We work hard to try to make both our designs + our design process as accessible as possible in every way that we can. As a small brand with many neurodiverse team members + a large neurodiverse community base we know how inaccessible + overwhelming new processes + activities can feel. Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of accommodations we can offer our neurodiverse customers:
Sensory needs –
Fabrics – we appreciate that certain fabrics can cause sensory discomfort + that this is very individual, so ordering a non-refundable garment online without physically feeling the fabric can create a massive barrier. Our customer service team is on hand to take extra photos + videos of fabrics as per requests, we can also send fabric samples in the post – please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs in advance of/during our limited garment drops Garment finishes – we 100% understand that certain garment finishes can easily become sensory nightmares. If you would prefer – for example – not to have any labels in your garments, to have covered seams or have cotton facings for the insides of your wrist cuffs etc – please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs in advance of/during our limited garment drops
Communication –
We offer communication via email, Instagram direct messaging, live chat on our website + video zoom calls. If you have alternative communication type preferences for keeping in touch with us during the design / purchase process eg. voice notes, pre-recorded video messages etc then please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs
Clarification –
If something isn’t clicking + you want more clarification about the differences between our craft kits or garment styles, about how a fabric will behave, about what craft techniques/garment features are + what would be most suitable please ask! We totally appreciate that many of these creative processes can involve lots of decision-making and can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s your first order, or you are going for a different craft type/ garment style. We are very much here to handhold as much as you need + to answer as many questions as you want to throw at us so please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your needs
Flexibility –
We know many of the struggles that come along with neurodiversity so this is just a note to say if you have booked an appointment with us, owe us body measurements or just need to reply to a message from us + on the day you don’t have the capacity to do so for whatever reason we understand! If you feel able to let us know or have a friend/loved one who can message on your behalf that you can’t make your booked appointment that appreciated – no other explanation beyond ‘I (/they) don’t have capacity today + will rebook’ is needed. If you don’t feel you can reply to a message then we understand + look forward to hearing from you again when you feel able / have more spoons
As we said this list is non-exhaustive – the bottom line is that we are here to help make our creative processes feel as accessible as possible so please reach out to us If you want to get more of a feel for who we are + what we’re like check out our @tiersofjoyltd Instagram account including regular Instagram live broadcasts by our team (on most Mondays at 5.30pm UK time – you can find our entire back catalogue of live videos in our video feed too. You can also check out our ‘UNRAVELLED’ podcast – watch or listen here
STUDIO ACCESS
We work alongside our customers + community to develop adaptive garment features. When choosing your ‘Make your own’ garment sewing kit or designing your garment with us (during one of our limited drops) you can choose your preferred combination of garment features in order to make sure your clothing is as comfortable, accessible + adaptable to your individual needs as possible Examples of adaptive design include:
Crotch reinforcement for those who experience thigh chafing Elasticated dungaree straps for those who are ambulatory or permanently
seated
Hidden zip fastenings for those who experience mobility issues getting in + out of crotched garments + for those who need extra access for ports etc Side zip fastenings + attached shoulder ties for those who are breast-feeding or chest-feeding
Fully elasticated waistbands for those who experience large fluctuations + bloating
All of these garment features + more are offered within our standard garment design process (during limited edition drops) and many can be found within our ‘Make your own’ garment sewing kit styles
We are on hand to discuss any of these features within our garment sewing kit collection +‘off-menu’ alternatives for those who have more specific requests during our limited garment drops
Examples of previous ‘off-menu’ features include:
A ‘seated fit’ for wheelchair users where the seat of the garment is fitted to a seated rather than a standing position
Small concealed gaps in pockets for tens machines wires to be fed through Slanted pockets on the legs of dungarees for one of our customers that uses a wheelchair so that the contents of their pockets doesn’t fall out when seated We are always designing + developing more adaptive garment feature options – if you have any requests or feedback please get in touch
