When I was growing up, I was one of those art geeks who went to museums for fun, was always drawing in the margins of my class notes, and took requests from other kids to draw horses, unicorns, mad scientists, and various monsters.
After I went blind, finding new ways to be creative became something of an obsession. I learned to sew. I learned to tie-dye. I’m always searching for tactile art, which can include anything from found object sculpture to costumes to textile arts.
Kestrell in the Slytherin dress robes a friend made for her.
Recently I was searching Etsy for some fingerless gloves (due to my arthritis, I often wear these even indoors), and I was pleased to find that not only did Etsy have these in a variety of lengths and styles, but many of them were fun and fit both my gothic sense of style and offbeat sense of humor. The winner is purple people-eater fleece gloves:
Purple People Eater Gloves by BoysenberryLane, $14.95.
This got me wondering what other Etsy items might be appealing to people with disabilities. Here are some of my discoveries.
I’ve been thinking about taking up crochet, but my arthritis makes this something of an issue. Here’s a possible solution, which promises both added ease of use and a decorative element: a handcrafted steel crochet hook with a modified handle. It’s decorated with flowers and butterflies. (Hmmm, wonder if I can get that with crescent moons and bats?)
Polymer Clay Covered Steel Crochet Hook with a Modified Handle by thefancifulfeline, $5.99.
I’m not a big Braille reader (I mostly use a talking laptop for reading and writing and an accessible mp3 player for reading books), but I am fond of items that use Braille as a decorative device. It’s tactile, and it’s like wearing a secret coded message. Etsy offers more Braille-related items than I can list in a single post, but three of my favorites are:
A Child’s Braille Alphabet Quilt by NeedfulThingsofSalem, $150.
Love Braille rings available in silver or gold by Zahour, $85.
This textured Braille painting entitled “Joy” by JMJSTUDIO, $179.
For wheelchair users, there are a number of wheelchair bags, although I think there is a market of younger, more hip wheelchair users, which is being seriously overlooked. My favorite of the wheelchair bags is the Smartie Pak, Jr. arm saddlebag by hodgepodgeia, $23.95.
One particularly happy discovery was that at least one Etsy furniture maker is addressing wheelchair accessible furniture, and this wheelchair accessible reclaimed pine table from an old barn made me wish this table fit in my living space. (Big surprise, I live in the attic of a big old Victorian house, with just enough room for me, the books, and the bats.) The table is by jeffbuildsfurniture, $1050.
There are a number of disabled artists who sell their work on Etsy, but the one that I kept coming back to — and from whom I ultimately bought a couple of necklaces — is Sarahbushka and her family’s shop, wiresNpliers. She lists her jewelry that she makes at Art Careers, which is an adaptive educational program offered to persons with developmental disabilities. One of the necklaces I bought was the Art Careers’ Sarahbushka’s “Oh, Amber!” necklace. Find more in the wiresNpliers shop.
I’m still pretty new to Etsy, but I am hoping to find more tactile crafts, more disability-related items and more disabled artists who are using art and handmade crafts as both a form of self-expression and as a form of social activism.
Kestrell is a disability and technology advocate with an M.S. in media studies. She lives in the Boston area and blogs about media, disability and technology at http://kestrell.livejournal.com
Check out items from the Etsy for Autism Team | More Posts about Disability
171 comments
Sign in to add your ownVintageEye says:
Wonderful subject!
2 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
wow, such a great article and wonderful work.
2 years ago
VintageEyeFashion says:
Art and craft are for all!
2 years ago
mariagotijoyas says:
Great article :D
2 years ago
abcdimages says:
What a cool idea for a Storque feature!
2 years ago
CheekyLemur says:
Real food for thought.
2 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
Pure awesome :D
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
I absolutely love this!
2 years ago
OffTheHooks says:
great article- it's so great to include everyone!
2 years ago
LilyBaySoap says:
Love this!!
2 years ago
luckierthanthou says:
I love this article topic! My cousin recently became paralyzed from the chest down, so this article comes at a convenient time for me. Thank you so much, Kestrell.
2 years ago
1AEON says:
soo neat, and great ideas too!! great cause as well!!
2 years ago
MGMart says:
Thank you so much for the article Kestrell! My son will be going in the school trip on this Thursday to Budapest (Hungary) to an "Invisible Exhibition". It will be held in a dark room, without any light source,and the children will have to touch,smell and feel items and try to guess what they are. I was really happy to hear they will be going there, because give a different outlook of things,what we are taking for granted! xo Marianna
2 years ago
OnTheRound says:
Kudos on this wonderful article!
