This post was adapted from a parent handout created by one of our occupational therapy student interns.
Dressing skills are a major milestone for most kids. Being able to choose and put on clothing and accessories helps kids build their sense of identity and independence. Dressing can be more difficult for kids with disabilities. Luckily in recent years adaptive clothing and accessories have become much more available. Below we have some examples of clothes that can make dressing easier and more successful.
Adaptive Shoes
Nike FlyEase
Nike FlyEase offers sneakers that are lace-free and have zippered heels to allow kids to get into them and remove them easily. They are offered in a variety of colors and designs to infants, toddlers, and older kids.
BILLY Footwear
BILLY Footwear offers shoes that combine fashion and function. These shoes have zippers that go along the side and toe of each shoe; this allows for the shoe to open and fold over. Kids are able to get these shoes on and off easily. They are offered in a variety of styles and colors and promote independence for kids, teens, and adults.
Hatchbacks Footwear
Hatchback Footwear offers shoes for kids that adapt to leg braces. Each shoe is made with unique technology that allows the shoe to bend in half to accommodate for the child’s foot and brace, then it comes back together to encase the foot with a wide Velcro strap and adjustable buckles.
Adaptive Clothing
Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive Clothing Line
Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive clothing line has fosters independence with innovative and functional design modifications that make getting dressed easier for the family. They offer adaptive clothing lines for kids and adults with outfits to fit prosthetics, increase ease of movement, and a variety of styles for individuals using wheelchairs.
Independence Day Adaptive Clothing Line
Independence Day Adaptive clothing features items that can be worn both frontwards and backwards. These clothing items are loose-fitting, comfortable, and affordable. They offer clothing options for both kids and teenagers.
Cat & Jack by Target Adaptive Clothing Line
Target offers a clothing line for kids that features clothing that can accommodate wheelchairs, as well as has hidden spaces for feeding tubes, and can fit into school uniforms. Their clothing options are functional, sensory friendly and increase ease of dressing.
Adaptive Jewelry
Jewelry Helpers
Jewelry helpers are magnetic closures and fastening aids for small screws or hooks to help individuals fasten a bracelet or necklace. Jewelry helpers are particularly helpful for kids or teens who have hand weakness and have trouble fastening jewelry. Jewelry helpers are available on Amazon.
Munchables Chewelry
The Munchables Sensory Shop has developed stylish chewable necklaces for adults and teens with special needs. It is available in a variety of colors and designs. This adaptive jewelry is available for kids or teens who are seeking increased oral input and sensory regulation.
Hearing Aid Charms
Patti + Ricky of The Adaptive Fashion Marketplace offer hearing aid charms that fit all types of hearing aids and hang safely from cochlear implant cords. They are designed to look like earrings and fit above the ear or by the ear molds.
Cochlear Cuties by Patti + Ricky
Patti + Ricky of The Adaptive Fashion Marketplace also offer Cochlear Cuties that are designed to look like hair barrettes. Kids can slip them over the headpiece or slip it over the earpiece to add some fun and sparkle.
Adaptive Accessories
Myself Belts
JCPenney’s and Amazon offers adaptive belts for young kids and teens. Myself Belts are manageable with one hand, are available in a variety of styles, and are great for kids and teens with disabilities. The belt features an adaptive, removable buckle and it will help promote your child’s independence in their dressing tasks.
Adaptive Shoelaces
Amazon offers a variety of stylish adaptive shoelaces to promote your child’s independence in this self-care skill. Various colors and styles are available to best fit your child’s shoes. For more information on adaptive shoelace recommendations, feel free to contact your child’s OT.
Wheelchair Cupholder
This device will allow any student who uses a wheelchair to carry more of their materials to increase their independence.
Crutch Bag
This lightweight bag is easy to install on crutches with Velcro straps. This bag will help any student navigating their school environment on crutches to carry their drink, phone, headphones, sunglasses, or other small items.
Wheelchair Bag
Wheelchair bags and totes are available in a variety of styles and allow individuals to carry and store their personal items to increase their independence.
Do you have other adaptive clothing or accessories you love? Tell us about them in the comments!
Questions about what adaptive items might be helpful for you or your child? Contact our OTs at northreception@inspiringtalkers.com (Windsor area) or reception@inspiringtalkers.com (Firestone/Longmont area).