Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

‘Tis the season for thoughtfully considering each loved one on your gift list. But panic seems to creeps in when that special woman on your list has a disability. What would be suitable? What could she use or enjoy, given her disability or limitations?

Any thoughtful gift comes down to knowing your recipient: her tastes, interests, passions, hobbies, favourite colours and the like. As a mere starting point, here are seven popular gift ideas with tips to consider if your woman happens to have a disability:

1. Clothes. We all wear them! Depending on the woman’s abilities and mobility, elasticized waists and zippers or Velcro, rather than buttons or snaps, would be greatly appreciated. If indeed needed, adapted clothes, such as from Kutaways, WheelieChix Chix and Easy Does It, may enable greater independence in dressing.
2. Music and iPods. Better yet, an iPod speaker system with a remote – forget fumbling with CDs and jewel cases!
3. Books and magazine subscriptions. For women with print disabilities, consider large print, audio books or electronic books. (My autobiography I’ll Do It Myself is also available in large-print format!)
4. Amazon’s Kindle. This lightweight electronic reading device holds over 1,500 books and saves trying to flip pages. The Read-to-Me feature benefits individuals with print disabilities and those with some types of sight impairments, as does the adjustable font size.
5. Make-up, perfumes and shower gels. Be aware of any allergies or chemical sensitivities. Great tips for adapting a make-up kit.
6. Jewelry. If doing up necklaces and bracelets is difficult, check out these magnetic clasp converters. (I’ve seen these in London Drugs, too!)
7. Looking for something more intimate, more playful, more sexy? Check out these tips on adapting adult toys.

The perfect gift comes down to knowing thy woman and giving from the heart!

What favourite gifts would you add to this list?