Our son has lived with multiple disabilities since his birth at barely 2 pounds.

As Brian grew into the robust young man that he now is, it became harder and harder to find outer clothing that would be easy to put on and would fit within the confines of his wheelchair with its laterals and armrests.

And, what coat would stay out of the ever-present dirt on those wheels! Frustrated by the apparent lack of smart outerwear, I started experimenting. I drew on my classes in pattern making and construction years ago at a New York fashion design school. After many changes (and Brian's growth spurts) the present design was in trial. Everyone who saw Brian's coat thought it was a great idea. So, I started making them for others until it seemed there were not enough hours in the day to sew all of the requested coats.

Now, CozyCoats are assembled and sewn locally by the skilled home crafters of the Vermont Fleece Company. The cottage industry tradition of New England is an important economic engine which enables people with great skills and unique abilities to be active, involved, productive and financially independent. We're proud to be a partner in this movement which honors the capabilities, dignity, economic independence and humanity of all its workers.