Shoes for people with disabilities

His letter went viral and eventually made its way to designer Tobie Hatfield, who had worked with Special Olympians and Paralympians on similar challenges. The two collaborated by phone and email for three years.

In his letter, he explained: ‘Cerebral palsy stiffens the muscles in the body. As a result I have flexibility in only one of my hands which makes it impossible for me to tie my shoes.’

Hatfield experimented with no-lace solutions such as Velcro, zippers, and cable dials. Eventually, he decided on a wraparound zipper. The zipper on the Flyease opens near the heel and is connected with a hook-and-loop strap. Wearers can peel open the shoe with one hand, making it easier for people like Walzer (and anybody, really) to slip their foot in and out. Cords running from the heel to the top of the shoe tighten as the shoe is zipped, adding support. The sneakers fixed Walzer’s shoe problem—and helped others in the process.

Matthew, who at that time was preparing to leave high school and head off to college, went on to explain his simple dream for the future, saying: ‘My dream is to go to the college of my choice without having to worry about someone coming to tie my shoes everyday.’

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2gIu6VQ

More info: http://swoo.sh/1OCRuyo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaNM_T1d1as