2 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
Wow, this is very thoughtful and amazing! I love it!
2 years ago
ArtDecoDame says:
great article and neat items
2 years ago
mireillemanuel says:
Amaziiing!!!
2 years ago
warpedLaurie says:
loved your article .
2 years ago
cindylouwho2 says:
Thanks for featuring this topic! I have one of MadeByMari's cane straps & it has been one of my best Etsy purchases Just to let everyone know, we have an Etsy Team for people with disabilities & caregivers, called the Createability Team. You can find us all here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6269022 Please contact me if you would like to join! Also, check out the great shops because some - like Mari - do make a few items that are designed with disability in mind, including jewellery that is easy to wear & remove, such as slip-knot necklaces & other clasp-free designs, ones with self-closing clasps etc.
2 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Wow ~ beautiful Braille-related finds!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Awesome. Great article.
2 years ago
uncharted says:
great article! it's always great to hear what the etsy community has to offer...
2 years ago
MGMart says:
Here is the link for the "Invisible Exhibition" in Budapest (Hungary), I was talking about http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/calendar_of_events/ivisible_exhibition
2 years ago
aBreathofFrenchair says:
Great article! Having worked with adults with disabilities, I know very much how wonderful these products are!
2 years ago
ClaudiaLord says:
Love the braille art!
2 years ago
JanieDMattern says:
Wow... love this article! My husband is a Teacher of The Blind and Visually Impaired and also a Mobility Specialist. Oh... and the Braille ring... Super Neat!!
2 years ago
MoonlightAura says:
Wow! Love this article and all the items included with it! If anyone is interested in more sign language themed items, you can check out my shop as I make sign language hand sculptures out of clay and if you'd like and I'd love to make something for you. :D Good luck to all you on etsy!
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
This is a wonderful subject.... thank you! My sweet nephew, Ronan James, who happens to be Autistic, has a sweet little shop here, along with mom.... Art is his creative outlet for ALL his emotions!
2 years ago
vivikas says:
Great topic!
2 years ago
pinkytoeclothing says:
Wow! How cool, thanks for this article :)
2 years ago
StudioAMF says:
Really a wonderful article. Thank you for including my ring!
2 years ago
berrybluecreations says:
Awesome article. It's nice to see some createability team members being shown.
2 years ago
minouette says:
Great topic! I enjoyed the article.
2 years ago
FrillyButts says:
Thanks for this amazing article!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
thanks for helping me become more aware!!
2 years ago
magickalrealism says:
There are quite a few Etsy sellers with disabilities out there who are great artisans - it would be fabulous to see a series of profiles on them and their art!
2 years ago
LuminousDreamDesigns says:
What a wonderful article! Thank you :)
2 years ago
theriveriseverywhere says:
love braille!
2 years ago
sineminugur says:
Love this!
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
It's great to see etsy exploring something different to weddings and weird things, not that I have a problem with those.
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
What a great subject. Touched my heart. Thank you.
2 years ago
hellobrowneyes says:
This is such a great story. Makes me love everybody on Etsy even more than before.
2 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
A great idea for an article and great products featured. I'm fascinated by the Braille jewelry.
2 years ago
metrostation says:
wonderful article! thank you!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Truly a wonderful article. Thank you!
2 years ago
janeeroberti says:
Thank you so much for a great article. My first career was as a special education teacher. I especially was glad that your piece touches on the variety of blindness (esp. the misconception that blind persons can see absolutely nothing and walk around in pitch black darkness all day). I also love that many of your choices are beautiful and functional items that anyone (disabled or not) can love, and as such, bridge the narrow and ever-shifting gaps between us. Personally, I am very myopic, and as such have always appreciated tactile items, esp. the simple, sculptural and secretive quality of braille, as you so beautifully articulated. Thanks again!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
what a wonderful article! It is fabulous that we can help while we create!
2 years ago
bayousalvage says:
i love this article.
2 years ago
CatherineMarissa says:
Love the focus of this. With a son with CP in a chair, I'm just learning about the need for adaptations and love the idea of a wheelchair accessible table. Keep up the wonderful work sellers!
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Thoughtful article...thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
dandyapple says:
Fantastic article and finds!!! A topic very near and dear to my heart. :)
2 years ago
HibouCards says:
What a great article, very thoughtful. Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
HibouCards says:
What a great article, very thoughtful. Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
meringuedesigns says:
totally unique article! great items!
