Creative Design: Professional

See Me: Adaptive Rain Kit for People Who Use a Wheelchair for Mobility Assistance

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Abstract

See Me: Adaptive Rain Kit, is an adaptive rain vest, quarter-zip pullover, and technical legging designed to enhance the visibility and safety of the wearer while surpassing the technical innovation and aesthetics of existing adaptive outerwear. See Me, the title of this work, is a double entendre devised to have a literal meaning - catch one's attention for safety considerations, and the second meaning is an appeal to recognize that the person with the disability is, first and foremost, a person. As such, the purpose of this design is to embolden the wearer to unapologetically – to be seen – and provide weather protection and visibility in well-designed performance apparel that is as functional as it is eye-catching. This rainwear kit was designed specifically for young adults who identify as female and who use a wheelchair for mobility assistance. The garments are water-resistant, feature bonded zipper pockets that are accessible from a seated position, cut in a seated fit, and use fluorescent color and retroreflective fabrics for low-light visibility. 

Keywords: adaptive apparel, disability, wheelchair, performance apparel

How to Cite:

Morris, K. D., (2022) “See Me: Adaptive Rain Kit for People Who Use a Wheelchair for Mobility Assistance”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13287