EASYTEX-improving the quality of life for the disabled and the elderly

Living conditions for the disabled and the elderly can be much improved by making properly designed textiles and clothing readily available. Poor communication and wide dispersal of potential users have severely restricted the supply of products to this special needs group. EASYTEX is a project supported by the Telematics Applications programme of the European Community which aims to remedy this shortcoming; it commenced officially on 1st January 1997 and is to run for three years. The project addresses two main categories of need: the need for clothing for people who have problems with dressing/undressing, fasteners etc. where difficulties occur with the clothing itself; and the need for clothing with improved design and construction for people with non-standard body shapes.