FASHION AND DISABILITY......

In today’s world, fashion has such a huge spectrum and there is a variety of style, ranges, colours and a huge choice available for able bodied people in the society. However, such cannot be said for people living with a physical disability. From paralysis to burns, scars, arthritis to stroke victims, your favourite garment can be rendered unwearable for something as small and simple as a button.

The kind of clothes we wear are an indication of how we feel about ourselves. Sadly, most of the clothes disabled people wear often don’t reflect the kind of person they are and how they feel. Unfortunately, the clothes turn us into disabled people, rather than a person who happened to be disabled.  This fact is often being manipulated by the fashion industry. So what if we are disabled? In this era, we do not only have to contend with disability itself, but also the limited choice of clothes that sets us apart and emphasises our disability.

For this reason, most disabled people rarely go out because they barely can find what fits and often limited to unflattering outfits that does not suit their body shape. This is sad especially for wheelchair users. However, for the wider society, it is believed that fashion for the disabled has nothing to do with fun, sexy or entertainment. Forgetting that whatever happened to the individual with disability happened to the body not the brain except otherwise.

All of this can change because as a person living with a disability, you can tailor your style to suit your body shape and occasion. If you live with a disability there is still choice for you. Focus on those things and areas you like about you, your body type and accentuate them. For me, I shape my fashion sense around my disability, I love to dress up and I play a lot with colours also. I think it is easier to have a signature look that way. The fact that your choices are narrowed down by disability allows you to create a signature look for yourself.

Again contrary to popular believe, disabled people are interested in fashion too. People living with any form of disability should always try to make an effort. You have to choose your best body part and make it stand out. We all have something we love about our bodies, let’s focus on that. Don’t forget to small good and always wear your best accessory ***SMILE***.

Finally, I will advise that you wear what makes you feel great even if no one notices. At the end of the day, loving yourself irrespective of your situation is all that matters. Wear what works for you. Get out there, have fun and enjoy.  

Sharon xxx.