“Design meets Disability” was an eye-opening exploration of the complex interplay between design, disability, and dignity. The notion that assistive devices can be both functional and stylish is a powerful one, breaking away from the traditional paradigm that prioritized hiding disabilities rather than celebrating them. As someone passionate about disability activism, it has been my personal mission to make society more accessible for people with disabilities. This reading thus prompted me to reconsider the traditional approaches to designing assistive technologies and encouraged me to explore more inclusive and culturally relevant design solutions. It also helped me ideate my final IM project- making a sign language glove, particularly through its emphasis on simplicity and cognitive accessibility reminding me of the importance of intuitive design in facilitating meaningful interactions and experiences for users with disabilities.
The discussion on the evolution of eyewear from medical necessity to fashion accessory was also intriguing, illustrating how incorporating fashion culture into design can lead to more positive perceptions of disability. I have used spectacles since the age of 5. I currently have high myopia (-11! yeah I know…). But I have never been insecure about wearing glasses or never considered laser eye surgery. Now that I look back, one of the reasons is because I enjoyed selecting new spectacles to wear every few years. I knew myopia is not something I could hide or change, so I coped with it by making it my style. Similarly, embracing fashion culture and aesthetics can transform the perception of other assistive devices, empowering individuals with disabilities to embrace their uniqueness rather than hide it. Overall, this reading reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive and empowering solutions that celebrate diversity and promote social inclusion.