2 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
both of my grandparents were blind so this means a lot to me
2 years ago
VintageZen says:
that is so great!
2 years ago
VintageZen says:
so many great things. thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
That70sShoppe says:
Great article about an important topic.
2 years ago
COGnitivecreations says:
What an inspiring article. It definitely gets my gears going to create with a twist. Thank you so much for featuring it in the Storque.
2 years ago
thewonderlandstudio says:
very cool...the braille jewelry is amazing!
2 years ago
lorilooms says:
What a wonderful idea for an article! I would love to see what other sellers are out there and what they sell ;)
2 years ago
THEMONKEYSHOP says:
Love the article, thank you.
2 years ago
beadsandbits says:
Had I known about Etsy when I was taking care of my sight-impaired, often wheelchair-bound mom, it could have made "Mama Hot Wheels" (so named by fellow crafters at shows where she sped down aisles at breakneck speeds!) a great deal happier and hipper.
2 years ago
stubborndog says:
Wow! I loved reading this and learning about some etsians that I might not have found otherwise. It definitely gets me thinking in new directions, too. Wonderful!
2 years ago
patspottery says:
Wonderful Finds:>)
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
So many great ideas & a great interview. Love the fingerless gloves...so fun!
2 years ago
blueberryshoes says:
this is the deepest most moving storque article i've read to date. i always think in the back of mind, how extremely depressed i'd be if i lost my ability to create with my hands for some reason. this article shows me that there is always a way-no matter what happens
2 years ago
BLUERAINBOW says:
great article..
2 years ago
nomadcraftsetc says:
This is a great write up! Perfect picks!
2 years ago
adoseofjen says:
Very lovely products! Great finds!
2 years ago
mtcoffinz says:
That cane strap is brilliant! *adding it to my Holiday shopping list*
2 years ago
PatternsAndSuch says:
I should take the time to read Storque articles more often; this was great reading, informative and love all the shops highlighted!
2 years ago
theaxx says:
LOVE IT ALL!!! thea. xx www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com
2 years ago
wiresNpliers says:
Woo hoo great article and such a surprise! Sarahbushka just saw this article and even thoguh she cannot read, she recognized the Etsy Style and knew that something special has happened. She is beaming to see one of her necklaces here in the Storque. Thanks to Etsy and Kestrell for her wonderul article, and also to cindylouwho2 letting me know. Beautiful article! Brought tears to my eyes.
2 years ago
LilithEvy says:
What a great article! I really love the ring and SOOOOO the pine table!
2 years ago
twokidsstudio says:
nice article!
2 years ago
JoyandWhimsy says:
Nice piece, thanks.
2 years ago
JMJSTUDIO says:
What a great article !! Thank you for including me.
2 years ago
bijougirldesigns says:
Kestrell, this is a really great article - and you are inspiring. I loved hearing how you searched out other methods to keep your creativity going. Really fabulous.
2 years ago
soapapilla says:
What a great article! I myself had a horrible accident last year resulting in me suffering a brain injury which I am still recovering from. Not being able to function as I used to and not being able to return to my rewarding job, I felt lost until I found Etsy. Etsy has provided me an otlet for my new-found creativity in an environment that allows me to do meaningful work from my house where I continue to work toward my full recovery. Thank you for highlighting these artists and buyers!
2 years ago
muzie5 says:
Wonderful article!! I've been contemplating adding a Special Needs department to my online baby boutique. This was very inspirational! Thanks to everyone who made these items!! Lynette http://www.wildernesslane.com - for ALL your baby needs!
2 years ago
thedifferentdrummer says:
Great article and so true. I feel art is a necessity in dealing with and expressing our inner selves when sometimes the words are lost. I myself suffer with depression and find that making jewelry is therapeutic. I realize my artist vision as well as focus on something pleasurable. I think all kids should be exposed to different arts so that they might find a positive outlet when sometimes the words are too tough to speak.
2 years ago
NancyBsStainedGlass says:
What a great article and inspiring also. I love those fingerless mittens. I do transcription and sometimes, transcriptionists use these so that they can still type without binding up their fingers, yet keep their hands warm. I have this problem. I'll be making note of your shop so that I can get some at some point. Good for you! Keep up the good work.
2 years ago
NorthviewJewels says:
I really enjoyed reading this article. It's wonderful that Etsy, and the Etsy community, can celebrate artisans and customers from all walks of life.
2 years ago
rainbowwrangler says:
great article!!!
