The Arc Westchester kicks off its first ever Adaptive Fashion Club Fashion Show
The Arc Westchester's Adaptive Fashion Club Showcase at Manhattanville University Friday, allowed participants to walk down a runway wearing adaptive clothing.
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Evolving the landscape of the fashion industry was the focus of The Arc Westchester's Adaptive Fashion Club's fashion show.
Since March, 17 participants with The Arc Westchester have had the opportunity to express their creativity and sound important alarms on clothing accessibility for those who are handicapable.
Fifteen of those students got to strut down a real runway donning accessible fashion pieces from brands like Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive to Volto Santo.
Participant Patrick says the clothing gives him confidence and independence.
"The show today was fantastic and I love to perform. I'd love to be a Broadway actor one day," said Patrick.
The club was made possible by volunteer Guilia Tucci, who is completing her doctoral degree in occupational therapy at Quinnipiac University.
What began as a capstone project blossomed into a call for awareness.
"In OT school, we learn about how to modify the dressing process by using button hooks or one-handed dressing...but this completely takes out that step. It allows you to get dressed quicker, easier and more independently," said Tucci.
According to the CDC, one in four people has a functional limitation.
"The program that Guilia ran here gave an opportunity to the people that we support here at The Arc Westchester to get access to that kind of creative outlet, and that kind of inclusion," said Executive Director Barry Clark with The Arc Westchester.
To learn more about The Arc Westchester, please visit its website.
