Adaptive Clothing Needs and Income Inequality in China’s Disability Employment Sector

Abstract

This study investigates the intersection of income inequality and adaptive clothing needs within China’s disability employment sector. Through a mixed-methods approach—including a survey of 120 individuals with disabilities and semi-structured interviews with 15 participants—the research reveals that while nearly half of respondents secured employment within 3–6 months, 72% earned below the national average wage, highlighting persistent economic exclusion. Contrary to initial assumptions, 53% of participants identified adaptive clothing as a critical workplace need, underscoring the role of “dressability” in professional integration. Additionally, disability-targeted job fairs were perceived as ineffective by 61% of attendees, pointing to a mismatch between policy initiatives and on-the-ground realities. The findings advocate for integrated interventions—including policy reforms, adaptive workwear innovation, and improved employment services—to address both economic and functional barriers faced by people with disabilities in China’s labor market.