The Ableism of Design (Designs on Shirts)

Clothes are a way people can express ourselves. The designs allow us to show our humor, our passions, what we find beautiful, etc. Unless, of course, you’re a wheelchair user.

Speaking about my personal experience, the backs of my shirts are always blocked by the backrest of my wheelchair. Unless I’m leaning forward or I’m out of my chair, no one can see the design on my back.

It could be the best and/or most important thing in the entire world to me and I would be the only one to know about it.

I’m not saying to put designs only on the front of shirts. I am saying both is an option.

If you’re selling a shirt (or any piece of clothing with a design on the back), you can be more inclusive and make your product more accessible by offering that same design on the front. I personally like being able to choose having a design on the front, back, or both.

Clothing items sometimes include designs for a reason.

Whether it’s pretty or funny, wheelchair users deserve to be able to showcase our clothes to the world. We deserve to proudly display our fashion choices and our mobility aides - at once.