Words Matter: A Content Analysis of the Definitions and Usage of the Terms for Apparel Marketed to People Living With Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain a baseline understanding of the terms currently used to define apparel for people living with disability (PLWD) and to encourage discussion for satisfying the apparel needs and wants of PLWD. The objectives were to conduct a literature review of the terms—adaptive, functional, universal design, and inclusive design—to survey how these terms are used in the marketplace, and to compare their usage to that in the literature. The results of a content analysis showed that adaptive is the most popular term used in the marketplace, yet, according to the literature review, reflects a medical model of disability. The term functional reflects a utilitarian purpose in the literature, with minimal application for PLWD in the marketplace. The terms universal and inclusive design are rarely used to define apparel for PLWD in the marketplace despite the heavy focus in the literature.