I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, and it turned my world upside down. Simple, everyday tasks like getting dressed were suddenly major challenges. I quickly learned how difficult managing clothing can be when you experience disability. 

Buttons become obstacles when you’re struggling with dexterity, and rigid garments like tailored suits are nearly impossible to wear comfortably while wheeling in a manual chair. But I didn’t want to give up my love for fashion just because my body had changed. 

I was an industrial design student when I got my diagnosis, so my instinct was to turn to design for solutions. Originally, I wanted to create adaptive garments from scratch, but I began to see the power in modifying existing clothing – it’s more cost-effective and offers freedom to express personal style.

Last spring, when I was working with Inclusion Alberta and supporting a MacEwan student who also wanted to start her own business, we signed up for MacEwan Ventures program together. Tristan Ham, who manages the program, mentored us and helped us develop our ideas – mine was for an adaptive clothing company – and we concluded the experience with a pitch competition, where I placed second. 

Around the same time, I saw a posting for a program assistant at MacEwan’s Makerspace and decided to shoot my shot. I’m only six months into my new role, but I’m excited about creating programming that is accessible for everyone. I have big dreams for hackathons and using 3D printing in creative ways, but what gets me most excited is seeing people learn new skills.

I’m taking the same approach with adaptive clothing. I’m looking at creating kits to give people tools to hack their own garments. Clothing is a joy to me, and helping people make their own accessible clothing feels like coming full circle. It’s a way to honour the many people who helped me along the way. 

– Jenna Dewar, Program Assistant, Makerspace 

P.S. Jenna invites all students, staff and faculty to stop by the Makerspace. You don’t need to know anything before you come. It’s a safe place to try something and succeed, or try something and fail – and try again.