Texas Woman’s University’s (TWU) Fashion Design & Merchandising mass production class is advancing its efforts to create clothing tailored for children with disabilities at Scottish Rite for Children, a pediatric hospital in Dallas. Building on last year’s project, where students designed garments for patients with scoliosis, this year’s class of 20 students is crafting clothing for individuals with spinal disorders, prosthetics, and wheelchair users.
Instructor Remy Odukomaiya emphasized the importance of patient independence in the design process, noting, “Scottish Rite is trying to increase the independence of these kids.” The students’ designs incorporate features that make dressing easier while keeping fashion in mind. “We want to incorporate aspects like style, color, what’s trending right now,” student Eric Bravo Walker stated.
This year’s project includes innovative designs like pants that can change length to accommodate prosthetics, and shirts that open across both shoulders. Students are also focusing on the comfort and feel of the clothing, addressing issues like seams that may irritate sensitive skin.
The class has gained popularity, reflected by increased enrollment and additional funding, including a $1,000 contribution from the Trinity Valley Quilters Guild. The initiative began two years ago with a project designing clothing for homeless men, evolving into collaborations with Scottish Rite, which have stimulated students’ creativity in fashion design.
“The garments we’re making are giving people back their independence,” student Faith Stockton highlighted. Echoing this sentiment, Trinity Mendez-Alston noted the impact of researching accessibility in fashion, stating, “We did a lot of research, and it inspired me as a designer.”
These efforts not only contribute to practical and fashionable solutions for disabled children but also have prompted students to consider greater inclusivity in future projects, such as showcasing disabled models in their senior show.