Many commercial assistive-dressing devices are designed for people with arthritis. Such devices include
sock-aids (which we are informed our user already uses,) button aids, and zipper aids. These devices
primarily allow the user to finish dressing without requiring much dexterity in the hands. We did not
find any devices specifically designed to help with upper body dressing. Figures 24, 25, and 26 show some
arthritis dressing aids.
Figure 24: Zipper aid
Figure 25: Sock aid
Figure 26: Button aid
Another existing system to make self-dressing easier is to make clothing easier to put on and take off. It
might be much easier to self-dress if was designed with people with disabilities in mind. Figure 27 shows
Wrapeaze brand adaptive clothing.
Figure 27: Wrapeaze adaptive clothing
POTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AND EFFECTS
Physical disabilities often have a greater impact than just the person physically affected by the disability.
People with disabilities also have an increased risk of mental health issues due to feelings of isolation and
loneliness, “being different,” or requiring special attention or assistance. A child with disabilities may feel
guilty for requiring the time and money required to appropriate care or depressed because of an inability to
be like everyone else (Mental Health and Disability).
The effects of disabilities do not stop with the affected person. Disabilities can have a significant impact
on the entire family. Parents may believe that they somehow caused their child’s condition, either through
genetics or other activities, or they may feel financially incapable of providing the best care and quality of
life to their child. Siblings may also feel neglected due to the attention given to the child with disabilities
(Siblings of Disabled Kids May Show Emotional Effects).
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