Empowering students with disabilities through inclusive uniform repairs

Kiyasuku, a clothing repair service that caters to people with physical disabilities, has recently launched a new project called “Seishun no Kiyasuku” (translated: “Youth’s Kiyasuku”) which focuses on repairing school uniforms. This is a response to the growing demand from users who, for various reasons such as disabilities, illness, or injury, have to prioritize the ease of wearing their clothes over their personal preferences.

The school uniform is an important part of a student’s life as they wear it every day for several years. Kiyasuku’s new project aims to help those who may not be able to wear normal school uniforms due to physical difficulties. It will conduct an online survey to gather the opinions of those affected and recruit service monitors who can help with repairing school uniforms from 31 January to 31 May.

During the development of the Kiyasuku service, the company received numerous requests from users asking to repair their school uniforms. One user expressed their disappointment in having to choose a baggy uniform that would be easier to put on and take off, instead of a well-fitting one, in order to accommodate their physical needs. Kiyasuku responded by conducting online interviews, checking photos, and making modifications to each individual’s uniform to ensure a good fit.

For example, as we can see from the before and after the comparison of fixing a uniform skirt, the waist belt core has been removed and replaced with elastic. According to the staff in charge, the back pleats have also been cut by about two and made room for the elastic stretch. By fixing the front elastic and only allowing the back waist elastic to stretch, the impression from the front has changed significantly without removing only the rigid belt core.

Kiyasuku’s menu includes items like innerwear and bottoms, and they offer specialized services that cater to the unique needs of people with physical disabilities. Prices range from 1,600 to 4,000 yen per item. The service flow is designed to be completed entirely from home, and the repair staff consists of experienced individuals who are equipped to provide both technical and emotional support, including mothers of children with disabilities who have faced similar challenges.

The company encourages people to participate in the survey and share the questionnaire with others to help spread the word about the new project, and offers monitoring participants a 20% discount on the repair fee.

The desire to wear the same uniform as everyone else is not just about having the same look, but also about sharing the same experiences and memories with classmates. This project is a step towards creating more inclusive services for people with physical disabilities and Kiyasuku hopes it will bring comfort and happiness to students who may have felt left out in the past.

Originally published on Life Hugger.

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