2 days ago
Irish Paralympian champions adaptive fashion
Reporting by Dee Makofane
Irish Paralympian Ellen Keane is championing the importance of adaptive clothing options for people with disabilities.
Adaptive clothes are specially designed to meet a person's dressing needs, and include things like magnetic buttons and side zips.
However, stylish and affordable options have not always been widely available.
"I have so many friends with different types of disabilities and I know the struggles they have trying to find fashion that not only suits them and fits their needs, but is also fashionable.
"Adaptive fashion just gives people the freedom and confidence and dignity that everyone deserves."
Keane was Ireland's youngest ever athlete at 13 when she competed at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.
She won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games and retired after her fifth and final Paralympics in Paris last year.
She was speaking today at an event in Dublin organised by Penneys.
The retailer launched a range of adaptive clothing earlier this year and has committed to making its stores more accessible for everyone.
"I remember, as a young girl, realising I'd have to figure out how to put on a bra with one hand - it was terrifying. I'm a 30-year-old woman now and sometimes I need to ask my boyfriend to tie my buttons. That's taking away my independence and that's kind of embarrassing.
"Adaptive fashion gives me my dignity back. It gives me the power. Every disabled person deserves the right to wear what they want to wear and have the independence while wearing it," Keane said.
