Adaptive Fashion for All: JanSport's New Adaptive Collection

As a disabled person, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative products that are designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Recently, I was excited to hear about the launch of the JanSport Adaptive Collection, a line of stylish and durable bags geared towards people with limited mobility. This collection, which is the result of a collaboration with Disability:IN, is not just a move forward for adaptive fashion, but also a sign that brands are starting to listen to the needs and preferences of the disability community.

When I first heard about the collection, I was excited to see how JanSport had approached the design process. I was pleased to learn that they had conducted extensive research, including focus groups with people with mobility-related disabilities, to understand the specific needs and frustrations of the adaptive bag-using community. This research led to the development of two stylish and functional bags: the Central Adaptive Backpack and the Central Adaptive Crossbody.

One of the things that I really appreciate about these bags is that they don't have a "medical-grade" look and feel. As someone who uses a wheelchair, I know that finding bags that are both functional and stylish can be a challenge. Often, adaptive bags are designed with functionality in mind and not much thought is given to aesthetics. The JanSport Adaptive Collection, on the other hand, is designed to appeal to people with limited mobility while also maintaining the classic look and feel of a JanSport bag.

The JanSport Adaptive Collection features two versatile products, including the Central Adaptive Backpack ($70) and the Central Adaptive Crossbody ($35). The Central Adaptive Backpack is designed to fit securely against a mobility device's backrest for better balance. The backpack features a shortened height and decreased depth to enable users to easily reach items at the bottom of the bag. It also includes easy release buckles and finger loops for dexterity limitations, anchor straps that fit a wide variety of chair types and sizes, and a laptop sleeve with organization pockets.

The Central Adaptive Crossbody is geared for any adventure, the Central Adaptive Crossbody attaches to a variety of mobility devices and is equipped with a removable shoulder strap, easy release buckles and finger loops for dexterity limitations. The bag features a structured front panel for ease of opening, a one-handed open/close and a SaniStash pocket.

Each bag comes in two colorways - Black and Misty Rose (Powder Pink) and in one pattern - Hippie Days (Tie Dye). The Adaptive Collection is available now on jansport.com and at select retailers nationwide.

Finally, I want to commend JanSport for their commitment to sustainability. The collection is made with 100% recycled materials and the company is committed to improving the environmental impact of its products through material and manufacturing innovations. As someone who cares about the environment, I appreciate this commitment and I hope to see more brands follow JanSport's lead.

In collaboration with Disability:IN, a leading organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business worldwide, JanSport has spent three years researching, product testing, and listening to the people with disabilities community to create this new collection. The brand has embraced its mission to be more inclusive with each backpack, bag and accessory created, while maintaining the classic look and feel of a JanSport that consumers know and love.

It is worth mentioning that when I checked their website the links to the adaptive collection were not available in Canada. However I hope that this doesn't mean that the collection will not be available in Canada, it could be a temporary issue.

Overall, I believe that the JanSport Adaptive Collection is a great step forward in the world of adaptive fashion, and I look forward to seeing more brands follow JanSport's lead in creating inclusive and affordable collections that help close the gap for the underserved community of people with disabilities.