Adaptive Fashion, Blog, Health & Wellness, Peer Support

Adaptive fashion advice from wheelchair users of Instagram and more

People with disabilities have to make many considerations when it comes to fashion. Can I use these buttons and zippers with limited hand dexterity? Will this coat drag in my wheelchair and get dirty? Will these shoes stay in place on my footplate? For fashionable and functional inspiration, check out the following disabled influencers for some ideas.

Style versus practicality

“Choosing what to wear as a wheelchair user can be difficult, and sometimes you feel you have to choose between looks and practicality. Sometimes there are other things to consider with clothing. Will it cause pressure sores, am I able to toilet easily in what I’m wearing, is the clothing going to impact transfers, and so on,” says Amy.

 

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A post shared by Amy (@chronically_good_life)

How-to guides for quadriplegics

“My goal with this channel is to empower peer wheelchair users to move forward with their lives after a spinal cord injury. I will be sharing my tips and tricks on how I’ve adapted my activities of daily living, along with my equipment, to successfully live independently as quadriplegic,” says Olivia Rey.

Same fit, different bodies

Our 2022 #Strongwheeled Together awardee Anna Sarol demonstrates fashion that works for both wheelchair users and walkers.

 

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A post shared by Anna Sarol (@annasarol)

Make-up is for everyone

Gabe Adams-Wheatley loves to sparkle. Her Instagram page shares tips and tricks to glow and shine.

 

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A post shared by Gabe Adams-Wheatley (@no_limbs_)

Secondhand style

Kara Scott knows you don’t need a big budget to slay your look. Her entire outfit cost less than $15.

 

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A post shared by Kara scott (@happy_para_mum)

Save the hassle — shop online

“As a wheelchair user, I often find high street shopping a bit of a pain when it comes to accessibility. So knowing I can have everything delivered to my door makes it super convenient for me!” says Jennie Barry.

Finding a dress that works

“Today I show you how I put on a dress solo as a C7 quadriplegic with paralyzed hands. It is really hard to find dresses that look good when you are always sitting, as they are never long enough or get in my wheels,” says Meg Johnson.

Outfit inspo for wheelchair users

Milz takes to Youtube to walk you through her fashion roll, from casual to dressy. She shares what items cost, how they fit, and how to accessorize.

‘Quadriplegic Makeup Artist? Yea, we exist.’

Steph Aiello is the first wheelchair model for Ulta Beauty, an ambassador for Maybelline New York and has worked with brands like Amazon, Herbal Essences and Tarte Cosmetics.

 

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A post shared by Steph Aiello (@uwalk_iglide)

#365DaysOfOutfits

This glamorous outfit is Day 0. Visit Priscilla Hedlin’s Instagram to follow along with a year’s worth of fashion choices.

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