Social and Psychological Aspects

Barriers to Independent Living: Unmet Apparel Needs for People Living with Disabilities

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Abstract

People living with a disability (PLWD) struggle to find apparel that fits their needs and the appropriateness of the activities they wish to engage. These unmet apparel needs create barriers to social participation, , and also extend into areas that impact educational and employment opportunities affecting their quality of life (Corrigan, Larson, & Rusch, 2009; Kabel, McBee-Black, & Dimka, 2016). Wingate, Kaiser, & Freeman (1985) suggest that lack of appropriate apparel can make PLWD feel isolated, and Lamb (2001) argued that more research is needed to investigate the barriers that exist for PLWD and the extent to which apparel contributes to social exclusion. Using the social model of disability this qualitative research study was designed to explore the unmet apparel needs of PLWD. The results from the study suggest that identified unmet apparel needs negatively impact the social lives of PLWD, which supports the social model of disability.

How to Cite:

McBee-Black, K., Kabel, A. & Ha-Brookshire, J., (2017) “Barriers to Independent Living: Unmet Apparel Needs for People Living with Disabilities”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).