 |
||
|
Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
|
||
|
||
| Yates Association |
|
|
Clothing for People with Disabilities |
|
|
If you have ever had a problem trying to fasten a garment with tiny buttons, or closing a back zipper, you can imagine the problems many people with arthritic hands have in dealing with their clothing. There are other disabilities that can cause the same problem such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and paralysis. Some fairly simple things can be done to clothing, so that people with hand problems can dress themselves more easily. For clothes that are already in the closet, substitute fasteners that are easier to use. Tiny shirt buttons can be very difficult to manipulate, so cut them off, sew them on top of the buttonholes and sew dots, patches or strips of pressure tape (like Velcro) underneath the button holes. The shirt will still have a normal appearance, but it will be much easier to fasten. Cuff buttons have the same problem and have an easier solution. Sew them on with elastic thread. The cuff can stay buttoned permanently while the thread stretches enough to let the hand slip through. Sew loops of twill tape on the inside waistband of pants to make dressing easier. Then the pants can be pulled up with the whole hand instead of having to grasp them with stiff, painful or uncooperative fingers. Change back openings to the front where they are easier to reach and to see. A back zipper in a dress can be moved to the front. This may change the appearance of the dress, but will make it much easier to put on. Wherever zippers are used, it is helpful to attach something to the slider. By adding a piece of ribbon, a large ball button, leather shoelace, curtain ring, tassle, pierced earring or commercially made zipper pull, the slider is much easier to grasp. When buying new clothes, people with hand problems should follow these suggestions. Choose garments that have a minimum of fastenings. Look for easy-on styles or step-in garments. Women don’t need to wear a slip if clothes have linings. Choose clothes that are made of fabrics that slip or glide easily over the skin. These are easier to get into and more comfortable to wear. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
