Dressing difficulties are among the most pervasive and challenging experiences of disability, particularly among people living with neurological conditions. Dressing difficulties compound other experiences of disability, impacting social participation, employment, exercise participation, and safety (Kabel et al., 2017; Dimka et al., 2017). After stroke, for example, dressing is the number one predictor of whether a person will discharge to home from inpatient rehabilitation (Imura et al, 2021).

The AT-AT lab is currently conducting two lines of research regarding adaptive dressing. First, Doctoral Capstone student Erin Delmore is designing an online repository for adaptive dressing resources. Erin is collecting resources and preparing to conduct user testing in the Summer of 2024, with the goal of a public launch in Fall 2024.

At the same time, we know that off-the-rack accessible clothing is only one piece of the puzzle. AT-AT Lab members are also exploring the potential of alteration patterns to turn one's existing clothing into adaptive clothing. This way, disability doesn't have to limit people in their fashion choices, participation in daily life activities, and expression of self.

Mackenzie Miller, a PhD student in Textile and Apparel Management, advised by Dr. Kerri McBee-Black, is developing training modules for OT students and others to design adaptive clothing. OT students, in turn, are preparing to investigate how adapting one's own clothing can impact participation.

These projects are generously supported by the BeStrong29 Foundation and the College of Health Sciences Roger S. Williams Research Grant.