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Re: Customising disability related equipment - proud or ashamed?
Hi Helen,
Thanks for your post. I'm glad you mention glasses. They, for me, are the classic example of how medical equipment can become fashionable. One can spend a fortune on customised glass frames, and for much less money, many good designs are readily available. It is great in terms of choice. But, like you say, it hasn't always been like this.
I agree with what you say about how personalising equipment emphasises the individual and not their impairment. I also think that customisation is about people with impairments wanting to participate in fashion.
Re: Customising disability related equipment - proud or ashamed?
Surely no different from my Smart Car for which I got orange splotchy body panels - cos I liked them, and felt they experessed something about me. It is an aid to movement for me - like my washing machine is an aid, and my hoover etc. (though they are both boring becasue I don't care). Not sure why disability related equipment needs be any different - I suspect it's in part because the consumer, in the sense of the person with the money, is often some institution rather than necessarily the end user, so they are institutional looking to appeal there.
Glasses have crosssed over brilliantly, though, haven't they?
Re: Customising disability related equipment - proud or ashamed?
Just wanted to say that I saw the walking stick thread I was so impressed. I'd just mentioned to my friend the other day that when I get back to needing a walking stick (doubt it'll be long) I was going to knit a cover for it.
When I was in a wheelchair I customised it as much as I could, and I always think it's a sign of individuality, as much as your choice of clothes or shoes or hair colour. They're items that we need, so what's the big deal, they may as well be pretty. No point in succumbing to the 'I'm disabled, I'd better use these really dull looking medical things so people realise I'm disabled'. I used to wear pirate flags as lap covers and wrap things round the arms. I just don't see why they shouldn't be pretty if you have to use them every day, I need special shoes but they're modified too. I'm me, I modify everything, craft everything I can get my hands on and my disability equipment isn't going to escape that urge ;-)
Re: Customising disability related equipment - proud or ashamed?
Re: Glasses have crossed over nicely
YES! I think glasses are a great example of how things can go from being unfashionably functional to this-season's must-have!
Someone commented recently to me that the knitted walking stick cosies will make everyone want a walking-stick! I think that's very optimistic, but it would make a difference if these bits of equipment were DESIRABLE... to my mind, anyways...
I mean now people buy glasses as fashion accessories, with plain glass in I think. Is it ridiculous to imagine that the same thing may happen with walking sticks??
Re: Fiona's Post
Really enjoyed your post Fiona, and the points you make about customising equipment.
Do keep in touch! I love your blog also. Let me know if you'd like to be added to The Missability Radio Show's mailing list, as I'm hoping to organise more projects involving other craftsters in the mass customisation of equipment!
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