Designing Clothing for Individuals with Locomotor Disabilities

Abstract

The world of individuals with special needs is unique, and those with locomotor dysfunction require special care and attention to feel like an integral part of society, enabling them to think and act like others. To enhance their self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of belonging to the community, clothing can be used as a medium to communicate their equal status in life. When adopting a holistic approach to disability rehabilitation and implementing a socially inclusive model of care, it becomes evident that the clothing-related challenges faced by individuals with disabilities have not been adequately addressed. Consequently, addressing these issues has become a crucial necessity with significant demand from the disabled population in today's society.

This article presents a study on adaptive clothing designed for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the focus was on trousers tailored for people with physical limitations, particularly those who rely on wheelchairs for daily activities. The study employed a research methodology encompassing anthropometric theory, pattern design, textile materials, and actual surveys to determine the clothing needs of individuals with disabilities. It analyzed and evaluated their mobility requirements and perceptions of clothing.