Pedagogy and Professional Development

A Comparison of Gender Differences in Clothing Needs Assessments for People With Mobility Impairments

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold: to identify clothing needs assessments for people 18 and older with mobility impairments and to compare clothing needs assessments across genders. In-depth personal interviews were conducted over the phone and in-person with 5 men and 5 women. This study found many similarities and a few differences in terms of the FEA clothing needs among men and women with mobility impairments. The participants believed that the current market should provide more accessible clothing options that meet their needs at economical price points. Almost all the participants strongly believed that to stay up to date on trends, their suitable clothing should be improved in terms of functionality and style. Therefore, to meet the expectations of consumers with special needs, industrial professionals should accommodate their diverse clothing needs.

Keywords: Impairments, Mobility, Needs, Gender Differences

How to Cite:

Chae, M., (2020) “A Comparison of Gender Differences in Clothing Needs Assessments for People With Mobility Impairments”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 77(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.11920