THE ABLE LABEL: DRAGONS DEN PANEL

Our founder Katie was invited along to Canterbury Christ Church University on Monday. She formed one of four on the panel of the Occupational Therapy (BSc) Hons final year group assessment day for their Innovation and Entrepreneurship module. The module aims to utilise the group’s knowledge of occupation to investigate and respond to emerging opportunities for service development and entrepreneurial practice. The course enabled students to develop abilities in collaboration, negotiation, planning and presentation within deadlines. 

Katie said, “This module is fantastic for the students as it really encourages them to think outside the box and think practically as to how they can solve problems faced by their industry. They're able to take what they have learnt from the course and what they have experienced working in industry and take it one step further. They can apply it them in a way that they perhaps would not have been considered otherwise”. 

Sat on the ‘Dragons Den panel’, Katie was seated between the Universities Student Enterprise Manager, helping students with career development and also an Occupational Therapist specialising in mental health.

Canterbury Christ Church University Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)
students presenting for the Innovation and Enterprise module

Katie said, “The standard of the studens work was extremely high. The attention to detail was very apparent and it was evident that these students had put great thought and effort into the module, which they all clearly enjoyed. They all generated business plans to support gaps in the market they had identified, encouraging them to take ideas to the next level considering how to make them a feasible business”. 

So much consideration had gone in, the groups has no issues with answering questions that the panel through at them after their presentations as they’d all clearly done their homework!

Katie concluded, “It is so great to see young talent being encouraged to think entrepreneurially. There were so many brilliant ideas in the room. Bringing groups together to encourage group working and also start considering how to make feasible businesses from the ideas was wonderful to see and be involved with”.

The students will find out how they did in a few months time and Katie looks forward to sitting on the next panel in May.

If you would like to find out more about Canterbury Christ Church University and the Occupational Therapy course, you can do so by clicking on the links below:

Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University – Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) course

THE ABLE LABEL: WINTER WARMERS

With temperatures falling into the minus this week  and the cold snap set to continue, make sure you keep warm this winter.

Knitted Wraps

You can now wrap up in style with one of our wraps - available in a large range, there seven different designs to choose from. The chill-busting wrap comes in one size and without armholes, is an easy-on, easy-off alternative to layering. This makes them particularly helpful not only if you feel the cold but if your temperature can fluctuate.

The Lianne Knitted Wraps (1504), Lorna Knitted Wrap (1503) and Leah Knitted Wraps (1506) are the heaviest and warmest wraps available. Laura Knitted Wraps (1502) are mid weight and contain mohair for extra warmth and lustre.  The Liv Knitted Wrap (1505) is slightly lighter, ideal if you have reduced strength and more sensitive shoulders.

Wraps are very on trend at the moment and being reversible too, the printed designs allow you to create different looks. Give them a try – we are sure you will love them as much as we do!

Shop wraps here >>

Knitted Capes

Available in a choice of three colours, our Lilly Knitted Cape is a great solution to keep the chill off. With its collar that sits high on the neck and super soft and warm fabric, this is a hero winter warmer. With no armholes to contend with, this style is easier to get on and off. It may appear that this cape fastens with a button at the neck however the button is just for decoration – the cape actually fastens with Velcro meaning no fiddly fastening.

Shop capes here >> 

Bed Socks

The thick knitted socks are not only warm but practical too with a non-slip sole making walking safer. Our onw size Cheryl Bed Socks are striped and have a pretty pom pom detail. At only £5 a pair, they are a real mist have winter warmer for yourself or a treat for someone else. 

Shop bed socks here >>

Hot Water Bottle

Still cold? Our cute hot water bottle that is made in the UK is sure to heat you up in the home. As well as keeping you warm, a hot water bottle can give you many hours of relief from aches and pains and a wide variety of injuries and ailments. Measuring 17 x 24 x 6 cm, it is an ideal size being easier to carry.

Shop hot water bottle >>

To see the full range, take a look online at www.theablelabel.com

THE ABLE LABEL: WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL?

Here at The Able Label, we're not your average clothing company... we're far more and we would like to take some time to explain why. 

The Able Label is an innovative womenswear lifestyle clothing brand that designs all styles in house alongside Occupational Therapists and customers and make all our lovely garments within Europe.  The range of clothes allow easier dressing for those who like to look good but find high-street fashion too fiddly or awkward to wear.  We appreciate that it's often the little things in life that can make the biggest difference so attention to detail is always at the heart of everything we do.

