Alumna Alexandra Connellās Online Store and New Pop-Up Specializes in Inclusive Design
Alexandra Connell, the founder of Patti + Ricky.
Alumna Alexandra Connellās online store, specializes in apparel and accessories for the more than 50 million Americans with mental or physical disabilities. Featured on the website , Connell (M.A. ā16), who was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD as a child, āwas always keenly aware of how disabilities and looking or acting differently could have a major impact on a personās life.ā
A graduate of TCās Interdisciplinary Studies in Education program, Connell helped her mother find a stylish cane when she was in treatment for cancer. āConnell wanted to apply her disability studies degree towards a shopping experience,ā WWD.com writes.
Launched about 10 months ago, Patti + Ricky sells apparel and accessories for women, men and children. Connell takes customersā suggestions about what to sell on the website. ā āIf it exists, I try to find it for them,ā said Connell. āYou have to have people with disabilities involved with the process.ā ā
Customer favorites include Fidget jewelry and Braille printed jewelry, menās shirts with magnetic closures and āgala-readyā arm slings, WWD.com reports.
Connell plans to open a āpop-upā store in Grand Central Station, near an entrance for people with disabilities.