Fact File For Students

Fact File For Research and University Students

Due to the high volume of requests for interviews and information, I am unable to respond to all students individually. So, instead I have devised this fact file to give you an insight into my relationship with fashion.

If you have a more specific question please email me at fashioneyesta@gmail.com.

But please note due to the fact that I cannot always respond to everyone.

About Me

• Name: Emily Davison
• Age: 28
• Residence: London, UK.
• Disability: Septo Optic Dysplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia and Nystagmus. Rare medical condition which affects the endocrine system. Severely sight impaired blind in my right eye and central vision remaining in my left with an acuity vision of 6/24. (Read more here)

Commonly Asked Questions

Fashion and Style

How I Buy Clothes

Usually I buy clothes online so that I am able to take my time browsing. However, for cosmetic and when I want to try on clothing I usually go with a family member during a less busy period like the morning or midday if I am able.

What I look for in clothes

Comfort, soft materials, things that suit my body and give me the best possible silhouette. But I also like good quality and things that are made well. I love tactile elements like embroidery, crochet and embellishment because it is interesting to my sense of touch and adds a sense of individuality to an outfit. I also love movement in fabrics like kimonos and flowing skirts because again it appeals to my sense of touch.

What I like about clothes

I love how they can make me feel, I love that when I wear an outfit it gives me control over myself and I am able to have a positive impact on people so that I feel as if I am preventing both myself and people with sight loss not to be stereotyped.

What I dislike about clothing

I hate how some companies can mass product them and not think about things like comfort or practicality. I also hate how the fashion industry can remove creativity and that I could buy a garment from a shop and my next door neighbour could potentially have the same thing.

How can shops be made more accessible?

• Ensuring that they have accessible fitting rooms and more than one of them.
• Making sure that there is enough space in a shop for someone with a wheelchair or guide dog to mobilise without knocking into anything.
• Making sure that the shop floor is well lit.
• Making sure that the sound/music is not too loud.
• Ensuring that there is a staff member on hand to help anyone with a disability who may need it.
• Being aware of the protocol of assistance dogs and that it is not acceptable to refuse one under any circumstances.

How can clothing companies make their items more accessible?

• Having a QR code on a clothing label so that someone who is blind and uses and iPhone or smartphone can scan it into an app and find out information on the garment such as size, colour and washing instructions.
• Having easy access to zips or buttons.
• Making their clothing durable.

Technology

• Assistive technology used to help with fashion and beauty
   
  iPhone 13 (current model) and iPad: with built in access features such as Speak Selection, Speak Screen, Zoom and Magnifier.
• MacBook Pro: with built in access features such as Speak Selection and Zoom.
• ClaroRead: an app available on iPhones, MacBook and other devices which allows you to have text read back to you, convert documents, read what’s on the screen using a curser.
• OrCam Read: a device that allows me to read printed text, distinguish money, find specific information in text and more.
• Seeing AI: to scan barcodes in shops to find specific information on them.
• NaviLens: to shop and find specific products by scanning codes on the packages of participating brands.