FROM A SCHOOL SWEATSHIRT TO A
designer accessory MARLA, A VOLUNTEER FROM DRESSABILITY, HAD A FABULOUS IDEA WHICH HAS MADE SUCH A DIFFERENCE TO CHILDREN AT A LOCAL SCHOOL
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efore retiring, Marla was an SEN Co-ordinator in a mainstream school, supporting children with a wide range of disabilities. Marla was conscious that some children there was a need to wear bibs due to oral secretions or to protect their clothing as they strived for independence to feed themselves. However, the bibs stood out a mile against the child’s school sweatshirt. Marla’s idea was to recycle school sweatshirts, make them into bibs and cravats that would blend in seamlessly to the child’s uniform, preserving dignity and increasing self-esteem. Working closely with the school and parents, Marla put her idea into action and designed a bib and cravat from a school sweatshirt, which was no longer worn. The bibs and cravats are lined with both a layer of towelling, (although this is not necessary as the sweatshirts are made of fleecy fabric)
and a waterproof layer before being backed with a complimentary fabric, edged in bias binding and Velcro attached for easy and safe fastening. Both a bib and a cravat can be made from just one sweatshirt. It could be that they are child specific, or school has a ‘stock’ that could be used for a number of pupils... even out of any suitable unnamed lost property! The idea became so successful it has now extended to pupils from other schools. This is a relatively simple way to discretely maintain a young person’s dignity whilst still allowing them to be independent. An instruction sheet is available on how to make the bibs and cravats, please contact Dressability: mail@dressability.org.uk and visit our website: https://www.dressability.org.uk
ABOUT DRESSABILITY Dressability, a small charity based in Swindon, which provides services throughout the UK, supports the clothing needs of individuals with disabilities and those with limited dexterity. Dressability provide a personal, tailored and bespoke service developing practical solutions to everyday problems. By adapting people’s clothing and not their style, we enable our clients to maintain their independence, and enjoy a sense of wellbeing based on their own personal choice. Our service is provided on a personal basis sensitive to the specific needs of our range of clientele.
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