2 years ago
thisilk says:
Perfect article! It's like a breath of fresh air to the consumer society we are surrounded by :)
2 years ago
LadybugSF says:
Sending to my friends at the LightHouse for the Blind, San Francisco!
2 years ago
kmcgiveron says:
Sweet! I've had JMJStudio in my favorites forever and have featured him in treasuries. I like his work, it's really interesting.
2 years ago
kukkilintu says:
Great article! Really enjoyed reading this!
2 years ago
elloh says:
My grandmother was blind. I remember playing with her foldable walking stick and hearing her play the organ. I still have her crochet scarf and other items she made. Thanks for the article. :)
2 years ago
filambulle says:
Thank you very much for this beautiful article and for the inspiration.
2 years ago
kimmieluwho says:
What a fabulous article! As the mother of a son with autism, I especially love it.
2 years ago
TheJoyofColor says:
This is a very interesting issue, I am amazed at what courege it takes to disable people create and be a part of the art/craft area, i was deeply mooved. I might think more about this direction thanks.
2 years ago
lilimandrill says:
Great subject, very 'graphicly' inspriring! I also made a bag which can be customize with your name in ASL letters : http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29033097
2 years ago
cozymemories says:
extremely interesting article, thanks a lot for sharing it with us.
2 years ago
Lollapanoplies says:
my little girl has a trach & has always eaten with a feeding tube. she lived at childrens hospital for 11 straight months when she was born & her first halloween she was too sick to have any fun...so i was DETERMINED that she get to take part in it last year. i created this owl costume http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31342914 using a zip up hoodie because it wouldnt block her trach, could unzip so i could still have access to her feeding tube easily & would keep her warm. i sold them this season on etsy because i really believe they're a great option for many kiddo's with special needs. (they've done so well i have to turn down orders now so that i'll get them all done for halloween!) i loved hearing your story & about your passion to create, & then the comments posted by others who can relate in some way; probably my favorite article so far...this really got me thinking & i'm certainly going to begin searching more for items that can help with my daughters care/therapy/life on etsy. organizers for wheelchairs & special strollers....DEF something we need! i'd LOVE to find out more about disabled artists on etsy & other artists with children with special needs who create items for these strong kids.
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
I Guess we shoude all stay humble Great Theme!
2 years ago
OmShop says:
Wow, it's great article and interesting items!! ;-)
2 years ago
knitterye says:
This is a really interesting read. I would like to make products that can help people with unique challenges. I'll have to keep an eye out for things I might be able to do. Thanks for writing!
2 years ago
ECObyLimitz says:
Very interesting article. I wasn't aware of these products , thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
Navare says:
Fantastic! Because if you're not helping other people in some way, shape, or form, what's the point of life, right? I give 12% of my sales to charity, even though I'm not yet making a profit, and it feels very worthwile!
2 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Great, inspiring article!
2 years ago
arteest says:
What a great article! Thank you for such a positive message!
2 years ago
Cidtalk says:
Awesome piece!
2 years ago
prendasbyenid says:
Great, Awesome, Wonderful Article!!!!
2 years ago
SissysArt says:
Beautiful artwork whether you have a disability or not!
2 years ago
ElenaMary says:
Thanks for this super article..lovely to see Sarahbushka's amber necklace featured! My adult son, Noah Erenberg, challenged with autism, is a talented painter and I share my etsy shop with him as he cannot manage his own: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=15623§ion_id=5002884
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Great article! All of these specialty products are truly amazing. I'm especially fond of the braille jewelry. Beautiful!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Thanks for featuring these items and posting this story!
2 years ago
RubyStudios says:
AWESOME!! Thank you for enlightening us.
2 years ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Great article Kestrell!
2 years ago
vivatregina says:
A wonderful article, something I've never even thought about, as ashamed as I am to admit that. Thanks, for opening my eyes. The only problem I have with this article is... Slytherin robes? really? I'm afraid we would be enemies then, because according to a quiz I took on Facebook, I'd be in Gryffindor. LOL. Oh well, Great stuff anyway!
2 years ago
JustJaynes says:
Thanks for including my Diabetes Sucks necklace. $15 of every necklace purchased goes to JDRF. My cousins daughter has been diagnosed with JD, she's only 5 but takes her shots every day.
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
Kerstell, you are so cool!
2 years ago
MiniatureRhino says:
tactile is always nice...
2 years ago
DreamzBoutique says:
I love the article.. check this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31288991
2 years ago
whilejupiterdreams says:
Great article, very inspiring!
2 years ago
MyMoms says:
Great article, love the picks!
