Suggestions for Dressing

This content is from pages 335 to 336 of Disabled Village Children

If one arm or leg is more affected than the other, it is easier if you put the clothes first on the affected side.
Put the clothes where the child can see and reach them easily, so he can help in any way possible.

If the arm is bent stiffly, first try to straighten it slowly, then put the sleeve on. (If you try to straighten it forcefully or quickly, it may become more stiff.)
If the legs straighten stiffly, bend them gently in order to put on pants or shoes.

Placing your hand on her lower back will help keep her hips and legs bent.

Or you can help keep her knee bent with your hand.

This keeps the legs relaxed and gives her better control.

Begin any dressing activity for the child, but let him finish it for himself. Little by little have him do more of the steps. If he can do it all by himself, give him time.Do not hurry to do it for him if he is struggling to do it himself. Praise him when he does well or tries hard.

elastic waist bands	overlap fly without buttons or zipper — or with Velcro	cloth loops to help pull up	wide sleeves		zipper with loop or knob for easy pulling
“Tube socks” (socks without heels, that stretch to fit foot) are easier for the child to put on.				Velcro tabs instead of buttons
Press-together studs (snaps) are easier to open and close than buttons.		If buttons are used, use large buttons and make buttonholes extra big.

For children who have difficulty with finger control, make a simple tool to button and unbutton buttons.

end bent to curve around hand

thin, firm strip of metal (from old tin)

strap for holding on hand if hand is very weak

round piece of wood

thin, stiff wire

For the child who often puts her dress on backward, or her sandals on the wrong foot, try to build in “reminders” that will help her do it right. For example:

Sew a colorful bow on the front of her dress.

Draw half an animal on each sandal or shoe so that the 2 halves make the whole animal when she puts them on right.

For the child who has difficulty reaching his feet, a stick with a hook may help.

		An all-purpose tool
for pulling for pushing				comb

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For toes that claw up, or bend under,
you can cut off the top of the shoe, or use a sandal.

	big eye holes	Velcro straps (instead of buckles)

Tennis shoes or other shoes that open all the way down to the toes are easier to put on.

Velcro straps for easy fastening can make many children more independent in dressing.		A leather or cloth loop sewed on the heel makes it easier to pull on shoe.
		Consider using shoes that fit loosely— about one size too large.