Goal 2: Develop centralized resources for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on the available types of adaptive fashion to improve ease of access and quality of life in individuals with disabilities.
The action of an airplane taking off indicates flying up towards the sky in a plane full of strangers. The increased elevation resembles my progress towards reaching my professional goals, and the idea of identifying with strangers to reach a destination resembles my desire to create a resource that can be utilized by all individuals.
Artifact 2: Competence Project – Ball of Wax
Artifact 3: CareZips® Resources
Reflection
The development of central resources that can be utilized by a variety of individuals (e.g., people with disabilities, caregivers of people with disabilities, healthcare professionals) was an informative experience. The feedback I received on the resources I created has exceeded my expectations and taught me how to evolve from constructive criticism.
I chose to make a magnetic button-down shirt, velcro shorts, and velcro shoes to fulfill the test of making the traditional components of an outfit: an upper body garment, a lower body garment, and a pair of shoes. Through the trials of creating adaptive apparel on my own, I gained reassurance of my ability to educate caregivers on simple ways to alter clothing and modify my clients’ clothing to their liking. These resources can also be shared with colleagues interested in modifying their clients’ wardrobe to enhance their independence. Although there are numerous ways to alter apparel, I believe that these videos provide a starting point. This process has enriched my knowledge of what goes into making adaptive apparel and how occupational therapists can utilize these techniques to assist others. After I posted these tutorials, I received feedback from an individual who is blind. I was educated on audio description and felt foolish for not having included this vital feature for those with visual impairments. To make the tutorials more accessible, I added written instructions, links to the audio descriptions, and a written transcript of the audio descriptions. Although these videos have not gained many views so far, these simple adaptations increased my knowledge for future innovations and inclusive thinking. In the end, I came to the realization that adaptive apparel is all about customization. Each individual is unique in terms of their style, fit, and ability. Client feedback is crucial in the process of selecting, fabricating, and sharing adaptive apparel.
My product, Ball of Wax Community, LLC, has empowered me as a clinician and taught me how to establish myself despite being a newer therapist. The systematic review, design, and editing process of this adaptive fashion resource solidified my desire to work with adaptive fashion brands and establish the role of occupational therapists. I learned to not be afraid of receiving constructive criticism and to ask questions without fear of being wrong. As brands began to reach out to me following the launch of Ball of Wax, I realized that it is up to me to determine my self-worth. I was then able to secure a paid position to collaborate and work with the founder of CareZips®, an adaptive clothing brand. I hope to continue expanding the mission of Ball of Wax and learning from others to create a customized resource.
CareZips® is an adaptive clothing brand that is based on one item: pants. Molly Dye, the CEO and founder of CareZips®, saw a need for pants that allow easy access for caregivers while preserving the dignity of an individual following her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Once Molly expressed a need to spread awareness for her brand, we decided to collaborate. I created a brochure for CareZips® that exemplifies the brand’s mission and product. I also conducted research on assistive technology and low back pain among healthcare professionals and produced a handout that Molly could use to present at business meetings and showcases. Furthermore, I developed the CareZips® Instagram page and educated Molly on the importance of web accessibility on social media. I became a consultant to spread awareness on an important adaptive item and as an occupational therapist to develop future adaptive products. Working with an adaptive brand owner has developed my multi-disciplinary professional skills and ability to advocate for occupational therapy’s expertise in addressing common dressing difficulties. I feel that my collaborative efforts with CareZips® and other adaptive fashion brands has only just begun and am looking forward to future innovations.