BY KAREN BOSSICK

Higher Ground is among three organizations that will receive adaptive clothing from the Runway of Dreams Foundation and Seven7 Jeans.

In 2019 Seven7 Jeans became one of the first mainstream clothing companies to become inclusive of people with physical challenges by designing clothing with magnetic and micro Velcro closures and reinforced side belt loops instead of buttons and zippers.

The Runway of Dreams Foundation, founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, works to make sure that people with physical challenges have access to apparel that meets their physical needs and personal style.

America’s Warrior Partnership identified organizations, such as Higher Ground, that serve veterans and  their families who would benefit from adaptive apparel. Higher Ground will distribute the clothing within the three communities it serves.

Other organizations receiving the adaptive clothing are the Dine Naazbaa’ Partnership, which empowers 15,000 Navajo Nation’s military veterans, families and caregivers, and Vets Community Connections, which helps San Diego veterans and their families integrate into their community.

Higher Grounds strives to improve the lives of the nation’s warriors and others with disabilities through therapeutic recreation, such as weeklong camps and social clubs, and adaptive sports. The organization works out of Sun Valley, Los Angeles and Buffalo, N.Y.

“Higher Ground is proud to be chosen by AWP to receive adaptive apparel as a part of the Runway of Dreams Wardrobe Grant program. The program is a step towards greater inclusion for all, regardless of physical challenges,” said Kate Dobbie, executive director of Higher Ground.

“With many of our participants' unique needs, having an adaptive clothing option will make a difference in their everyday life.”