Initial studies on functional clothing products for individuals with physical disabilities

Abstract

The concept of disability has evolved significantly over time and is understood through various models that reflect societal attitudes and ideologies. Traditionally, disability was explained through supernatural causes, moral and religious beliefs, or as a personal tragedy, often leading to stigmatization and marginalization of disabled individuals. These traditional views framed disabled people as different, dependent, and often as objects of charity or pity. The administrative and medical models, which emerged later, define disability through legal certification and medical diagnosis, respectively. These models emphasize pathology and correction, leading to segregation and further stigmatization. The administrative model distinguishes between the "worthy" and "unworthy" poor, while the medical model focuses on treating or isolating the disabled to normalize them. In contrast, modern social models, emerging in the 1970s, view disability as a result of societal barriers and prejudices rather than individual impairments. The social model, endorsed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, advocates for a barrier-free environment and equal societal participation for disabled individuals. Variations of this model include the political-economic model, which links disability issues to social and economic exclusion, and the sociocultural model, which highlights cultural mechanisms defining ability and disability. Disability is a complex term that encompasses functional limitations found in diverse populations and can derive from physical, sensory or intellectual impairments as well as mental health conditions. Law No. 60 of 30.03.2012 of the Republic of Moldova defines disability as an umbrella term for impairments/impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions, emphasizing the negative aspects of the interaction between the individual and contextual factors. The causes of disability are multiple and include genetic factors, diseases, accidents and health conditions. Disabilities can be classified in terms of severity: mild, moderate, intense and severe. The significance of this topic is highlighted by the increasing recognition of the need to develop functional clothing products for individuals with physical disabilities. Although society has overcome many obstacles, numerous challenges still persist. This paper addresses these issues by examining the current state of adaptive clothing, incorporating definitions from various organizations, including governmental bodies and foundations supporting people with disabilities. This research delves into both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing functional clothing for people with disabilities, aiming to enhance their quality of life. As we know clothing should reflect personal identity and ensure that every individual understands their body and physiognomic features to wear garments that flatter them, create a pleasant image, and maintain psychological and physiological balance. By synthesizing information from various sources, this paper seeks to define and outline the stages involved in creating functional clothing. The focus will be on understanding general classifications and integrating insights from existing research as a foundation for further exploration in this field.