Here’s what I know: as an individual in a wheelchair, finding something as simple as a coat that works for me is anything but simple. While most women shop for style, I have to shop for something that fits my short torso, that’s lightweight, and easy to move in. Shopping for other items (e.g. sweatshirts, jeans, pants, etc.) is also extremely challenging. This is where PATTI + RICKY comes in.
PATTI + RICKY is a new online shopping experience that offers stylish and functional designer products for individuals with disabilities. Here’s the history behind the name:
PATTI Connell was a mother, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, and entrepreneur. She was strong, independent, and very much ahead of her time.
RICKY Warga-Arias was a son, cousin, friend, philanthropist, and teacher. They were both the depiction of cool. Together, PATTI + RICKY formed the inclusive lens through which Alexandra Connell (founder of company) sees the world.
Alexandra’s mission behind the online department store is to continue to spread the love, understanding, and acceptance that Patti and Ricky passed on throughout their lifetimes.
The online catalog offers items for individuals of all ages and abilities. They offer accessories, clothing, and even spray supplements to make your life easier.
PATTI + RICKY Online Catalog:
The online catalog features items for women, men, and children. There are products for individuals who are:
- In wheelchairs
- Deaf or hearing impaired
- Visually impaired
- And more
To give you a better idea of what the company has to offer, I’ll highlight a few products for women, men, and children.
Women:
The women’s section has a lot to offer! The designers thought of products I would never have come up with (e.g. arm slings, eye patches, hearing aid cuffs, etc.)
Examples of other products include:
1. Cleverhood Sweatshirt Cape:
The Sweatshirt Cape is made out of high-performance Polartec Thermal Pro fleece. It is breathable, durable, and provides nice warmth without the weight.
Features:
- Durable and lightweight
- Water and wind repellent
- Unisex
- Hood with elastic drawstring chord and reflective thread
- Machine washable
There is a variety of jewelry to choose from with Braille printed on them. There are bracelets, rings, and necklaces to choose from. Some are customizable while some come with featured sayings. There are currently 7 jewelry options available. Features vary on each individual accessory. Click here to view available options.
3. Kenzie Women’s Vintage Adaptable Jeans:
The Adaptable Jeans were designed by a woman who uses a wheelchair. They feature a patent-pending design with pockets you can actually use.
Features:
- Vintage Blue
- Accessible pockets
- High back rise
- Back elastic waistband
- Faux fly
- Invisible catheter opening
- Straps for easier dressing
- Machine washable
The hearing aid cuffs are available in different colors and styles. There are some for pierced ears, and some cuffs that simply hug your ear for a fun accessory.
Click here to view the available hearing aid accessories.
Cleverlite Rain Capes are a great solution for those rainy days. They are made out of breathable materials and constructed for everyone.
Features:
- Easy to get on/off
- Cover backpacks, bags, more
- Great for persons in wheelchairs
- Waterproof
- Hooded with adjustable cinch
- Available in an assortment of colors
Men:
The men’s section features many of the same items as women’s, but with a few additions specifically for men:
1. Button-Down Magnetic Shirts:
Buttoning shirts can be challenging for many. The Button-Down Magnetic Shirts feature patented MagnaReady buttons which are easy to fasten.
Features:
- Traditional fit button down
- Superdurable cross-stitched buttons
- Stain resistant and wrinkle resistant
- 100% lightweight cotton
- *Please consult your physician first if you have a pacemaker
The NBZ style jeans offer style and comfort while making dressing easier. They were designed to promote independence, self-esteem, ease of dressing, and more.
Features:
- Fabric is soft and stretchy
- No front buttons or zippers
- Full elastic waistband
- Ideal for people with and without the manual dexterity to operate buttons and zippers
- Faux fly
3. PunkinPie Bags:
PunkinPie Bags are unisex, pie-shaped bags that can hold your most important belongings.
Features:
- Can securely attach to manual wheelchair wheels, walkers, and scooters
- Waterproof and washable
- Highly reflective fronts for added safety
- Wide-pull zippers for easy access
- Commercial grade for rugged use
- Available in many colors
Children:
There are many unique clothing and accessory solutions for children of all abilities.
Each patch is specifically designed to make getting dressed easier for those who are blind. There are three Braille patches available for children and adults:
- Braille Patches for Socks: attach to the back, outside of socks so users know if socks are on correctly
- Code Number Patches for Button Down Shirts: Sew or iron on to button down shirts next to the button-hole so you know which button goes where
- Left and Right Patches for Shoes: these adhesive patches are placed on the inner tongue of shoes; it’s a quick way to figure out which shoe goes on which foot
The stylish and fun unisex compression top is made of comfortable 4-way stretch fabric. It can be worn as an outer or inner garment and provides deep pressure for those needing sensory input.
Features:
- Hugs the shoulders, body trunk, and hips
- Provides both tactile and proprioceptive input to the body
- Calms the central nervous system
- No tags
- Nonrestrictive fabric allows full movement of child
- Machine washable
PATTI + RICKY offers an assortment of personalizable decals to decorate your child’s cranial band. There is an assortment of themes to choose from:
- Motorcycle
- Curly Que
- Monster Truck
- Princess
- Summer Watermelon
Each theme is customizable. Click here to learn more about these fun decals.
4. Quiet + Fun Sensory Fidget:
Of course I had to write about the fidgets available from PATTI + RICKY! The Quiet + Fun Sensory Fidget is a soft, weighted sensory beanbag with a soft wrist strap.
Features:
- Two different sensory fabrics
- Stuffed with nonmolding poly beads
- Soft fabric covered wristlet
- Machine washable
- Weighs about .4 pounds