DESIGNING ADAPTIVE CLOTHING FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED CHILDREN USING WHEELCHAIR

Adaptive clothing is made for patients who struggle to wear and remove off clothing because of disabilities or restricted mobility. This adaptation still accommodates their difficulties while allowing persons with disabilities to dress like their counterparts. It was discovered that the wearer's freedom and independence were increased by this type of adaptable clothes. As the wearer's sense of autonomy and control over their body develops, they are better able to participate fully in their community. This kind of adaptable clothing design increases psychological comfort in addition to physiological comfort by improving the wearer's self-confidence. This study's main objective was to acquire qualitative data regarding the clothing needs of kids with impairments. An open-ended interview schedule with boys of 10-15years of age group and their care takers was used. Data was gathered addressing the physical effects of the handicapping condition that relate to clothes and dressing, the ways of procuring clothing, dressing considerations, clothing needs, and clothing issues that may arise when a support device is employed. A restricted physical movement was observed in every case, and the wheelchair was the most common support equipment. After analyzing the problem area for putting and taking off clothes, the adaptive garments were designed. The designed garments were ranked by the experts from designing field. The collection was found to be highly appropriate. The top ranked design was constructed for final wear trial. It has been discovered that wearing this type of adaptable apparel increases the wearer's freedom and independence. Adaptive clothing increases the wearer’s sense of autonomy and control over their body means that they can more meaningfully participate in their community.