During New York Fashion Week, Governor Hochul Spotlights New York’s Efforts To Advance Adaptive Fashion For People With Disabilities
Forthcoming Adaptive Clothing Grant Program Will Support Designers, Entrepreneurs and Researchers Developing Fashionable, Functional and Inclusive, Clothing Designed Around the Needs of People With Disabilities
Builds on New York State’s $10 Million Investment in Fashion Innovation Center and Supports Fashion Industry Responsible for 312,000 Jobs Statewide
Announcement Made at 2026 Runway of Dreams Fashion Revolution Event in New York City
Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted New York State’s efforts to advance adaptive fashion for people with disabilities, including the forthcoming Adaptive Clothing Grant Program through the state’s Fashion Innovation Center. First announced as part of Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State, the program is currently in development and is expected to launch in January 2027 to support designers, entrepreneurs and researchers developing clothing that is sittable, wearable, accessible, fashionable and functional for people with disabilities.
“New York Fashion Week sets trends that reach around the world, and New York is working to ensure the future of fashion includes everyone,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this new grant program, we will support designers and entrepreneurs who understand that clothing can be accessible, functional and fashionable at the same time. By investing in adaptive fashion and the people developing it, we are helping break down barriers for New Yorkers with disabilities while continuing to strengthen New York’s leadership in fashion and innovation.”
Approximately one in four New Yorkers lives with a disability, yet people with disabilities have historically had fewer options for clothing that combines accessibility and functionality with style. The Adaptive Clothing Grant Program, first proposed as part of Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State and funded in the FY27 Budget, will support innovative approaches to fashion that better serve different bodies and abilities while prioritizing wearability, personal expression and style. The program is currently in development and expected to launch in January 2027.
The program builds on New York State’s $10 million investment to establish the Fashion Innovation Center. Supported through Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, known as NYSTAR, and led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Fashion Innovation Center connects researchers, designers, manufacturers and industry partners to advance innovation across New York’s fashion and textile industries.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is investing in innovation that responds to real-world needs while creating new opportunities for designers and entrepreneurs. Through NYSTAR and the Fashion Innovation Center, we are connecting New York’s creative talent with the expertise and resources needed to turn innovative ideas into products that can reach the marketplace. This new grant program will help designers rethink how clothing is made so that accessibility, wearability and style are part of the process from the start, strengthening a fashion industry that works for more New Yorkers.”
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