Must Read: Paralyzed Women Create DesignerJeans for Disabled People


Stumbled on this very touching story and decided to share it.......
Here's Heidi McKenzie who was paralyzed in 2007 in a car accident at the age of 21, but she hasn’t let that stop her from carving her niche in the world. In 2012, she participated in Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky and started her own fashion business catered toward disabled women. Her brand, “Alter Ur E go,” creates designer jeans for women (and men) in wheelchairs that are
practical as well as fashionable.
On her website, McKenzie describes her
clothes like this: “I’m designing jeans for
other people in wheelchairs that are both
functional, and fashionable. I want to make it possible for those with disabilities to be able to express their “alter-ego” through fashion while breaking down social barriers.”
She added, “Adaptable clothing is hard to
find, especially if you want to look
fashionable. The adaptable jeans are just the beginning of clothing that has all the fashion and all the function for someone in a wheelchair. People with disabilities should have just as many clothing options. Most pieces of clothing are not designed for people with disabilities. Alter Ur Ego is not one of them.”
McKenzie partnered with designer Kristin
Alexandra Tidwell to create the jeans and
currently they go for $80 a pair. She told
Mashable more about her fashion line. She
said, “I originally wanted to have a retail
store, but once I figured I could make a
difference first hand with being in a
wheelchair and design adaptable clothing, I was determined to do it. Most adaptable
clothing is targeted towards the elderly, and I wanted something fashionable that everyone would be able to express their alter ego through their fashion.”
She also said she hopes her clothes give
people in the disabled community more
confidence. She explained, “It’s mainly a
feeling of confidence in knowing that these
jeans were made for someone in a
wheelchair and they’re fashionable, so a lot of people will notice the pockets right on the side. I’ve had some people [who aren’t in a wheelchair] comment, ‘I want some of those’ or those that would say, ‘I haven’t worn jeans for a couple of years because I can’t find one that will work for me.” The jeans are made of Spandex, have large side pockets, a catheter opening and a high-waisted back, as well as a tummy control panel. McKenzie hopes to go on to create dresses, jackets and blouses for disabled people that would give them more independence. She concluded, “I hope that it gives them confidence and breaks down social barriers.”
Very touching a story. No matter the condition you might be, or the situation you might be going through, nothing can stop you from shining, if only you can believe and work towards it.
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