The writer of Design Meets Disability delves into using design to make the needs of disabled people more fashionable. However, they fail to take into account that not every disabled person wants to make their disability their entire personality. While some of the designs he showed were stunning, they may be too “out there” for someone who doesn’t want to make a big deal of their disability. I know a couple of disabled people who would actually be uncomfortable with the idea that their disability would be used as a fashion statement. That being said, there is nothing wrong with making it a fashion statement for those who willingly choose to do so. I would also like to point out that the writer made it seem that the “normal” products for disabled people were not good enough. In reality, most people can’t afford to get designer prosthetics or hearing aids. They should not be made to feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick.
I particularly liked how the writer mentioned how hearing aid companies are trying to make their products more invisible by making them smaller and hidden. On the other hand, eyeglass companies are trying to make their products more out there to show off as a fashion statement. I never noticed this contrast before but it was quite interesting to realize. I think that perhaps because glasses are more commonly worn than hearing aids that they’re more widely accepted and people are more comfortable with wearing them publicly instead of keeping them hidden like hearing aids. Furthermore, the writer also delves into modern technologies that value simplicity and accessibility. I found this to be very different compared to his original view where he wanted disability products to be less simple and more fashion-forward. As someone who is into fashion, I would want nothing more than to make a statement unless it comes in the way of my comfort and accessibility. While some of the designs he showed were gorgeous, some like the hand prosthetic looked less functional and more just a fashion statement.