Shawn is a C5-C6 quadriplegic who has learned how to get a sweatshirt on and off independently. He demonstrates the techniques he uses to put on/off a pullover hoodie sweatshirt and a sweatshirt that zips up the front.
Putting on a Basic Pullover Sweatshirt With Hood (Starts at 1:40)
Shawn states that for him, the process of putting on a basic sweatshirt is much like putting on a regular shirt. First, he puts both hands in the bottom of the sweatshirt and pulls apart the opening, making it easier for him to find the sleeves for each arm. He then pulls each arm into the sleeves using his mouth when needed to bite the material to pull his hands through the long sleeves. To get the sweatshirt over his head, Shawn leans against the backrest of his wheelchair while gripping the sweatshirt and raising his arms attempting to throw the material over his head. This process might not be the smoothest, but he shows it can be done.
Next, Shawn leans forward in his chair, hooking one arm around the handlebar of his wheelchair at a time to secure his balance, and uses his free hand to maneuver the sweatshirt down his torso. Shawn has limited hand function so he mainly uses his thumb as a hook to pull the fabric down. He admits to occasionally licking his thumb, stating that, “a little moisture will help grab the fabric a little better.”
Taking Off a Basic Pullover Sweatshirt With Hood (Starts at 3:25)
Shawn starts the process of taking off the sweatshirt by pulling up on the front pocket with his thumb in order to get his hands underneath the bottom opening of the sweatshirt. While doing this, he then starts to rock back and forth so that the material can ride up his back and not be hindered by the backrest of his wheelchair.
Now the sweatshirt is bunched up over the backrest of the wheelchair. Shawn leans backward, and then criss-crosses his arms against his chest, grabbing hold of material at the same time. He uses his right hand to pull the sweatshirt up at his shoulder, making it easier for him to then pull his elbow out of the sleeve with his left hand. He then uses his mouth, biting down on the sleeve, moving his head and arm simultaneously, until his arm is out of the sleeve. Shawn uses this method of freeing his arm because it is less likely the fabric will turn inside out “So it’s easier for me to put back on next time,” he says.
With one arm is out of the sleeve, Shawn then raises his left hand over his head, and pulls the sweatshirt up over his head. The last step is to pull his other arm out of his sleeve, biting and pulling on the material to get his hand out of the sleeve.
For sweatshirts that fit a little bit tighter, Shawn recommends to attempt to try removing it from the inside out. Placing your free hand in the sweatshirt from the bottom, finding the sleeve opening, and pushing the material down with your thumb.
Putting on a Zip Up Sweatshirt (Starts at 5:20)
Shawn recommends zipping up the sweatshirt before putting it on. This process resembles putting on a shirt or a basic sweatshirt mentioned above. He says that once the sweatshirt is on, you can unzip it accordingly.
However, Shawn does show that it is possible to put the sweatshirt on if the zipper is not done. Putting his arms through the sleeves, like he did with the basic sweatshirt, he smoothes out the material so it is not bunched up. With his hands under the flat fabric he then raises his arms over his head, carrying the fabric over his head. As Shawn says, “I flip [the sweatshirt] over my head to the back.”
The next step is to work the sweatshirt down his back. To do this, Shawn hooks one hand under his leg, leaning on his elbow to secure his balance, and then uses the other hand to pull the sweatshirt down. He sticks his thumbs in the pockets of the sweatshirt, making it easier to manage the fabric.
Taking Off a Zip Up Sweatshirt (Starts at 7:55)
To get the sweatshirt off, Shawn first slips the fabric off his shoulders. After the material is down to his elbows, Shawn uses the bite and pull technique (mentioned above) to get his arms out of the sleeves. He does do some twisting and turning to get the sweatshirt out from the backrest of his wheelchair.
Watch Shawn demonstrate all of his techniques in the video!
Dressing can be an independent living skill that takes a lot of time and practice. However, Shawn proves it can be accomplished. He is hopeful that by sharing this tutorial he can help others become more independent.
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