title: Clothing-related barriers experienced by people with mobility disabilities and impairments.
abstract: Clothing-related issues can create barriers to social participation and other desired activities for people living with disabilities and their families. The purpose of this study was to identify clothing-related barriers people living with disabilities and their families are facing. An online survey was administered to people living with disabilities and parents/caregivers, resulting in a sample of 113 participants indicating mobility impairments. Survey results indicated that the clothing needs of people living with disabilities and impairments are not being met, the lack of appropriate clothing prevented individuals from fully engaging in social activities and relationships, employment or everyday life events. The design fields and apparel industry could play a vital role in helping people with mobility disabilities navigate these barriers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri Columbia, 511 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. Electronic address: kabela@health.missouri.edu.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kabel
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dimka
authors.affiliation: Department of Textile and Apparel Management, University of Missouri Columbia, USA.
authors.forename: Kerri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McBee-Black
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D003020:Clothing; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004651:Employment; D006804:Ergonomics; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D012775:Shoes; D058992:Social Participation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013784:Textiles; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Disability; Human factors; Social participation; Textiles and apparel