We help to overcome some of the day-to-day issues that can arise when dressing – independence, the desire to remain stylish and to maintain a sense of identity in spite of reduced dexterity and impaired mobility or cognitive skills.

Ease of Dressing
Our clothes have all specifically been designed to make dressing easier. This includes, colour coordinated internals making areas like armholes easier to find as well as touch fastening closures which require minimal strength and no over dressing. Why do we need fiddly button fastenings and to dress items over the head anyway?

Quality
All our fabrics and our garments are of the highest quality and made in Europe, with mills and factories known for their expertise in jersey.

Easy Care
All fabrics are machine washable at 40 degrees unless stated otherwise.

Simple Style
Our stylish and versatile clothes are timeless wardrobe essentials that are easy to outfit and can be worn season after season.

Trialled and Tested
Occupational Therapists and people who would benefit from wearing the clothes have all rigorously tested each style.

VAT Relief
With all clothing specifically designed to make dressing easier, we are able to offer VAT relief to those it applies to. Find out if you are eligible for VAT relief here.

Convenient Ways to Shop
Whether online, over the phone or by mail order, we have several ways to shop to make things more convenient for you.  Shopping on behalf of a friend, relative or someone you care for? Request a for them by clicking here so they can see the full range. 

We offer an express delivery should you need it. Buy and try - not sure if the item is right for you, not a problem as you can return it on us for free. Find out more on our Delivery & Returns page.

Because we Genuinely Care
Founder Katie’s grandmother had Parkinson’s, so she saw first-hand the difficulties her grandmother faced in dressing. Not just for women with Parkinson’s, the clothes are for anyone with dressing difficulties. We are here to help so if you have any questions or want further advice on The Able Label clothing, call the team on 01622 828994. 


You  can find out more about us on our website About Us page here.

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THE ABLE LABEL AT THE OT SHOW 2015

The OT Show
The Able Label will proudly be showing alongside Access Independent at The OT Show next week on stand B34. We will also be showcasing the clothing at the Innovation Centre at 10:15am each day so hope to see you there.

Exciting Opportunity for OT's!
If you are an OT wanting more from your role, keen to learn and develop and seeking a fun new challenge - we want to hear from you! See below flyer for more...

OT WEEK 2015

OT WEEK 2015

This OT Week, we wanted to highlight how The Able Label can benefit OT’s and those individuals they work so tirelessly in supporting.

What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

We take most daily activities for granted. These could be simple things like shopping and getting dressed, or more complex things like raising children or studying. For some individuals however, being unable, or finding it difficult, to do these things, can have a huge impact on our quality of life. This is where the assistance of a qualified occupational therapist (OT) comes in.

The British Association of Occupational Therapists, refer to therapy provided by specially trained, qualified staff “who help people of all ages who are suffering from physical, mental or social problems as a result of an accident, illness or ageing to do the things they want to do.”

How can The Able Label help OT’s?

The Able Label clothes are all specifically designed to make dressing easier. However, where we are different from other adaptive clothing companies is that we also consider quality, comfort and style. By creating the perfect blend of function and fashion, The Able Label is helping OT’s to fulfil their role of helping those they work with to the things they want.

The clothes encourage independence with the easier Velcro fastenings and colour co-ordinated internals whilst boosting confidence as individuals feel comfortable, able to maintain their style and this shows.

All styles have been through rigorous focus group testing with those who would benefit from the clothing as well as OT’s.

Some of the key features of the range include:

• All clothes are eligible for VAT relief
• Velcro fastenings
• No overhead dressing
• Trousers pull on in regular and short leg

• Extra long, hidden zips at cuff on cardi and hem on trouser for easier access
• All styles available in sizes 8–22

• Colour co-ordinated internals to help cognitive difficulties
• Breathable fabric with extra stretch for comfort
• Easy to mix and match creating different outfits
from only a few items
• Quicker, easier and safer dressing for carers assisting with dressing

Find out more on how The Able Label clothing can benefit OT’s and the individuals they support by visiting our website: http://www.theablelabel.com.

The OT Show

The Able Label will be showing alongside Access Independent at the OT Show 25^th – 26^th November. We will be on stand B34 and even have a catwalk planned at 10:15am both days in the Innovation Theatre. If you are there, come and visit the stand and catwalk. We would love the opportunity to show you the benefits of the clothing first-hand!

We are also looking for OT ambassadors. If you are about to move into or already in the independent sector and are looking for an add-on, we would love to hear from you. Please email info@theablelabel.com.

Otherwise we hope to see you at the OT Show!