Posted on March 21, 2025
– Jemicy and Penn-Mar 3rd Annual Inclusive Fashion Show to Feature Clothing Designed for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by Jemicy Students –
March 21, 2025
Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to present the third annual Jemicy and Penn-Mar Inclusive Fashion Show, on April 11, 2025 at 5 p.m. at the Jemicy School, located at 11202 Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills. The runway portion will start at 5:45 p.m. The press is encouraged to attend, but if they are unable to come to the show itself, they can attend a dress rehearsal at Jemicy on April 4, 2025 at 10 a.m.
This year’s event features 18 people supported by Penn-Mar who will model original clothing designs created by 12 students from Jemicy School, a Maryland-based independent school that educates students ages 5-18 with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences. Though the event is closed to the public, it will be livestreamed on Penn-Mar’s Facebook page.
Just like the first two events in 2023 and 2024, Jemicy students have created unique clothing pieces designed to meet the specific requirements of Penn-Mar models, prioritizing both comfort and ease of use. During the fashion show, models will take to the runway, highlighting the accessible aspects of Jemicy’s designs that blend functionality with style. The collections incorporate practical features such as slip-on designs, flexible fabrics, and easy-to-manage fastenings like oversized zippers, magnets, or ties.
“This fashion show is a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, showcasing how fashion really can be for everyone,’ says Penn-Mar Human Services’ CEO Greg Miller. “The designs, created by the talented students at Jemicy School, are not only stylish but also tailored to meet the unique needs of the people we support. This event highlights the power of design to bring both confidence and comfort to those we support and proves that fashion can be both functional and beautiful for all.”
The idea for the show began in earnest in April 2022 when Penn-Mar’s Associate Director of Development, Tina Chan Sweenie, attended a fashion show at Jemicy School, where her daughter Leila displayed her work as a student designer. After the show, Chan Sweenie recalled a prior conversation she had with Jennifer Hisey, Penn-Mar’s community supports day program manager. Hisey had spoken about the possibility of holding a fashion show with some of the people Penn-Mar supports- all of whom were excited about the opportunity.
To bring the vision to life, the Penn-Mar team reached out to Pauline Savage, Jemicy’s college counselor for the arts and the chair of the school’s visual arts department. Upon hearing the idea, Savage saw it as a perfect chance for her fashion students to showcase their talents, and the project quickly began to take shape.
Jemicy has been dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity and providing specialized education to children with dyslexia and related learning differences for over 50 years. The school tailors its approach to fit the unique learning styles of each student, much like the way individuals with IDD navigate and adapt to daily life. Similarly, Penn-Mar empowers individuals to reach their personal goals and thrive in a world that often overlooks the need for inclusive solutions that address their specific needs.
The press is encouraged to attend but must RSVP by contacting Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com. Photos and video of the event will also be made available.
About Penn-Mar Human Services
Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support over 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.
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