ASSISTIVE CLOTHING DESIGNS FOR MENTALLY RETARDED

Clothing has always been a kind of status symbol and expression of the individual personality. People wear clothing for functional as well as for social reasons. People of all ages and in all circumstances of life are aware of the importance of appearance in perception of self and in their relations with other people. However, for those whose surrounding environment is limited by age, condition of health, or physical and mental handicaps, dressing properly is a very difficult and impossible task. Therefore there is an urgent need to design clothing according to their special requirements. The aim of this study was to design and develop functional clothing for mentally retarded respondents. A questionnaire was developed for personal interview to assess clothing practices & problems of the disabled. The identified clothing requirements were incorporated in garment designs and finally constructed. After wear trial the designed and constructed garments were found to be highly acceptable.