The story behind Adaptiv
Lindsay Silverman, founder of Adaptiv — a platform inspired by my sister Nicole, who has Cerebral Palsy.
Growing up, my family experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find adaptive clothing that is both functional and fashionable. More recently, my grandmother broke her arm and suddenly faced many of the same dressing challenges. That experience reminded me how difficult adaptive fashion can be to discover, even when solutions already exist.
To help address that problem, I've built Adaptiv — a platform that aggregates adaptive fashion brands and products into one place, making them easier for individuals, caregivers, and families to find.
"I have always been inspired by my sister, and fascinated by her ability to adapt to an app on the iPad quicker than anything else. Having dexterity issues, it has always been difficult for my family and I to find clothing she is able to put on herself. So I thought — why not combine the two."
Adaptive clothing is anything made for people with physical disabilities who may have difficulty dressing themselves — magnetic closures, double zippers, side openings, wider sizing, port access, no-tie laces. The brands exist, but they're scattered across the internet and hard to find when you need them.
Adaptiv pulls those brands into one place — searchable by category, from casual wear and swim to accessories and medical wear — so people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers can spend less time hunting and more time wearing what they actually like.