The Runway of Dreams Foundation, founded by Mindy Scheier, celebrated its 10th anniversary in September during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), marking a decade of advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in the fashion industry. Scheier was inspired to create the organization after her son, Oliver, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, faced challenges in finding adaptive clothing. The event holds a special significance for many, including myself, who have faced discrimination in the industry due to disability.
Last year, I had the opportunity to walk in NYFW, but when the designer and team discovered I was deafblind, communication was cut off entirely. This ableist experience underscored the importance of organizations like Runway of Dreams in promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities to break barriers in the fashion world.
Fortunately, one year later, the opportunity for me to walk in Runway of Dreams’ NYFW show arose. This served as a testament to the organization’s mission. I modeled for Target, Zappos, and Billy Footwear, and received gifts from ELF Cosmetics. The event also featured renowned brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Tommy Hilfiger. All of the brands involved demonstrated their commitment to designing adaptive clothing and supporting the cause.
People might believe that those with disabilities don’t care about fashion or can’t dress well. On the contrary, many in the disability community love fashion. However, challenges in finding accessible clothes are ubiquitous. Sadly, the lack of opportunities for us to model or be a part of fashion brands, combined with exclusion of people with disabilities from advertising, has created a false idea that we don’t embrace self-expression. Runway of Dreams helps to change this story by letting us share our real experiences and passions.
Over the past decade, Runway of Dreams has collaborated with various brands to raise awareness and create adaptive clothing lines. In 2016, Tommy Hilfiger launched an adaptive clothing line in partnership with Runway of Dreams, making it one of the first major brands to do so. Since then, other brands like Target and Zappos have followed suit, recognizing the importance of catering to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Scheier emphasized the significance of inclusion in the fashion industry, stating, “Inclusion is not just a trend; it’s a movement. We’re pushing boundaries and changing the perception of beauty in the fashion industry.” This sentiment was echoed by models and attendees of the fashion show, who praised the organization for providing a platform that challenges traditional beauty standards and promotes diversity.
Runway of Dreams has catalyzed a transformative shift within the fashion industry, pushing innovation and driving the evolution of inclusive design. By consistently pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion norms, the organization has actively cultivated an environment that champions representation for individuals of all abilities. As the world collectively embraces inclusivity, Runway of Dreams has been at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that diverse perspectives are not only included but also celebrated within the realm of fashion. The organization has become a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to pursue their dreams in the fashion world.
Alongside the ongoing progress made by Runway of Dreams and other advocates for inclusive fashion, it’s clear that the industry as a whole is taking steps towards a more diverse and accessible future. As more brands commit to designing adaptive clothing and featuring models of all abilities on the runway, we can expect to see a transformation in the way fashion is perceived and experienced.