Elaine Hughes

The Runway of Dreams Foundation was founded in 2014 by Mindy Scheier - a fashion designer and mother of a child with a disability. Her journey began when her son Oliver, who has a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, wanted to wear jeans to school like his friends, but couldn’t manage the buttons and zippers. That night, she used her background in design to adapt a pair that not only met his needs but increased his confidence and independence. She realized then that millions of people around the world must also be struggling to access stylish clothing that meets their needs. She began to envision a world where all styles of clothing were available with adaptations that would make them accessible for people with disabilities and that adaptive clothing would become as commonplace as petite and plus size. After spending 20 years in the fashion industry, Mindy decided to combine her experience and her passion by creating Runway of Dreams. Founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, Runway of Dreams develops, delivers, and supports programs and events that celebrate people’s differences, break down stereotypes, highlight the need for mainstream adaptive apparel, and showcase people with disabilities in fashion. Through our campaign for inclusion, national adaptive runway shows featuring models with varying disabilities, scholarships for the next generation of adaptive designers, wardrobe grants and apparel donations for organizations serving people with disabilities in need, and college clubs across the country, Runway of Dreams is bringing positive visibility to a disability, leading a movement of inclusion in the apparel industry, and empowering people with disabilities with confidence, independence, and style. Our mission fills a void that no other charitable organization is currently addressing.