New York State will launch a grant program in January 2027 for designers and founders who develop clothing that is both comfortable and stylish for people with disabilities. The state's Fashion Innovation Center will run the program, and $60,000 has been allocated in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Eligibility requirements and application procedures will be announced before the program begins.
New York State will launch the Adaptive Clothing Grant Program in January 2027, offering grants to designers, founders and researchers who develop clothing for people with disabilities. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the program on Sept. 16, during New York Fashion Week. The state's Fashion Innovation Center will run it, and $60,000 has been allocated in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Eligibility requirements and application procedures will be released before the program starts.
According to state data, about 1 in 4 New Yorkers has a disability. Until now, clothing that combines function and appearance has been hard for them to find. The grants will support designs that start from the real conditions of users, such as clothing that is easy to put on while seated, closures that can be fastened and removed without help, and tailoring that fits bodies using assistive devices.
Run by the Fashion Innovation Center
The Fashion Innovation Center was established by the state with $10 million. It is run by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with support from NYSTAR, the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation under Empire State Development. Its main role is to connect researchers, designers and manufacturers. The state said New York's fashion industry is linked to 312,000 jobs.
The announcement was made on Sept. 14 at the Runway of Dreams Foundation's "Fashion Revolution" event during New York Fashion Week. The event showcases clothing for people with physical, sensory and developmental disabilities. Kim Ridley, the state's chief disability officer, made the announcement on behalf of the governor.
The state also included $5 million in the same fiscal year's budget to establish the Assistive Technology Innovation Center, which will develop technology to help people with disabilities and older adults live independently. Hochul said the state will support designers who understand that clothing can be accessible, functional and stylish at the same time.