Runway of Dreams Takes the University of Maryland

By Jessie Garten

The power of fashion and clothing is its ability to empower people with self expression and personal style. We can all relate that there is nothing worse than struggling to fit into a piece you adore and want to wear, but is not working for you. The Runway of Dreams Foundation is working to address this problem for people with disabilities. Founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, Runway of Dreams celebrates people’s differences and highlights the need for adaptive apparel in the fashion industry.

With drive, extensive research and experience as a fashion designer, Mindy Scheier, founder and CEO of Runway of Dreams, launched the non-profit organization after her son Oliver, who has a physical disability, dreamed of wearing jeans - just like everyone else.

While Runway of Dreams has produced large-scale runway shows featuring adaptive clothing and models with disabilities in major cities like New York, Las Vegas and Miami, they are also empowering students across the country to do the same on their college campuses. And luckily, the inclusive fashion movement has made its way to College Park… and it’s time for you to get involved! The adaptive runway shows engage audiences of students in equity and inclusion and empower models with confidence, independence and style.

How do you become involved in the Runway of Dreams Club throughout the year? At the University of Maryland, the club hosts events to promote inclusivity and share the goals of the organization. Students converse and attend weekly meetings to discuss, brainstorm and engage with peers of the club. Best of all, for the first time at UMD student models will walk the runway and become a part of a show never seen before. The adaptive runway fashion show allows students to come together with a common purpose during the spring semester.

Visit www.runwayofdreams.org for more information or contact Morgan Darrow (973-558-0405) and Nicole Eisen (201-704-3652) students at The University of Maryland to become a member!