Disabled Empowerment: Clothing, Wearables, and Aids

In a world where disabled people are silenced and pushed to the side, fashion can be a medium of self-expression and joy. This series photographs disabled people, whether it be someone with Down Syndrome, mobility disabilities, or learning disabilities, and asks them what outfits (with aids!) make them feel good, themselves, and ultimately whole – that's what clothes are supposed to do!

As a disabled creative, I have always loved personal style as an act of protest and reclamation of wholeness. When your identity is constantly invalidated, putting on outfits that honor who you are is a simple way to say “fuck you.” I transferred and restarted my academic life (from junior to freshman) to become a fashion design student to create outfits for disabled folks, including adaptive wear. I have severe ADHD and a plethora of language disabilities. I have been in special education for many years, yet community was never something I experienced in regard to disabled people. This photo project is intended to showcase the clothing and items we, the disabled people, carry, to look and feel our best.

Carolyn, who wore a teal sweater and a form-fitting purple dress and used a penguin fidget (as well as played with some fidgets on set), texted me that her outfit and items made her feel “super happy and pretty and comfortable.” She disclosed that she has “hidden” disabilities; she identifies as having ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and self-diagnosed autism.

Alex wore a goth outfit: a leather jacket, black leather boots, and pants with black lipstick and red clips. They also brought their cane. “I chose [the outfit] specifically because it brings about the concept of something that’s supposed to be hyper-masculine, but in a non binary or feminine way,” they said. “It makes me feel better about myself when I am able to wear stuff like this.”

Vineet wore his old navy shirt and sweats. He said “everything” is his favorite part. His outfit makes him feel great and happy. He disclosed being part of the community and has Down syndrome.

Troy wore his famous glasses, a Spider-man mask, a Syracuse shirt, and waterproof sneakers. He identifies with the disability community and says his outfit makes him feel “proud because I like my outfit when I put it on every morning, and I love my outfits and I look cool during the day.”

Virginia, who brought her pink shirt, flower jeans, Harry Potter scarf, with her snow boots and her black apple socks. In addition, she wore her special necklace and her Vampire Diaries rings. She identifies with the larger disability community. Her outfit makes her feel “inspired.” She is one artsy lady!

Kate wore Ugg boots, a flannel, and pants, stating “that's how I walk!” She told me she likes her outfit and feels “pretty.” Kate is an Inclusive U member! Kate recently told me she loves dangerous things like snakes and likes pictures of her that give off a dark and mysterious side.

Cooper brought a puffy vest, Goodwill overalls, a classic brown cropped hoodie, and Converse X le Fleur. He said his outfit influences his mood and makes him happy, and said it is like “listening to music.” Cooper has Tourette’s Syndrome.

Jane, who brought docs and tap shoes (that may or may not have blood in them from dancing in them), her DIY grunge ripped tights, a black bodysuit, and her mother’s and aunt’s school girl skirt ( she likes that it is “tweed and all itchy”), as well as her ballet skirt and a black skirt. She also brought matching jewelry she bought off an Instagram targeted ad, joking that she is a good American for participating in consumerism. She also mentioned her hair was just long enough to braid, something she did as a kid. She loved Dorothy and the “camp of Wizard of Oz” and it influences how she views her look. Ultimately she feels really good about her outfit, as if she “could be mean but am not.” She identifies with the community and also has Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ADHD.

Not Pictured:

Olivia Baist (did not interview), has autism and an intellectual disability, as well as sensory processing disorder and anxiety.

Valerye Hidalgo Garcia (did not interview), has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and autism.

Models: Kate Allyh, Alex Shaffer, Vineet Narayan, Carolyn Fernandes, Virginia Wade, Cooper Self, Jane Goldman, Troy Providenti

Photography by Grace Hayden

Styling by Cassia Soodak