Fashion for disables – A social and business model.

In the present society, everyone wants to be trendy and stylish but there is a marginalized section, which is left out. Persons With Disabilities, [PWD’s] fall in this category. It is not that, they do not want to look stylish or fashionable; the fact is that they find it difficult and uneasy to incorporate the due to their respective disabilities. Since, they are also an integral part of the society; it will be harsh to overlook their needs and desires. Apart from this social cause, believe it, there is also a ‘market,’ waiting to explode!

Going by some rough estimates, around 70 million disables in India. These include, physically challenged, visually challenged, among others. Our interaction with some of them showed that, they are willing to ‘pay’ for these fashionable items provided certain ‘adaptations’ are made to them, so that, they could be easily used by them. Since in India, there is no specific company that caters to their needs, there will enormous ‘profits,’ if someone steps into the space!

For this, first, we have to recognize the problem faced by them. Physically challenged persons, especially those affects with ‘cerebral palsy,’ [C.P.] find it difficult to wear the latest fashionable garments due to their ‘tight fitting.’ Considering their shaky movements, they might also face the problem of ‘buttoning.’ Further, in places where ‘strings’ are used, they might find to ‘tie the knots’ thus, to make things simpler and

Easier for them, the following ‘adaptations can be tried -

1. Use of ‘welcrows’ or elastics’ in place of ‘buttons,’ ‘Indian and ‘western’ clothes.2. ‘Superimposing’ designer buttons, on the ‘welcrows,’ so that, they look elegant. It would

be better, if only such buttons are used, in both ‘Indian and ‘western’ clothes.3. Use of ‘plastics,’ in making unbreakable sunglasses.4. Use of ‘plastics,’ in making unbreakable ‘bangles,’ so that they can be fitted around the

‘wrists,’ from outside.

Let us try to help them, realize their dream. If we all come together, Yes We Can!