Apparel-related participation barriers: ability, adaptation and engagement

Abstract

The lack of adequate accessible apparel for PWD exacerbated barriers to community participation and disablement, and identified the need for innovation in design, production, distribution and sale, of adaptive clothing. Implications for Rehabilitation The lack of adaptive or appropriate clothing or apparel for people living with disabilities can become a barrier, preventing engagement in meaningful activities, yet these barriers are not often explicitly identified. Cultural issues regarding clothing and the process of dressing may become unspoken barriers to engagement in meaningful activities, impacting the way care services are assigned. Rehabilitation professionals may need to take clothing and apparel-related issues faced by their clients into account, so that opportunities for social participation can be maximised.