2 years ago
clevergirl says:
Great article! I have found disability to be a major example of one door closing and another opening. It has taught me to work smarter and to be creative in every aspect of my life (not just my art). Etsy has a street team of artists who are juggling creating art and living with disabilities - either their disability/impairment or that of a loved one in their care. Come visit us! Here's our Etsy team page (with a list of shops!) for Createability Team Etsy http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=453 As an artist with multiple disabilities (and a child with Asperger's Syndrome) Etsy has allowed me to participate in the world in ways I never imagined would be possible. As a frequent buyer I am thrilled to report that I have had many Etsy artists create modifications on their existing products to accommodate my special needs. ( http://moxieandoliver.etsy.com made me a fabulous insulin pump/CGMS case and a couple of beautiful cane straps) We truly are a diverse and amazing community! I am offering readers of this entry in The Storque Free Shipping* and an exclusive jewelry treasure (value approx $15) in each package until 10/3/09. Just type "CREATEABILITY" in the notes to seller area during checkout *free shipping applies only to domestic shipping, international customers will receive up to a $3 rebate on their shipping costs. Free shipping/discounted international shipping will be given as a refund when your order ships.
2 years ago
cuddlebugkids says:
Great article! I too would love to see more artist design for the needs of special kids. My shop is products I've designed and sew to help kids with ADHD, Sensory Integration and autism. So excited to learn about some of the other designers here who are meeting special needs!
2 years ago
KittyCityCreations says:
Great article! Thanks for pointing these items out. I'd love to find a way to make my items accessible to those with special needs.
2 years ago
LittleStudioJewels says:
After becoming physically disabled with Fibromyalgia, my Etsy shop, and my art, have become dearer to me than I ever could have thought possible. My income is derived purely from my shop, and my art keeps me feeling busy, happy and creative. Great article, thank you so much for sharing it!
2 years ago
pesmou says:
Thank you for this article, Kestrell. Great to have you as a guest curator on Etsy.
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
what a wonderful article!
2 years ago
ooty says:
wow, thanks for this, wonderful!
2 years ago
barbdunshee says:
Kestrell, I enjoyed your article very much. It's inspiring to create art for ALL the senses! I love saucierjewelry's story behind her braille cuff.
2 years ago
somethingintheair says:
I'm really glad that this was featured!
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Great idea!
2 years ago
QuiltFinger says:
WOW! What a touching article! I don't think we could ever do too much to help all of the people with disabilities.
2 years ago
LaLah says:
this is wonderful!
2 years ago
ArtMind says:
What a great article! I have been working with another Etsy seller on some braille items and we're excited to list it sometime in future! So great to see so many other sellers doing items for people with disabilities! If you want to check out what we're working on: http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/2009/09/secret-project-work-in-progress.html
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
Very cool post! Thanks for your picks, Kestrell!
2 years ago
tiemee says:
Great finds, great ideas and resources for an OT!!
2 years ago
PuzzleBoBuzzles says:
Very inspiring. Thanks!
2 years ago
theholybead says:
There are so many things I wish I could articulate in response to this article, but I don't seem to be able to. I'm just posting to say "Thank you." :)
2 years ago
la01shelle says:
very cool diabetes sucks necklace!
2 years ago
ColinFrancisDesign says:
Hmmm...makes me think I should make more of these braille cuffs: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16900309 Great article!
2 years ago
HandmadeWebsites says:
What a wonderful thought-provoking piece! I just want to add a comment on how important it is for websites like Etsy to follow strict accessibility standards so that all people - regardless of their disabilities - can 'read' content by screen readers and the like. This applies to your personal websites too. There are simple ways to make your website usable for all people, and I think they should never be overlooked. Thankyou Kestrell!
2 years ago
MadeByMari says:
I am on vacation and was convo'd that I was in this storque with my Cane Catcher. Thank you for featuring it in the photos at the end. It has saved me more than once! (Thx for the tip Cindylouwho2, and for the Createability team plug -- it's a great group of crafters helping each other through understanding of such different yet similar-to-deal-with problems. Crafting brings us all together.
2 years ago
LHogan says:
Amazing article! Thank you! You sound like an amazing woman, Kestrell! Great picks!
2 years ago
bornlippy says:
Really like this kind of article. Keep em' coming!
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
wonderful braille items.
2 years ago
MODERA says:
excellent article!
2 years ago
birdie1 says:
Just beautiful - love the braille.
2 years ago
Zahour says:
Great article! Thanks for including my rings!
