1.
Velcro closures make buttoning and donning shoes easier than using buttons, snaps or shoestrings. Velcro buttons and strips are available at fabric stores. Velcro tabs can be sewn to shoes at a brace shop or shoe repair shop. Ready-made velcro closure tennis shoes are usually found at discount department stores.
2.
Large bib overalls are excellent garb for young people in wheelchairs. They slip off easily to facilitate using the toilet. A front opening is available in some styles for use with male urinals. Elastic-waisted exercise clothing (i.e., sweat pants and running suits) is easier to push down and pull up. A 22-inch zipper can be sewn into the front seam and extended down the leg to allow plenty of room for the use of a urinal.
3.
A double bias tape loop (one attached to a belt loop, the other encircling the wrist) makes it easier to lift and lower a pair of trousers when at least one-hand support is needed to stand after using the toilet.
4.
Ventilation under plastic braces is improved by wearing fishnet panty hose. This practical apparel is especially useful in the summer.
5.
A simple pushing or pulling aid to help bring clothing closer to you from the bed, dresser drawer or closet, without reaching, can be made from a wire coat hanger custom bent at either or both ends. Be careful with a sharp end. Wrap the ends with masking tape or slip a soft pencil eraser on the end to help avoid tearing clothing and to provide a better grip.
6.
A circular key ring can be attached to a zipper tab that has a hole in it, allowing fingers or thumb to easily grasp the tab and close the zipper. Sticky zippers will slide easily if rubbed with the lead from a lead pencil.
7.
Buttoning can be eased by using elastic loops for buttonholes and sewing buttons on with elastic thread. The center of each button (front and back) can be touched with clear nail polish to seal the threads and make the button stay on longer. This works especially well with buttons on cuffs. Buttons can also be fastened to buttonholes for appearance and velcro patches placed on the back for closure.
8.
Although a gentleman's pre-knotted necktie can be adapted with an elastic band, a plastic or metal clip glued or sewn on the back of the knot might be easier to place on a buttoned collar.
9.
Tube socks (socks without heels that stretch to fit the foot) are easy for a child or adult to put on. Socks with a little Orlon in them are also easier to put on for winter wear than socks made of 100 percent wool.
10.
A foot that stiffens downward so much that it's hard to get a shoe on can be more easily slipped into a shoe if the back of the shoe is cut vertically and loosely laced. A tennis shoe can be adapted by sewing a zipper down the side. Any shoe repair shop can modify a pair of shoes in this fashion.
11.
When a child has difficulty telling the right shoe from the left, draw half an animal on each so the two halves make a whole animal when placed side by side.
12.
For the little girl who often puts her dress on backwards, provide a reminder to help her do it right, such as pinning a colorful bow to the front of the dress.
13.
Heavy fishing line pulled through zipper tabs and tied in a loop (the knot can be sealed by melting it with the heat from a lighted match) makes it easier to pull the zipper closed. This idea works especially well on men's or women's slacks. The loop is invisible and also washes well.
14.
A gastrostomy tube can be covered easily with body-size stockinette tubing. This will protect clothing from getting soiled by the tube. A 10- to 12-inch-wide piece is cut and slipped over the head and arms. Ask your clinic orthotist to give you some.
15.
Leaving your leg braces in the shoes provides an instant shoe horn which may help when slipping the shoes and braces onto your feet.
16.
Don't try to trim plastic braces by yourself. Even using a sharp tool to carve the plastic can cause it to weaken.
17.
Always use shoes that have the same heel height as those worn when your leg braces were fitted. If you don't your feet and ankles may be tilted up or down, which will throw you off balance. Also check the sole on tennis shoes. Some brands have soft cushion bubbles on the soles that can make you unsteady. Look for firm, flat soles.
18.
If one side of the body is weaker, it takes less effort to dress this side first. For example, put the weaker arm into the shirt sleeve first, the stronger arm next. Whenever possible, sit while dressing so you can safely rest as needed.
19.
If you have difficulty buttoning a shirt or blouse, get a larger size, keep it buttoned all the time and put it on as if it were a pullover shirt.
