We rant about how daunting doing laundry can be, and most of us take it for granted, but have you thought about those people with disabilities? Several people with disabilities face barriers when it comes to doing laundry. As simple as accessing washing machines and dryers, folding, or sorting clothes is frustrating for them.
Traditional clothing designs and laundry practices are not always suitable for people with disabilities. It may also pose a challenge for them to complete the task. Luckily, some clothing lines have people with disabilities in mind, revolutionizing the design and laundry practices, which makes it easier for them.
Adaptive clothing has opened up a new world of inclusivity, and this article will discuss how adaptive clothing is changing laundry practices for people with disabilities.
Why is Laundry Difficult for People with Disabilities?
Laundry is not an easy task for anyone. It is a complex and physically demanding chore for people with disabilities. Individuals with muscle weakness or fatigue may also find it difficult to lift heavy loads of laundry or reach high shelves to store laundry supplies.
Some disabilities may make it difficult to grasp or reach clothing. In contrast, others find it challenging to operate washing machines because of limited mobility or lack of access to laundry facilities. Meanwhile, those with sensory issues may find it challenging to manage the textures and smells associated with laundry detergents and fabric softeners.
Moreover, traditional clothing designs are also not accommodating to people with disabilities. People with mobility issues may require clothes that are easy to put on and take off with minimal assistance. Similarly, clothing should be designed for people with hearing or vision impairments, especially on the care labels. It may need to be in braille or colors that can be easily identified.
How Can People with Disabilities Laundry Clothes Efficiently?
People with disabilities have several options to make laundry easier and more efficient. Besides investing in adaptive clothing, the help of other people in managing their laundry is an excellent help.
Investing in Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing is specially designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. It features modifications such as Velcro closures, zippers, and magnetic buttons, making it easier to dress and undress. Additionally, adaptive clothing is made from soft and breathable fabrics that are comfortable and non-irritating to sensitive skin. By investing in adaptive clothing, individuals with disabilities can significantly reduce the time and effort required to manage their laundry.
Use of Laundry Delivery Service
Laundry delivery services are another option for people with disabilities who struggle with laundry tasks. These services provide a pick-up and drop-off service, where the laundry is collected from the customer’s home, washed, folded, and returned to them. More so, individuals can benefit from laundry service delivery app as it eliminates their difficulty with accessing laundromat or struggles with transportation.
Book Wash and Fold Service
For individuals who prefer in-house laundry professional services, a wash and fold service may be an option. These services can be arranged through a local laundry service provider, who sends a representative to the customer’s home to collect the laundry. The representative then washes, dries, and folds the laundry and returns it to the customer, providing a hassle-free solution for laundry management.
Adaptive Clothing Providing Inclusivity
The most significant benefits of adaptive clothing are its ability to provide accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities. Historically, fashion has been exclusive and has not catered to people with disabilities, resulting in a lack of clothing options and difficulty finding suitable clothing.
Adaptive clothing has helped to break down these barriers by providing functional and fashionable clothing, offering a wide range of options for individuals with disabilities to choose from.
How to Wash and Care Adaptive Clothing
When washing adaptive clothing, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most adaptive clothing should be washed in cold water and hung to dry or tumble-dried in a low-heat setting. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the fabric and reduce the effectiveness of the adaptive features.
Final Takeaway
Laundry is challenging for people with disabilities, but adaptive clothing is revolutionizing how laundry is done. Invest in adaptive clothing, use laundry services, or book wash and fold services to reduce the time and effort of managing your laundry. Moreover, adaptive clothing provides inclusivity by offering a wide range of fashionable and functional choices for people with disabilities.