Dress For Success On A Disability Budget
By Lady Luck
“This a brilliant contribution that will help you land a job, find a house and weave through other disability related issues.”
Recently, at a disabilities support meeting, a woman I will call Mary stood in front of the group and delivered a tirade about being “treated like a client” when she appeared in public. Mary’s long dark hair shone and her green velvet dress was quite becoming. Then I looked down. Instead of stockings and some nice black pumps, she was wearing filthy white athletic socks and torn, dirty athletic shoes.
You may say, “Does it really matter? I am disabled now, and I am no longer part of the mainstream. I’m not on the fast track.” It matters more than you might think. First appearances leave the strongest impression, and if you appear to be someone that is out of the mainstream, you will be treated like one. Proper, attractive attire is one way that you show that you are part of society and are ready to compete on a level playing field.
Studies have shown that when the mentally retarded are dressed in fashionable, neat, clean clothes, discrimination is reduced as much as ten-fold. Last week, I saw a woman with cerebral palsy downtown. She was very attractively dressed in a big shirt, nice slacks and fashionable shoes with a coordinating bag. Her hair was obviously cut by a designer. She gave every appearance of being a model, and I was so taken with how nice she looked that I didn’t notice her unusual gait.       An attractive appearance shows your respect for society and for yourself and is the first step towards respect from others. It is surprising how often people will overlook very serious disabilities if your appearance is not “handicapped”.
I can guess your next question. “How can I do it? I am on a disability check.” I am a large woman and I use a very reasonably priced catalog called “Woman Within”. Old Navy frequently has quality items on their clearance rack for as little as $1.99. Kohl’s has fabulous sales regularly. WalMart has started carrying what used to be upper end brands such as White Stag and Faded Glory at discount prices. And, remember, you don’t need a lot and they don’t need to be new … yard sales are a great option.   If you are careful about what colors and styles that you pick, you can make five or six outfits out of three or four items.
It is a kind of art form. In New York, there is a Yiddish word for it and I can’t think of it now, but it means “making like you have it when you don’t”. You will be surprised at what a difference it makes in the reception that you receive, and how you are treated.
This contribution is from Disability Digest member Lady Luck
