Experiences of people living with disability vary a great deal but the need for independence is a universal aspiration.
From an early age, the ability to dress independently can be a wonderful accomplishment in building independence; this statement becomes even more profound when you have a disability.
However, it can be a choice between compromise, functionality and presentation, which should not have to be made.
A few issues when dressing independently include not being comfortable when wearing coats and jackets as the fabric reduces the range of motion required when using a manual wheelchair. Fitted pants that are not practically designed for sitting in a wheelchair; I find that the fitting in the waist is impractical for sitting. Finally, the most challenging for me being unable to manoeuvre and wrangle paralysed feet into shoes.
This is my frustrating journey into independently dressing for the day and with the assistance of my support coordinator, solutions have been found to enable me to dress independently with limited shoulder mobility, reduced dexterity, and paralysis.
Zippers, buttons and magnetic clasps
It is nice to be all rugged up with a good-looking coat during the chillier months. For me, coats with zippers or buttons must be comfortable and move in a wheelchair. Two-way zippers are the solution. The zipper can be opened from the bottom, allowing the bottom of the coat to flare out neatly when sitting.
A larger zipper tab surface is easy to hold with reduced dexterity. Additionally, products like “I-shaped zip pulls” or “U-shaped zip pulls” can be added to any type of pre-existing zipper, allowing for easier opening. Some companies
offer coats with magnetic clasps.
Some variety of pants, such as typical jeans, make independent dressing incredibly challenging due to press studs, low rise at the back and the practicality of trying to pull them up. Finding a solution was also difficult. Trackpants are the easiest option, but I can’t imagine presenting myself for an interview wearing them.
Elastic waisted pants can be found in many fabrics, including the look of jeans, and are fairly stretchy. This makes dressing a
simpler process. High-waisted pants are more comfortable when sitting in a wheelchair and are often easier to use for individuals with reduced mobility. There are specially designed jeans and pants for people who sit in a wheelchair or use other assistive devices.
Velcro top opening shoes are helpful when dealing with paralysed or uncooperative feet. Currently, my favourite option is to have sneakers and leather shoes with a zipper around the perimeter to completely open up the shoes. For me, there is something almost magical about having a completely ordinary-looking shoe with laces for presentation, and then an easily
accessible zipper for functionality. There are a few options when it comes to socks. Devices are specifically made to put socks on and off. I find low-cut socks are easier to get.
There are many clothing options to accommodate a variety of disabilities. The Support coordinators at Ability Connect are knowledgeable on finding the right occupational therapists for learning tasks related to independent dressing. They are also able to source items that will assist you in independently dressing, without the compromise of functionality or presentation; and most importantly enable you to look and feel great.
Book a Discovery Call to find out how we can help empower you to participate in your community.