!You’re the one wearing it; your opinion matters the most.*Bonus Tip: Putting outfits together in a way that looks goodand makes you feel confident is sometimes harder than itsounds. Men or women who struggle to curate a stylish wardrobeshould consider hiring a personal stylist, like Thomas,to help them get started. Sometimes it just takes a peer’s helpand advice to get the fashion ball rolling.Disability-Friendly Apparel for People withDisabilities– via cur8able.com• Nike (HyperAdapt 1.0 shoe available holiday season2016)• ABL Denim• Able 2 Wear• Ag apparel• Brt Adaptive• Chairmelotte• Disabled Gear• Downs Designs• Endless Abilities Jeans• IZ Adaptive• Kathy D Woods• Koolway Sports• LegaWear• Liz & Ett• MagnaReady• Rackety’s• Rolling Elephants• Rolli Moden• Rollitex• Rollin’ Wear• Ross Daniel Adaptive Apparel• Simple Closures• Shoes of Prey• USA Jeans• WheelieChix-Chic*Check out Cur8able.com for discount codes to some of theabove-mentioned brands.How to Advocate for more Disability-Friendly Fashion OptionsSocial media• Use Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and even Snapchat toreach out directly to your favorite companies and ask formore adaptive clothing options.Send an email to customer service• Not a social media person? Search the company’s websiteand contact them via email or online forum. Remember,Thomas says, “Your money is green.” You have buyingpower, and because of that, companies should want toserve you. You just have to let them know you’re there.Be consistent; start a coalition of like minded friends• Chances are, you’re going to feel like a needle in a haystackreaching out to giant clothing companies if you’re alone.Don’t let that discourage you. Find a group of like-mindedindividuals and make plans to send dozens of messages tothese companies. The more people asking for change, themore likely it is to occur.Article available at: https://www.vantagemobility.com/blog/dress-stylish-adaptive-clothing• Tommy Hilfiger’s Runway of Dreams Line ( a kidscollection)13
Page 1 and 2: Summer Issue 62August 2020MDF merch
Page 3 and 4: 05 MDF notice board06 National news
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Page 8 and 9: MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY FOUNDATION OF SO
Page 10 and 11: MDor Power ChairBy Vantage Mobility
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MDF Magazine Issue 62 7 August 2020 (7)

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