When Paralympian Chloe Ball-Hopkins
collaborated with ASOS to design some clothes that were suitable for wheelchair users, we knew that dressing aids for disabled people were getting more prominent. Chloe's design of a waterproof all-in-one is particularly suitable for wheelchair users because "the jacket and trousers zip together and are fully waterproof. The hem’s also a little longer at the back, to stop it from riding up when you’re getting from A to B”. That design at ASOS is not the only way for disabled people to have clothing that is more suitable for their needs. Marks and Spencer has come out with an
easy-dressing range of clothes for disabled children, which are easier to put on and take off, plus "all-in-ones that allow for a cast (for hip dysplasia) to tees and dresses with discreet pockets for feeding tubes, the range uses the softest materials, the fewest seams possible and hidden care labels that won’t irritate sensitive skin". As well as specialised clothes, it is possible to buy dressing aids that make regular clothes easier to get on and off. In this post, we are going to look at a handful of those available:
Silk zipper ties
If you're a man (or a dapper woman) who wants to look super smart for an event, you will want to wear a silk tie. But many disabled people find it very difficult to tie a tie, especially if they have difficulty using their hands and arms.
This range of silk zipper ties that can be put on and taken off with just one hand is ideal to look the part without needing assistance getting dressed.
Zip pull
People who struggle with manual dexterity can find the action of getting hold of a zip and pulling it really tricky.
This stylish zip pull can be attached to any zip and used to make it easy to deal with zips in any item of clothing. You can even use it with gloves on!
Dressing stick deluxe
This
dressing stick deluxe has hooks designed to help you with every aspect of getting dressed. It can help the user to put on trousers, shirts, socks and more and is a sturdy design that will last.
Shoe horn
If reaching down or bending down is difficult for you, then putting shoes on can be a chore. With this
navy shoe horn you can slide your shoes on without having to bend down at all.
Leg lifter
If somebody's lower body strength is weakened or they have trouble bending or reaching down, this
single hoop leg lifter is a webbing strap with stiffened stem that allows them to move a stiff or immobile leg, when getting into or out of a bed, a wheelchair, or using a footstool, and is also an ideal aid when dressing. The upper loop fits around the hand and wrist, and the lower loop slides over the foot to give control when lifting the leg.
Sock-on aid
Like with the leg lifter and the shoe horn, the
sock-on aid is perfect for people who have trouble reaching downwards or lifting their legs up. You no longer have to struggle with getting socks on, as its "lightweight design with non slip outside surface, aids putting on socks and stockings without bending down".
Bra buddy
If you are getting dressed one-handed, perhaps because you've had a stroke, have broken your arm, or are an amputee, fastening your bra can be virtually impossible. Thanks to the
bra buddy, which holds one side of your bra strap still so you can hook the other side onto it with ease, you will be able to dress independently without the need for assistance.
Ready-to-wear disability clothing
As well as using these accessories, you can also get specialist clothing that is designed to meet the needs of disabled people. As well as the ASOS and M&S clothing mentioned above, we also love
The Able Label,
Rackety's,
Adaptawear and
Able2 Wear. If you want to get hold of the zip pull, the sock-on aid or the shoe horn, you can get them
here on the dressing aids page of our website.
