Reclaiming the Word: What ‘Disabled’ Means to Us

Reclaiming the Word: What ‘Disabled’ Means to Us

Posted by Spoonie Threads Staff on

For too long, the word disabled has been misunderstood—whispered around, replaced with euphemisms, or avoided altogether. But language matters. And at Spoonie Threads, we believe there’s power in calling ourselves what we are—with pride.

Disability isn’t a dirty word. It’s a real, lived experience. It’s identity. It’s community. It’s culture.

And for many, it’s a source of strength.

Listening to the Community First

We chose to listen to the people we make products for—our customers, our testers, our collaborators, our team.

From the beginning, Spoonie Threads has built our adaptive clothing line in collaboration with the disability and chronic illness community. That includes:

  • Hiring Adaptive Fit Consultants—real people with disabilities who test our products for comfort, access, and real-world functionality.

  • Working with disabled models and creators—to reflect the diversity and visibility our industry still lacks.

  • Listening and learning from feedback—so our designs evolve to meet real needs, not assumptions.

Redefining Representation

There is no one way to be disabled. You might use a mobility aid, a medical device, or manage an invisible illness. You might have multiple diagnoses or be somewhere along a changing path. Whatever your experience, we believe you deserve products that fit—not just your body, but your life.

Reclaiming the word disabled doesn’t mean settling for less. It means demanding more—more inclusion, more representation, more thoughtful design, and more honesty in how we talk about disability.

Our Commitment

As a woman- and minority-owned brand, we know the power of visibility and the importance of designing with rather than for. That’s why our products don’t just “accommodate”—they empower.

Whether you’re wearing a feeding tube, managing T1D, recovering from surgery, or living with an ostomy, we’re here for you—not to fix you, but to outfit the life you’ve built.

So yes—we say disabled. With pride. With purpose. And with the community who helped us get here.

← Older Post Newer Post →

Leave a comment

The Spoonie Thread

RSS
Back to School with Medical Devices: Tips for Kids, Teens & Parents
CGM chronic illness diabetes disabilities disability disability awareness disability parent disability pride g-tube g-tube pads

Back to School with Medical Devices: Tips for Kids, Teens & Parents

By Spoonie Threads Staff

Heading back to school is a big transition for any family — new schedules, supplies, and routines. But when your child lives with a medical...

Read more
Adaptive Clothing for Travel and Hospital Stays
adaptive adaptive clothing adaptive clothing for children adaptive design adaptive fashion hospital hospital stays hospitals infusion infusion treatments travel travel tips

Adaptive Clothing for Travel and Hospital Stays

By Spoonie Threads Staff

Explore adaptive clothing for travel and hospital stays, designed for comfort, dignity, and medical access. From infusion-ready tees to hoodies, stretch waistbands and ostomy wrap...

Read more