Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon hosts adaptive fashion show at the World Forestry Center

Beaverton, Ore., October 28, 2022 – Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) will host its first fashion showcase and luncheon, Patterned for Parkinson’s, at the World Forestry Center on November 3, 2022, to celebrate innovative, accessible designs created for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Parkinson’s Resources, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing support and services to people with Parkinson’s disease, sponsored a design contest to solicit adaptive designs from area students that will make getting dressed easier for people with movement disorders.

Parkinson’s Resources selected University of Oregon’s Sports Design Program master students Kylie Everill and Maria Edwards to provide designs and create clothing and footwear that is easy to put on and adjust for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“To be perfectly honest, one of the biggest struggles in my day is putting on and taking off clothes and shoes. There are days I’m reduced to tears,” said Michelle Garratt, a 57-year-old working professional with Parkinson’s disease. “I’m really grateful that established and emerging designers recognize the need for inclusive design and come forward with ideas to help us all feel and look great!”

Living with a chronic disease has enough challenges; getting dressed shouldn’t be one of them. Often for people with neurological movement disorders, the simple act of getting ready for the day can be a stressful, emotionally taxing experience.

Parkinson’s Resources sponsored this first-ever Patterned for Parkinson’s design contest and fashion showcase to bring solutions for common problems that people living with Parkinson’s disease struggle with daily. The innovative designs created by two University of Oregon students will offer people with Parkinson’s disease clothes that streamline the process of getting dressed without compromising function or fashion.

We want people with movement disorders and agility issues to feel confident they can find adaptive options today with clothing, shoes, and accessories that help make getting dressed easier. Adaptive clothing features open-back functionality in tops, side-open designs in pants, and hidden magnetic snap fasteners instead of conventional buttons. Adaptive clothing is designed to be more comfortable and functional for people with disabilities and their caretakers without sacrificing style. Adaptive clothing and footwear can also help caregivers who assist in the process of getting their loved one ready for the day or for bed. Companies like Zappos Adaptive, Billy Footwear, Reboundwear, and many other retailers offer designs that make movement and getting dressed easier.

November 3rd event is a celebration of the creative and innovative student designs from the University of Oregon and the resilience of our local Parkinson’s community.

Event information: For more information about the event, please visit

https://pror.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/PatternedforParkinsons/tabid/1304998/Default.aspx

Social Media: For more information about Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, please visit the following social media channels.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsResources

Instagram @pdpronw

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About Parkinson’s Resources:

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor-supported nonprofit with the sole mission of advancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers. With three locations, hundreds of volunteers, and dedicated leadership, PRO provides direct care and support to thousands of families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, we can significantly improve the quality of life for all touched by this disease.

To find out more about PRO’s services or to support our programs, go to: www.parkinsonsresources.org

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Media Contact: Kristin Whitney
Board of Directors, Vice Chair
kmwhitne@lhs.org
503-750-7463