Jefferson Fashion Course Fosters Inclusion and Human-Centered Approach to Design
Students develop adaptive fashion for clients with disabilities.
With her mom, Lisa, watching on, 2-year-old Eliza McGann tries on a student-made shirt with an adjustable sleeve. (Photos by ©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
A few years ago, Jefferson implemented a fashion design class to teach students about designing for people whom the fashion industry has traditionally overlooked, such as individuals with physical disabilities, skin sensitivity and autism. This year marked the first time the students were paired with actual clients—several with Jefferson connections.
“This required course for seniors, ‘Diversity in Design,’ helps foster an industry of inclusion, where fashion is accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability,” says Carly Kusy, fashion design program director. “By working with real clients, students practice a human-centered approach to design, addressing disparities in the fashion marketplace head-on.”
Plus, the course prepares students for careers after graduation. “The adaptive wear market is huge, and it’s continuing to grow year after year exponentially,” Kusy told WHYY.
Jefferson faculty and fashion design students pose with 10-year-old Amelia Bryson after she tried on the customized looks.
Over three sessions in December, students presented their final looks to fashion faculty and six clients, having worked closely with them throughout the fall semester. Among them were Eliza McGann, an active 2-year-old with Down syndrome and limb difference; Amelia Bryson, a neurodiverse 10-year-old; and Dr. Amanda Parezo, a Jefferson occupational therapy professor who was shot and paralyzed from the waist down since being struck by a stray bullet in 2021.
For example, students designed a playful coat with magnetic closures and an adjustable sleeve for Eliza, whose dad, Dr. Sean McGann, is a Jefferson clinical associate professor. Amelia tried on a capelet with weighted shoulders for grounding and calming and hidden pockets lined with silky textured fabric for sensory needs. And see photos of Dr. Parezo’s work with fashion students here.
The clients found their way to this effort via various University connections, including Jefferson’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, helmed by Dr. Wendy Ross. She notes that this is an important collaborative effort not just for the clients, but for underserved populations.
“Clothing covers us. Fashion represents us,” Dr. Ross says. “Everyone deserves an outfit that makes them comfortable in the world.”
Read more about this fashion course on WHYY, and save the date for an exhibit on Feb. 19 to honor all the students’ work.