Follow The Thread

teal background with buttons, needle and dotted thread graphics

sustainable fashion design

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS | 5 :30 - 7:30PM

Follow The Thread is our signature Fashion Design program offered to adults with developmental disabilities.

Over 5 months, Creatives and Collaborators team up to learn sustainable fashion design techniques, how to develop and bring original designs into finished garments, along with branding, business strategies, and access to showcasing opportunities to sell their work.

These experiences foster artistic recognition, dignity, and pathways toward financial opportunities for participants and their families.

This program is facilitated by an expert team and includes vocational mentorship, licensed psychotherapy support for caregivers, and business startup tools such as an online shop, business cards, and production supplies.

Program value: $8,000 — offered at only $25 per class.

Applications are accepted April 1st through July 15th each year.

Reserve your spot early.

2026 Follow The Thread classes begin Monday, August 10th.

Please print out the registration forms
by clicking link below and send back to us
either through email at info@azulfashionartdesign.org
or by mailing them to aZul Fashion, Art & Design
2635 Old Okeechobee Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Physical Registration Forms

how it works

A gathering session for aZul to meet and greet Creatives and Collaborators. The Creative Teams get to spend time together and learn about aZul activities. During the Mingle Bazaar the Creative Teams participates in social and motor skills activities used to identify the abilities and strengths for the teams, as well as their sensory preferences.

Fashion Design Techniques Training

While learning about Fashion Design, teams learn and apply the various techniques used to start creating their own designs. Sessions are lead by facilitators with hands-on, practical applications, as well take home study material.

Personal Branding

In one-on-one workshops personalized to each Creative Team, branding concepts are introduced. Tailored for each team's self expression and artistic portfolio.

Artistic Entrepreneurship

aZul connects the Creative Team with local galleries, art fairs, and businesses to showcase and market their brand and start their own micro-enterprise. Social skills are reinforced in a supportive business setting to develop the skills for successful self-employment.

hear from previous experience:

"The Follow The Thread program is a WONDERFUL class for anyone with a passion for design. As a teen, I discovered my passion through a hobby of mine. From there, I decided I wanted to become a designer.

Follow The Thread has allowed me to follow my passion and turn it into a business. Through this, I can do what I love and follow my dreams.

Definitely, this program is perfect for anyone with a passion for design and wants to turn it into a business!"

- Devin, Designer and Creative

"Follow The Thread is an amazing fashion design program that provided the tools for my daughter to take her passion for fashion to the next level!

Sandra Raffaelli and Jeanette Vanderhorst lead by example, positively influencing and developing creative thinking and execution skills in design and necessary skills in business."

- Liz, Mother and Collaborator

"You could have looked at the post and just moved on but all the likes, hearts, and comments touched her heart and mine. The look on her face as I read the post "no words".

My girl struggles everyday with her disabilities but with each and every small kind word or gesture is HUGE! Mariah has bloomed in many ways over the past few years and her passion to grow and learn cannot be contained.

This experience was amazing and can't thank Sandra Raffaelli enough for sharing this spotlight with Mariah. Sandra continues to find ways to help Mariah build her business and provide assistance as she continues to learn her trade. I am so very thankful for you!!!"

- Amanda, Mother and Collaborator

2013

Get in touch with us!

aZul - Fashion, Art & Design, Inc.