b'Life with MSAAddaappttiivveeCCllootthhiinnggaannddWWhhyyiittMMaatttteerrssFc Fiinnddaappppaarreellooppttiioonnsstthhaattooffffeerrcoommffoorrtt,,iinnddeeppeennddeennccee,,aannddssaaffeettyyIn the past few years, the adaptive clothingdesigned with utility rather than fashion in market has exploded, with major retailers suchmind. as Target, Kohls, JCPenny, Zappos, TommyBut disabled people span every age and Hilger, Lands End, and QVC getting into thewalk of life, with varying needs for adaptation. space. But what exactly is adaptive clothing,Thankfully,today,designersarecreating and why does it matter? adaptive clothing for all ages and levels of What is adaptive clothing?abilities in a variety of modern styles. This Adaptive clothing includes clothes, shoes,can allow individuals to meet their clothing and outerwear designed for the specic needsneeds without feeling like they have to sacrice of individuals with various disabilities andthe types of clothing they prefer. physical limitations. Traditionally, it can beIf you havent looked at todays adaptive adapted to support a persons ability to dressclothing, consider some of the ways it could independently, quickly access medical deviceshelp you. The list below gives examples of or facilitate toileting access, enhance comfort,common reasons individuals with multiple or promote safety. But with the involvement ofsclerosis use adaptive clothing and examples major designers and retailers, it now serves anof types of apparel that may be helpful in additionalpurpose.Fashionableadaptivethese areas. clothing can allow a person with disabilities toAccess:Someclothingisdesignedfor maintain their sense of self in a changing body,easy access to medical devices or parts of the expressthemselves,andhelpcontrolhowbody. For example, individuals who receive others perceive them.their medication by IV infusion may benet Changing attitudes toward adaptive clothing.from adaptive jackets that have a zipper on the Clothing choice is an important way wearm, allowing healthcare providers access to a express our personalities, show others howvein withoutsacricing warmthandcomfort. we see ourselves, and can also inuence howThose who need quick access for toileting or others see us and what they believe about us.catheterization might use undergarments that So having clothing options that are consistentfasten with Velcro or snaps for easy removal with our self-perception and with the imagewithout bending. Individuals who use leg braces, we want to convey to others is important toAFOs, or functional electrical stimulation devices our well-being. forwalkingmaybenetfrompantswith In the past, adaptive clothing was mainlyroomier and zippered lower legs, allowing for designed for the convenience of caregiversdevice access.that dressed individuals needing assistance,Comfort: Adaptive clothing can provide such as those in nursing homes, paralyzedgreater comfort for people with pain, heat persons, or disabled children. The clothes wereintolerance,orwhoarewheelchairusers. msfocusmagazine.org 8'