Jemicy Students and Models Showcase Inclusive Fashion Show

The annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show celebrates disability and accessibility in design.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeated wheelchair icon in a grid pattern, using bold, neon colors and high-contrast outlines to conceptually represent the inclusive fashion show's celebration of disability and accessibility.The inclusive fashion show celebrates the talents and abilities of models with disabilities, challenging the industry's historical lack of representation.Baltimore Today

The fourth annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show is set to take place this Friday, and for the first time, the public is welcome to attend the runway event. The fashion show features outfits designed by Jemicy students for models with disabilities and sensory issues, focusing on functionality, accessibility, and celebrating differences.

Why it matters

The fashion industry has historically lacked representation and accessibility for people with disabilities. This collaborative fashion show between Penn-Mar Human Services and the Jemicy School aims to change that narrative by highlighting the talents and abilities of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and learning differences.

The details

The student designers at Jemicy have tailored the outfits to meet the specific needs of their models, incorporating features like magnetic closures, fringe, and waffle fabric to make the clothing easy to get in and out of. The fashion show will showcase these inclusive designs on the runway, allowing the models to feel beautiful and confident.

  • The fourth annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show will take place on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • This year's event marks the first time the public is invited to attend the runway show.

The players

Jennifer Hisey

The program manager for Penn-Mar Human Services, an organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Parker Rinehart

A senior student at the Jemicy School, who is designing outfits for her models with functionality and accessibility in mind.

Aimee Buswell

A model who is excited to showcase her outfit and new wheelchair on the runway.

Avi Shaisax

A Jemicy student who has learned about the importance of considering textures and closures when designing clothing for people with disabilities.

Jemicy School

A school that teaches students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, collaborating with Penn-Mar Human Services on the inclusive fashion show.

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What they’re saying

“Historically, there really hasn't been a lot done in the fashion industry for people with disabilities, and so it's nice to see the people that we support having a light shined on them.”

— Jennifer Hisey, Program Manager, Penn-Mar Human Services

“It's so important just to help people get their clothes on. It's so much easier, and it's really important to think about so everybody can feel beautiful.”

— Parker Rinehart, Student, Jemicy School

“The outfit has magnetic closures so it's easy for me to get in and out of instead of buttons or zippers or snaps.”

— Aimee Buswell, Model

“It expanded my thinking and how clothing actually works instead of making something for fun. I got to explore how to make a collar and how to make a shirt and pants, which I normally make dresses and skirts.”

— Avi Shaisax, Student, Jemicy School

“So, other people get the opportunity to see what disabled people can do, too.”

— Aimee Buswell, Model

What’s next

The fourth annual Penn-Mar and Jemicy School Inclusive Fashion Show will take place on Friday, April 11, 2026, at the Jemicy School. Tickets for the public are free.

The takeaway

This collaborative fashion show between Penn-Mar Human Services and the Jemicy School is an important step towards greater representation and accessibility in the fashion industry for individuals with disabilities and learning differences. By highlighting the talents and abilities of these models and designers, the event aims to challenge the industry's historical lack of inclusion and celebrate the beauty of diversity.