The Arc Westchester proudly celebrated its first-ever Adaptive Fashion Show at Manhattanville University on June 12. This marked the culmination of a 14-week occupational therapy-led adaptive fashion program developed by Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Giulia Tucci in partnership with The Arc Westchester.
The innovative program provided adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to explore personal style, self-expression, confidence, social participation, and adaptive clothing solutions that support independence and accessibility. Through weekly sessions, participants examined their sense of self, developed greater confidence, and strengthened social connections while discovering how clothing can serve as a tool for self-expression.
The fashion show featured 15 runway models from The Arc Westchester, who walked with confidence, energy, and style. Participants showcased outfits that reflected their unique personalities, interests, and preferences, with each model presenting three outfit changes throughout the event.
The collections included adaptive designs from brands such as Kohl’s Adaptive, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, MagnaReady, Volto Santo, and others. Garments included sensory-friendly features, magnetic closures for ease of dressing, and accessible openings to accommodate mobility devices and leg braces.
More than 80 family members, friends, staff, and community supporters attended the event.
“The Adaptive Fashion Show is about much more than clothing,” said Giulia Tucci. “It is about empowering people to express who they are, build confidence, and participate fully in their communities.”
“Giulia created an incredible opportunity for the people we support at The Arc Westchester to express themselves creatively, build confidence, and experience a greater sense of inclusion,” said Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester. “Programs like this help individuals showcase their unique personalities while strengthening connections with others and their community.”
In the program, participants demonstrated growth in confidence, self-expression, and social participation over the 14 weeks. The Adaptive Fashion Show served as a celebration of participants’ achievements and the program’s completion.
Ms. Tucci, a doctoral student at Quinnipiac University completing her capstone project, developed the program to address the unique needs, abilities, and identities of people with developmental disabilities and to create opportunities for self-expression and inclusion through adaptive fashion.
“We are fortunate to have volunteers like Ms. Tucci and welcome others who are willing to share their time and knowledge with the people we support,” said Todd Bazzini, Director of Volunteer Services and Fund Development at The Arc Westchester. “Volunteers contribute to the innovative work that takes place every day at The Arc Westchester, while also gaining a personally rewarding experience.”
About The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest organization in Westchester County supporting children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Through the work of approximately 700 employees, the organization provides nearly 2,000 people and families with innovative supports and services that foster independence, help individuals achieve personal goals, and strengthen participation in community life.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York. For more information about their programs, visit https://arcwestchester.org/
