The Arc Westchester celebrated its first-ever Adaptive Fashion Show at Manhattanville University on June 12. This marked the culmination of a 14-week occupational therapy-led adaptive fashion program developed by Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Giulia Tucci in partnership with The Arc Westchester.
The innovative program provided adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to explore personal style, self-expression, confidence, social participation, and adaptive clothing solutions that support independence and accessibility, according to the organization.
The fashion show featured 15 runway models from The Arc Westchester. Participants showcased outfits that reflected their unique personalities, interests, and preferences, with each model presenting three outfit changes throughout the event.
The collections included adaptive designs from brands such as Kohl’s Adaptive, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, MagnaReady, Volto Santo, and others. Garments included sensory-friendly features, magnetic closures for ease of dressing, and accessible openings to accommodate mobility devices and leg braces.
“The Adaptive Fashion Show is about much more than clothing,” said Tucci. “It is about empowering people to express who they are, build confidence, and participate fully in their communities.”
Tucci, a doctoral student at Quinnipiac University completing her capstone project, developed the program to address the unique needs, abilities, and identities of people with developmental disabilities and to create opportunities for self-expression and inclusion through adaptive fashion.
“Giulia created an incredible opportunity for the people we support at The Arc Westchester to express themselves creatively, build confidence, and experience a greater sense of inclusion,” said Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester. “Programs like this help individuals showcase their unique personalities while strengthening connections with others and their community.”