Girls Chronically Rock Adaptive Project

"We make fashion accessible to everybody.
All bodies. All abilities."

What are your organization's guiding values?
We are guided by three core values of education, accessibility and inclusivity.
Via education, we emphasize the importance of teaching fashion design students about adaptive clothing, and ensuring future designers are equipped to create inclusive apparel.
Via accessibility, we commit to making fashion accessible to all, regardless of physical abilities, by supporting the creation of adaptive clothing that is both functional and stylish.
Via inclusivity, we strive to inspire the design of clothing suitable for all body types and abilities, fostering a fashion industry that embraces diversity.
These values drive the organization’s mission to inspire the creation and design of adaptive clothing for all bodies, regardless of ability. 

What ongoing services or programs does your
organization provide?
We offer several ongoing services and programs aimed at promoting adaptive fashion:
Educational Partnerships: we collaborate with universities and fashion programs to integrate adaptive fashion into their curricula, educating future designers on creating inclusive clothing.
Student Support: we provide financial assistance to fashion design students for purchasing materials needed to create adaptive clothing, thereby encouraging hands-on experience in designing for all abilities.
Adaptive Clothing Line: we develop and promote adaptive clothing collections, such as the “Adaptive Splash” swimwear line, to showcase practical examples of inclusive fashion.
These initiatives reflect the organization’s commitment to education, accessibility, and inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that your organization would like others to know about?
We are excited to announce our participation in the upcoming Cambridge Fashion Week, founded by a longtime Cambridge resident; Keisha Greaves. This event is a unique celebration of fashion, innovation, and inclusivity, aiming to highlight the city’s vibrant creativity and advocate for adaptive fashion.

Additionally, the GCR Adaptive Project continues to collaborate with fashion schools, such as Framingham State University, to educate students on adaptive fashion design. This initiative provides financial support for materials, enabling students to create inclusive clothing for individuals with disabilities.
These efforts align with our mission to make fashion accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and to foster a more inclusive and socially conscious fashion industry.

Share a recent story that embodies the work of your organization In May 2024, Keisha Greaves, founder of the GCR Adaptive Project, showcased her adaptive swimwear line at Miami Swim Week. This marked the first time adaptive fashion swimwear was featured on this prominent runway, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in fashion. Keisha’s designs, tailored for individuals with disabilities, emphasize both style and functionality, making dressing easier and more empowering. This milestone reflects the GCR Adaptive Project’s commitment to creating fashionable, accessible clothing for all.

What inspired the creation of the GCR Adaptive Project? inspired the creation of the GCR Adaptive Project?
The Project was founded by Keisha Greaves, who, after being diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, recognized a significant gap in the fashion industry for adaptive clothing. Her personal experiences highlighted the need for stylish, accessible apparel for individuals with disabilities. This realization motivated her to establish the project, aiming to educate future designers and promote inclusivity in fashion.

If your organization was an emoji what would it be and why?

🧵We would be the (thread spool). This symbolizes our dedication to crafting adaptive clothing that seamlessly weaves together fashion, accessibility, and inclusivity for all individuals.