Disability, Participation and Apparel throughout the Life Course

Abstract

There are a growing number of people living with disabilities (PLWD) throughout the life course and across the disability spectrum. While much attention has been paid to environmental barriers to social participation for PLWD, apparel-related barriers have been largely overlooked. We conducted an online survey of 110 PLWD to identify challenges to finding appropriate clothing and related concerns regarding social participation for members of different adult age categories. Survey results included (1) difficulties finding or purchasing appropriate clothing and some apparel-related barriers to participation were more frequently reported by respondents in older age groups and (2) the increase in complications were not simply directly associated with aging.