Finding clothes that fit correctly and look good can be hard for most people. Now imagine having a physical disability and trying to find clothes that fit well, look good, and can be taken on and off easily. With so many factors to take into consideration while creating even a simple shirt, adaptive clothing design is not for the faint of heart.
Enter Nimar Grewal, Associate at Ernst & Young by day, adaptive clothing entrepreneur by night. Nimar met with 10 participants at Ability Now to discuss the obstacles and frustration they experience when trying to find clothing that they can wear. Nimar’s inspiration came from seeing the problems her autistic cousin in India experienced while shopping for clothes for a wedding. If this is difficult for someone with a disability that’s able-bodied, Nimar thought, how frustrating it must be for someone with a physical disability. This began the path as an adaptive clothing designer she now finds herself on.
The bright colors and ornate patterns of Nimar’s native India will undoubtedly find their way into the clothes she designs. But first, creating clothes that are accessible will take multiple visits to Ability Now, and guidance from an audience of experts. With the passion Nimar brings to this project, we are sure the clothes will reflect the beauty of her native India as well as the practicality for an individual with a disability. We look forward to what our partnership will bring.