Pedagogy and Professional Development

A Needs Assessment for Adaptive Clothing: Women with Chronic Neurological Disorders

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Abstract

People with neurological disorders may be gradually experiencing a decrease in cognitive function or suffer severely from cognitive impairment and physical disabilities. In particular,physical disabilities such as involuntary movements and insensibility cause them to face difficulties with dressing independently and moving comfortably.The purpose of this study was to investigate a needs assessment in clothing for women with neurological disorders such as SCI and MS. All participants’ opinions about clothing issues and expectations, gathered using the FEA needs model,were analyzed through in-depth personal interviews with different three groups.Overall, all participants perceived that adaptive clothing should be improved to meet the needs of the wearers. Consequently,improving the functionality and aesthetics of adaptive clothing would boost the wearer’s mood and assist her in expressing her individuality and normality like everybody else. Thus, the specific design criteria reflected by improvements suggested through the FEA needs model can be shared with designers and manufacturers to develop better functional and fashionable adaptive clothing,as their female apparel consumers desire.

Keywords: neurological disorders, Adaptive clothing, women, needs assessment

How to Cite:

Chae, M., (2019) “A Needs Assessment for Adaptive Clothing: Women with Chronic Neurological Disorders”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8250