In Extension, we strive to ensure our programming is relevant and accessible to people of all levels of abilities. In partnership with the Eastern Kentucky University Occupational Therapy Program, I identified a need for adaptive sewing classes at the Fayette County Extension Office. Sewing and quilting classes are offered frequently in my county and are central to many of our community members’ lives and cultures. Thus, it is important to provide adaptive programming to address and meet the specific needs of those who have physical and/or mental disabilities and might need more tailored instruction than was currently available.

To address the need for adaptive programming, I worked with a professor of Occupational Therapy at EKU to develop our Adaptive Sewing Class series. The goal of this program was to provide sewing instructions by professionals and doctoral students in training to community members with special needs. The EKU team focused on conducting IRB-approved qualitative research on if the classes improved fine motor skills and cognition in participants with adaptive needs while sewing. My focus was to provide a series of classes that would meet participants’ specific adaptive needs so that they could learn how to sew and develop the skills and confidence necessary to sew on their own after the series.

There were 5 participants in this series, recruited by the EKU team and also through newsletter advertisements in the Fayette County FCS newsletter. They ranged from age 23-70. Their diagnoses varied and included autism, other intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and stroke recovery. Classes were held at the Extension Office once a week for 8 weeks. The class was 3 hours, with 30 minutes of set-up time for the professors and students, an hour and a half of active instruction with the participants, and an hour at the end for a class debrief and clean-up. The participants worked on several sewing projects throughout the series, including a tote bag, a potato bag, and other projects they chose individually.

100% of participants completed all 8 sessions of the series. 100% met the goal of improving fine motor skills and cognition while sewing. One participant stated, “It’s nice to make something and have something functional. It was good to have a sense of accomplishment and let it be useful.” 

Another unexpected initial outcome from this program was the impact of a safe social environment for the participants. 100% reported that they enjoyed meeting new people and having a consistent social event to attend for 2 months. 80% expressed a desire to participate in a similar program in the future. Below are quotes from participants on the final session that indicate the impact of this program:

“It’s nice to be among people again - most of the time I sit at home but here I get to see other people…and have a sense of accomplishment by making things.”

“I feel great leaving so excited - this builds confidence…this reminds me that I have a lot left that I can still do and enjoy.”

“I don’t think I’m depressed but I do notice I always have a smile on my face when I go home after this, and it lasts for a few days.”