Clothed with dignity

When I start getting Rachel and Janneke ready for their day, one of the first things I do is ask, “What do you want to wear today?” Often, I am simply answered with a smile. Sometimes they can give me an indication with eye gaze if I present two options. Their eyes might rest longer on one shirt than the other. I can only wonder about their favourite pieces and preferred colours.

Wearing your feelings

When I was in high school, I remember asking my mom to sew paisley fabric along the seams of my pants; I wanted something different from everyone else. For many, clothing can be a way to express individuality, and, according to scientists H. Adam and A. Galinsky (2012), there’s a relationship between how we feel, how we behave, and what we wear called “enclothed cognition.”

Yet having the ability to dress according to personal choice or comfort is a privilege not all can access or afford. Persons with disabilities and physical challenges are often restricted with clothing options, particularly if they are unable to get dressed independently.

Just like the other kids

I’m reminded of entrepreneurs like Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams Foundation who works with retailers to adapt clothing for all needs. This amazing mom’s idea was born out of learning her son Oliver wanted to still dress like his peers while adjusting to his degenerative condition of muscular dystrophy. She believes choosing clothing that accommodates mobility aids and prosthetic limbs (just to name a few) shouldn’t be difficult or unattractive; it should be accessible and mainstream fashion.

Now with the cold days approaching, I need to make sure the girls are warm when they travel to school or get outside for a walk with their class. Over the years, we’ve tried different options such as ponchos or blankets, and for a few years, Rachel wore a beautiful cover created by my sister Jess.

A few years ago, we knew we needed something more durable, and it had to accommodate the girls’ custom designed wheelchairs. This meant it had to cover their extremities, but it also had to be open at the back, as nothing bulky could wrap around their torsos in their snug-fit chairs. We came across coat systems created by a company named Koolway, and the girls were able to get hand-made, custom fit covers that fit from shoulder to toe.

Meaningful mode

Though it is true there is so much more to a person than what they wear or how they dress, magnetic closures, velcro, adjustable hems, and rear zippers on shoes are just a few ways that persons with disabilities, seniors and others with physical limitations can manage what so many of us take for granted: dignity in dressing. As for our kids and offering them choices from their wardrobes, we think Rachel prefers wearing purple and Janneke likes anything blue.