Having an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) does not mean you should miss out on the ability to dress yourself. There are countless products and alterations to existing products that can help people with disabilities live more independently than they might have thought possible.
You don’t deserve to just live an independent life, though. Everyone deserves to live out loud, especially when it comes to clothing styles. Wearing what you want can also provide numerous benefits to our mental health. Keep reading to learn more about adaptive and easy-access clothing for those with IDDs.
What is Adaptive Clothing?
Adaptive clothing for adults with disabilities refers to clothes with one or more functional upgrades. This might include upgrades that make clothing:
- Easier to put on and take off
- Comfortable enough to wear for long periods without disrupting sensory needs
- More comfortable and functional for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility
One major perk of adaptive clothing is that it’s, well, adaptive! That means the clothing can be adjusted to suit your needs, unlike clothes that you might find at a typical store.
Furthermore, some conditions, like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may cause sensory challenges that necessitate clothing without seams, tags, or coarse fabrics. Having breathable clothing is also important for many people with an IDD.
Below are a few things to look for in adaptive clothing for adults with disabilities.
Magnets, Snaps, and Side Zippers
The mechanisms that normally fasten clothes, such as buttons and zippers, may present challenges for people with disabilities. Someone who has difficulty with fine motor skills may not be able to navigate pushing a small button into the corresponding hole.
Instead of buttons, a shirt might have magnets hidden under the fabric to bring the two sides together. A snap may prove easier to fasten than a button on the top of pants. Someone who uses a wheelchair could make use of pants that unzip from the sides.
Open-back shirts can help people who find it challenging to raise their arms above their heads or bend their elbows. No matter what kind of physical restrictions you may have with your disability, shirts that come in your color are available if you have the ability to do a little searching.
Adaptive Shoes
A common shoe alteration for people with physical limitations is a Velcro, or hook-and-loop, fastening system. Slip-on shoes also work well for plenty of people.
Some conditions and medications may cause edema, or fluid retention, in some people's calves, ankles, and feet. In these cases, expandable shoes and knee-high stockings can be crucial.
Where to Find Adaptive Clothing
Some prominent retailers with brick-and-mortar locations, like Target, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Kohl’s, carry adaptive clothing brands in many of their stores.
If online shopping works better for you, there is no shortage of online shops selling adaptive clothing. You might also find retailers on Etsy or Amazon.
In some cases, a healthcare or support service provider might also be able to help you locate clothing that fits your needs.
Form a Partnership with NeuroNav Today
Accessing necessary products and services can sometimes feel difficult if you or a loved one has an IDD. You deserve independence whenever and wherever possible, and the Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California can help you achieve that.
The SDP gives you great flexibility in choosing services and workers to help you reach your goals, but the process can be quite complex. An independent facilitator, who is paid through your individual budget, can ensure you get the most out of the program.
The team at NeuroNav can help you no matter where you are in the SDP process; we’d be honored to speak with you or a loved one over a free consultation.
