Greetings

Just thought I'd say right away, that I think that this is a very nice and needed site.  I loved looking at the different posts.  I think that there is a nice lay out of categories to choose from.  Felt like being at the office cafeteria discussing fashion trends. 

My suggestion is not necessarily just for this site, but for the industry as well.

I am disabled and spend a vast majority of my time out of the house in a wc (Wheel Chair to you who have mobility), luckily I was able to get the insurrance to ok a power chair (can't push one due to Arthritis in the hands, arms, and spine).  To make matters worse, I am in what is considered the High-Ended Lane Bryant sizes.  My suggest is this:  Many of my age group, 55+, are coming into the time where even though we may not have mobility under our own physical power, we still are able to get out and about with assisted mobility (sounds like an ad for the Scooter Store).  We don't want to look like housebound refugees that have escaped our keepers.  Why hasn't the industry, over all, paid attention to those who have limited mobility and still want to look somewhat fashionable. 

Yes, I realize that there a things in "Wellness & Health" catalogs out there, even Sears carries the stuff now.  But have any of you look at that stuff?  Yes, I suppose if you're in the "I don't even know who I am or why I'm drooling" stage it may not matter except to those who have to assist you in dressing (Geriatric Barbies Anyone).  There are lot of us out there who are not in that stage.  We are aware of things; still have living to do; want to go to see people, places, and things and not have someone look at us and wonder where our collection tin is. 

There is a market for fashion for the physically restricted.  Can't raise your arms high enough to put things on?  Do you really want to be stuck in cardigans forever?  The 1950's gramma look is long gone, why are we forced into clothing and accessories that any "normal person" wearing such things would die of embarasement?  There has to be some way of catering to the need for fashion for the physically chalenged without breaking our ecconomics.  Not all disabled, elderly, middle aged, or whatever group, have unlimited resources.  Most in those categories do not get the large some of money everyone thinks they do.  Last week while at a mall, I overheard several teenage idiots making comment about how the disabled had it made.  Free money, everything made so you had to be able to get into everywhere, etc. it was enough to make them think about trying to get off on something like that so all they had to do was sit around and play video games.

What a joke!  Most disabled want to still live a life and not sit around.  Unfortunately, not everyone is able to afford such things.  But enough ranting.  Mostly wanted to see if fashion designers might get some ideas for some new products.  Make some things like carry alls that fit the back of both manual and power wheel chairs.  (Most of us in wc cannot wear a backpack while in the chair.  We bought a backpack on wheels and pull it behind the chair using  bungee cords to attach it.)  There are ways to do a go-around.  Help with those types of products.  What about cosmetics that can be applied by those with hand, arm or vision disabilities, and don't either have or want someone else to apply this for them?

Well thanks for listening.  I apologize to those who think that a disabled person already has more out there for them.   I don't want a hand out, just something that will make things just a little easier.  Promise that in the future, my postings won't be this long or in your face.  When you become disabled after years of being able to do for yourself, it is frustrating.  (Not quite sure where that puts me in the healing process - what level the "I'm as mad as XXXX, and not going to take this anymore" phase is at. Guess that's where I'm at.)

Again, just realize when looking at someone in a wheel chair or who has an apparent disablility, it may be just sheer chance that it isn't you, and that someday it could be.

Rosunaj