Collaborative Effort Between NC State Students and ALS Patients Combines Fashion with Adaptability for Enhanced Accessibility
Duke University Students Develop Adaptive Clothing Line for ALS Patients
In a unique collaboration, a group of students from Duke University's Wilson College of Textiles have created an adaptive clothing line for individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The idea for this project came about when Dr. Richard Bedlack, neurologist and founder of Duke University's ALS Clinic, reached out to the college.
Dr. Bedlack, known for his striking fashion sense, wanted to provide fashionable clothes for ALS patients that bring joy and hope. He turned to Assistant Professor of the Practice Sam Pearce, who, with a studio full of adaptive machines, extensive research on universal design, and a group of hardworking students, was more than ready to answer the call.
The students incorporated design elements that are comfortable for ALS patients at different stages of the disease. One innovative solution they introduced was magnetic closures instead of traditional zippers, which accommodates patients who may lose hand mobility.
The creative process began with the group members considering what garments they would want to wear themselves and getting feedback from Dr. Bedlack and some of his patients on how their designs could be altered to accommodate ALS patients' needs.
The project covers the entire product development process, including selecting a target market, creating prototypes, designing garments, and developing a marketing plan. The students planned an ad campaign, including a Western-inspired photoshoot, social media posts, and personalized graphics.
The patients who the students worked with were excited about the lack of accessibility in their current selection. One group of students chose to create an apparel line using denim - a material not traditionally associated with adaptability - to create a fashionable collection.
Assistant Professor Sam Pearce aimed to educate and influence young designers to pitch adaptive ideas in their future designs. Many students who participated in the project expressed a likelihood to advocate for adaptive designs in their future workplaces.
The fashion and textile management students in the fashion development and product management concentration are completing a capstone course, FTM 415: Fashion Product Development, where they create an apparel line. The students found creating designs for an underserved group to be both eye-opening and rewarding.
Professor Pearce also invited the entire class to attend meetings with various ALS organizations to promote universal designs. One student mentioned that they heard a woman from Her ALS Story expressing her liking for denim but lack of inclusive denim outfits. In response, the students created "tech packs" for each garment, which serve as blueprints for manufacturers.
This project has been a rewarding experience for the students due to the excitement shown by the ALS patients they worked with. The students are hopeful that their adaptive clothing line will provide a sense of style and confidence to those living with ALS, making their daily lives a little bit easier.
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