Marks & Spencer has achieved what is said to be a high street first by introducing a new line of clothing catered to disabled children.
The supermarket and fashion retailer has designed easy dressing, a range of clothing designed to be easier to those with disabilities to put on and take off.
Children using wheelchairs, crutches, or who have different needs can now have all the same clothes as their able counterparts, but specifically designed for their bodies.
M&S got one mum, Emma, to try out some of the outfits on her five-year-old twins Edward and Celia.
There are around 1.5 million children in the UK who have a sensory or physical disability, explained M&S online.
So after talking to parents and experts, weve developed an easy-dressing range for kids thats fun to wear, plus the designs are the same as our standard range, so kids have the choice to wear the same cool clothes as their friends or siblings.
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From all-in-ones that allow for a cast (for hip dysplasia) to tees and dresses with discreet pockets for feeding tubes, the range uses the softest materials, the fewest seams possible and hidden care labels that wont irritate sensitive skin.
To show off the range, the company used youngsters with Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and hip dysplasia, to show off bodysuits, detachable jackets, coats, and trousers with spaces for nappies and leg openings to ensure a quick change.
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Emma, who got a sneak peak of the line for her children, explained how it worked for her twins, Edward and Celia.
Edward has hemiplegia, which is cerebral palsy that affects his right side. He has limited control and movement in his arm and leg and epilepsy. We use a wheelchair a lot of the time, particularly when Edwards tired, she said
Thats why this range is great. The velcro fastening down the back of the sweater and bodywarmer means I can easily get Edward ready to go out when hes in his wheelchair.
I havent seen anything else like this before – Edward loved how cool they looked. The dress Celia wore is in the standard and adapted range too, meaning it can also be removed easily with the velcro strip. Im sure loads of girls out there will love to wear it – Celia did!
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Its all affordable too, ranging from £2.50 to £26. You can purchase the line here.
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