#disabled hack

I’ll go first:

Here we will focus on accessible feminine clothing items.

Let's start with bras. It’s no secret that many spoonies really struggle with bras. Many even give up bras as they find that they aren’t worth the hassle. So here are some alternate options that help with getting them on and/or comfort.

Front fastening bras:

Front fastening bras are much easier to get on and fasten for most. These are especially good for people with limited arm motion range. I have seen them use the traditional hook fastening as well as instead using a zipper.

Comfort bras:

The name says it all really. There are different types of comfort bras to suit your needs. Remember that you can buy a lot of different styles and designs that can look cute and/or sexy. A comfortable bra does not equal an ugly bra.

Wide shoulder straps disperse the weight of your breasts over a larger area, reducing pain. Wider straps also prevent the strap from digging into the skin.

No underwire. Underwires can be painful so it would suit may spoonies to avoid them. Instead look for alternatives. Without an underwire, the area under the breasts will be larger in order to give you support. Without the wire, it often looks like a band that goes all the way around your ribs. Thicker bands usually provide more support without compromising comfort (although this isn’t always the case 100%)

No fastening at all. Many comfort bras stay in place with the use of straps and elastic rather than wires and fastenings. These can take many forms but a simple and comfortable example looks similar to a tank top (but one that doesn’t cover your belly).

Padding or no padding? Either is an option!

Bralettes:

Bralettes are basically bras without any metal (and often padding too). They are considered very comfortable but not very supportive for people who really need it. They’re getting quite popular now and can have much more detail than regular bras which I know some spoonies would like. They are somewhat considered socially acceptable to be visible or even used as a loungewear top which is good for spoonies who struggle with heat. Thanks to  bouquetchildotn for reminding me of this. I was actually wearing just a bralette as I wrote this and thought that would remind me to include it :’)

Skirts: Skirts are good for anyone who struggles to reach their lower legs/feet. They are easier to place your feet into than trousers, and when you go to the toilet you can lift a skirt which saves you reaching for your ankles.

Dresses, jumpsuits, and playsuits: These things are great for many of us. They are a whole outfit in one. There are all sorts of types and fits. A loose/flowy fit is super easy to put on and doesn’t need to have any tight or constricting areas. You can have a thin fabric that keeps you super cool in the summer, and you can get thicker options for when the weather is cold.

Do you think I’ve missed something? Let me know!

💊Here’s how to colour your pills super cheap and easy at home!!!💊

You’ll need:

• powdered food colouring🎨

• a plastic bag (/small bottle/jar)

• food shimmer (optional)✨

Step 1.

Put a tiny amount of food colouring in the plastic bag

(Or 💊 bottle or whatever you’re using)

Optional: shake it around/ spread it around before adding the pills for a more even result

Step 2.

Pour the pills in.

Step 3.

Breathe into the plastic bag to fill it with air🌬

(this makes it humid so that the powder sticks to the pills.)

Shake🔀

(If the powder isn’t staining the pills, try breathing a few more times into the bag

- especially for tablets that come without coating, or if you live in a very dry climate)

Step 4.

Done!

——-

Notes and cautions:

• DO NOT SPRAY ANY 🚰 INTO THE BAG‼️

I know it’s tempting, I did this for my first attempt* because it was all blotchy and uneven and I couldn’t get it to stick - but doing it can and will dissolve the pills!

• I prefer to use a plastic bag because: 1. I can rub the powder onto the pills by kneading the bag in my hands 2. Some pills break easily, so a jar, especially a glass one means I have to be more careful 3. I can 👀 what’s going on

• the color of the powdered dye =/= resulting colour

The powder often looks a little dull before its mixed with anything, yellow dyes are often red or 🍊, some blues look grey as a powder.

Go by the label rather than the color of the powder.

• THE POWDER STAINS ORGANIC/POROUS MATERIALS‼️ don’t wipe it off on your pants!❌ Dont touch: •face •wallet/📱 case •light hair •keyboard (basically any wood, plastic, leather or fabric surfaces) before washing your hands.

Do wipe off on: •🚮paper towel •🐶four legged furry roommate 🐱who does not pay the rent🐰

• the finished pills might stain your tongue when you take them❗️👅

• they probably won’t stain your 💩 unless you dye them very dark and the pills are very large

Not everyone can afford to buy the aids that they need. In many countries there are schemes that help disabled people get access to what they need but often people find that they aren’t eligible (despite desperately needing the help. Here I’ll go through the options I know that can help with this and at the end, give tips on how to help people who can’t afford their aids. 

Online groups/communities. Joining groups for people with your condition, disability, etc has a lot of benefits. One such benefit is that you can ask if anyone has a second-hand disability aid that you need. For example, in some of my EDS support groups, I’ve seen people pass on their old wheelchairs to people who need them. 

Charity shops! I think in the US they are called thrift stores? Basically a shop where you can buy second hand items. You be surprised at the things you can find for almost no money. I’ve seen a lot of good quality walking aids for less that £5. Some of this stuff I think would have been £40 or more if bought brand new. It is really worth it. 

Also look at online shops where people sell and trade second hand disability aids. http://disabledgear.com/ is one example. I haven’t tried it myself yet but it looks like what I am talking about. 

Keep an eye out for sales and vouchers/discounts. This won’t often be as cheap as the others but it does mean you can get brand new items at a low price. The best prices are usually with items on clearance. 

Local help. See if there are any organisations, charities, etc that help people get the aids they need in your location. They have different criterias so if you aren’t eligible for one, don’t give up on them all. 

Check to see what places around you will lend you aids or assistance. When out, many places will let you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter for free. Most shops (aside from small ones) have mobility aids for you to borrow (but not leave with). Malls often do the same. Even in towns there are sometimes shops where you can pay a small amount of money (like 50p an hour for example) to use a mobility aid while shopping or doing other activities in town.  Many places also offer assistance from staff. For example, many supermarkets will help people with disabilities do their shopping in store. Part of my Mum’s job on the London Underground is to assist any disabled passengers with their route. She guides the blind, assists people who struggle to walk, ect. It’s not perfect but if you don’t have your own aids, this may really help you get out. 

Look into alternate buying options. What I mean is, consider items that aren’t made for disabled people, but would work pretty well. If it’s for a disabled person, I find that the price is usually x3 as much as the quality of the product is worth. Things that aren’t marketed towards us are a great way to save some money. For example: Try looking at hiking sticks. When getting stuff for your wheelchair, shop for things that are made for buggies/strollers. Get inventive :) And remember this is a great topic to discuss in a support group (where I learnt this trick). Thanks to  chronicallypainful for reminding me of this.

Do you have any methods that I’ve missed? Let us know if you do! 

Ways that you can help:

Rather than sell your old disability aids, give them to someone who needs them. Look at the methods above for ways to do this if you don’t know anyone in need. 

Even if your aids aren’t in perfect condition, you can still give them to someone if it could help. Spare parts can sometimes be expensive or not available. Also if something partially works but not completely, for someone that could be better than nothing. 

Donate to charities that help people get the things they need to live a normal life. There are a lot! It may be helpful to research them first to make sure your donation is going to a good place.

Once again, if I’ve missed something, let us know!

Bed Wedge / In Bed Back Support #12