One of the amazing companies that support us, has recently written an article featuring us on their blog.
For most of us, getting dressed in clothes of our choice is something we take for granted. Different styles, fits, lengths and patterns – high street to high-end – the options are endless.
But have you ever considered what it might be like getting dressed with a mobility impairment? Or when your body shape and medical accessories mean your clothes never look quite right?
For somebody with a disability, this can be a very real challenge. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the charity Dressability, who are taking steps towards solving this problem.
DRESSABILITY
Dressability is a UK charity offering clothing adaptations for adults and children with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
By providing discreet alterations, the team at Dressability can give their clients the choice to wear clothes they really like, take pride in their appearance, and get dressed and undressed independently.
By engaging with the individual challenges faced by their clients, the team at Dressability can create bespoke clothing tailored to meet their needs.
THE CHALLENGE
One of the biggest challenges Dressability face is getting the word out to potential clients about their incredible service and demonstrating the potential life changing effects of their work. At FatFace, we have donated several boxes of clothing to Dressability, so they can create sample kits of their work.
Each kit contains five or six adapted garments, and are delivered to organisations such as care homes, stroke units, special education schools, and other disability services.
The clothing has all been cleverly adapted with individual magnets behind buttons, Velcro back openings, special trouser loops, invisible zips, and more. They are designed to help people who may have trouble doing up small buttons or lifting their arms above their heads, or even to create discreet spaces for medical accessories.
The sample kits are ensuring that as many people with disabilities can learn about the service as possible, so they can begin to imagine how they too might look and feel dressed in modern clothing of their own choice.
“The overall benefit generated by the kind donation of clothing from FatFace is huge and a great many people with disabilities have learned of our service through the samples that you have provided.” “Some items of clothing are more suitable than others but nothing that comes to us is ever wasted. For example, Dressability have connections with other local charities and are able to pass on any excess winter clothing for people who find themselves homeless during winter.” Sharon Tombs, Dressability Manager
THE LIFE CHANGING IMPACT OF USER-FRIENDLY CLOTHING
Difficulties with fabric, fit and fastenings can really restrict some people’s ability to choose and wear clothes that reflect their personal style and preferences. While it might not seem like a big priority to everyone, it can seriously impact some people’s pride in their appearance, their self-esteem, and how they feel about themselves.
By providing on-trend, user-friendly clothing to people with mobility impairments, Dressability are giving them a new level of independence. Being able to dress and undress themselves, choose an outfit they feel great in, and wear clothes from places like FatFace, just like their friends, can have a life changing impact that should never be underestimated.