2 years ago
Pearlk2 says:
Amazing article, Love it
2 years ago
billyandwinston says:
Wonderful article
2 years ago
anadiazarte says:
Great items!
2 years ago
cassidycay says:
Great idea for an article! I really enjoyed this.
2 years ago
JetWhitePonytail says:
Thank you for sharing this, great article.
2 years ago
dreamdancerjewelry says:
Thank you so much for a great article. I'm new, and love having a place on Etsy that I can create & help contribute to those working so hard to help families with autism. ~*~*~ Proud member of Etsy for Autism ~*~*~ a great group!
2 years ago
JansArtAndTreasures says:
Oh thank you. This is a wonderful article and bravo to you for bringing this to our attention.
2 years ago
KayleighsKuttings says:
Great article!
2 years ago
TheInspiredNest says:
Thank you for sharing. Great article, wonderful items and artists highlighted.
2 years ago
AutismLoveHope says:
Fantastic! This is so wonderful! I love the colorful paintings with braille! My autistic son is also visually impaired and they are teaching him braille! That is so awesome!!!!
2 years ago
MysticLily says:
Every time I log into ETSY, I find something new and wonderful. Yesterday there was a "DNA" themed Treasury, and now this braille inspired collection - it is thought- provoking, creative and warms my heart!
2 years ago
queenofnostalgia says:
This is one of the many reasons I love Etsy. It is funny - I was just looking at some of the children's toys and was thinking how the tactile elements would appeal to my autistic son... and then I read this article. Thank you :)
2 years ago
Joycetsy says:
Applause. I've been meaning to work on "brailled work embroidered on things" -- I work at Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired --- and now I see a venue. I will also have to check with our O&M dept. regarding the "cane gloves" I have seen on some of our kids. Basically a fingerless cone, but I'm not sure if a thumb break (like a toe-sandal sock, but without the ends) would work for cane use. I'm sure I could crochet some of these and will probably try selling some at school as testers then maybe open the market up for the rest. joycetsy aka joycets
2 years ago
blackscrapcat says:
Very interesting article. Going blind has been really tough on my Grandmother, who has been very arty and crafty her entire life -- she still crochets, though, and that polymer-coated crochet hook is a fabulous idea!
2 years ago
blackscrapcat says:
Very interesting article. Going blind has been really tough on my Grandmother, who has been extremely crafty her whole life. She still crochets, though -- that polymer clay-covered crochet hook is a fabulous idea!
2 years ago
livmangle says:
really great idea.
2 years ago
SkeweredyCat says:
We often unintentionally forget that other people have different needs than ourselves (or maybe I'm just really selfish) and I think this is a great article to focus crafters' attention and inspiration toward new directions. Bravo.
2 years ago
sweetgorgeousthings says:
creativity is enclusive
2 years ago
sweetgorgeousthings says:
creativity is inclusive
2 years ago
poprelique says:
LOVE the purple people eater gloves..I'd even wear those out!
2 years ago
mtowsand says:
i love the asl things. my niece is deaf, and any asl product are a great addition to the etsy community. thanks
2 years ago
SurrenderDorothy says:
What an inspiring and fabulous article! Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
Art606 says:
Great Article ...
2 years ago
Sirenetta says:
outstanding article & excellent finds!!
2 years ago
JessiesRosaries says:
This is a wonderful article. I too am a disabled artist. I have had crippling juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in every joint in body since the age of two and am wheelchair bound. The work I do, lately specializing in making rosaries, is great exersize for my hands, though takes me longer than most. Mostly I do it, though, plainly because it's something I can do from home and because I absolutely love it! I also donate part of the profits to the American Cancer society in honor of my recently deceased mother, which helps me give back as well!
1 year ago
enriqued1 says:
Great article! Some people with disability are becoming hopeless thinking that they are useless. We shouldn't let them feel that they are a burden for us. Normal ones should serve as their inspiration to pursue their dreams in life. Teaching simple arts and other activities will divert their negative thoughts thus, converting them into an optimistic person. In some countries, residents with disability are given much attention. In fact even those who are having paraphilic infantilism, also known as autonepiophilia and adult baby syndrome are provided with financial support. Social Security Administration (SSA) claims that adult infants should have disability checks. That's precisely what they decided in reference to the lawsuit of 30-year-old Stanley Thornton Jr. of Redding, California. SSA detectives, who were searching for evidence of Social Security fraud, cleared Thornton of wrongdoing. Source of article: Adult baby cleared of fraud, continues to collect disability
223 days ago