Adaptive clothing among persons living with movement disorders in India: current scenarios and future directions

Dear Editor, In society, individuals are often judged by their attire and personal appearance, which are closely linked to social status and etiquette. Dressing appropriately plays an important role in shaping our social identity and seeking social approval. The tasks of dressing and undressing require fine motor skills, which can pose a challenge for Persons living with Movement Disorders (PlwMD). PlwMD, specifically Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tremors, or Ataxia, require specialized clothing that considers their difficulty in moving all parts of their body with ease. This article focuses on the desire of PlwMD to dress up independently with the assistance of adaptive clothing (AC), a revolutionary form of clothing that promotes social change. AC serves as a solution to the functional dressing problem and enhances PlwMD's relationship with their social and physical surroundings. It provides a hassle-free and less complicated way for PlwMD to dress, facilitating social acceptance. These adaptive clothing options are ideal for wheelchair users, individuals confined to their beds, those with poor motor skills, and those finding it difficult to dress themselves. The physical needs and bodily changes of PlwMD evolve throughout their lives. Neurological disabilities entail functional limitations encompassing movement, cognition, hearing, vision, communication, emotion, and behavior.[1] Women with disabilities face compounded challenges due to their gender and disability.[2] Throughout their lifespan, women with disabilities must fulfill various roles, and AC can significantly aid in their successful performance of these roles. Facilitating independence in daily activities and maintaining a daily routine of getting dressed, even when staying indoors, is crucial for enhancing the self-esteem of PlwMD, encouraging them to perform tasks independently, with the support of these adaptations. These modifications and interventions reduce dependence on caregivers and simplify the acquisition of daily living skills, fostering empowerment in their lives. AC refers to garments specifically designed for the ease and independent wearing for persons with disabilities (PwD). Implementing these AC strategies among PlwMD can improve their self-image in society and alleviate strain on caregivers. Designers such as Ashima Bhan, Joe Ikareth, Soumita Basu, Parul Sachdeva, and Saakshi Mahnot have launched their startups across the country to provide inclusive and adaptive clothing for PwD.[3] Dr. Prathima Murthy, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS, Bengaluru, India), announced the launch of AC to address the needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments and disabilities on World Occupational Therapy Day.[4] Raising awareness about AC among various stakeholders, including PlwMD, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and NGOs, is crucial. Textile industries and NGOs should collaborate to establish AC manufacturing units, and PlwMD could be empowered to participate in such startups as a means of livelihood. The government should provide AC as part of disability welfare benefits for needy PlwMD or PwD.[5] Additionally, stakeholders and designers should seek support from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to meet the AC needs of PlwMD or PwD. Acknowledgements None. Author contribution Conception: PS Execution: PS and BP Manuscript preparation: BP Organization: PS and BP Review and critique: BP Writing the first draft: BP Ethical compliance statement All authors have read and complied with the Journal's Ethical Publication Guidelines. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this work is consistent with those guidelines. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.