The reading “Design Meets Disability” explores the relationship between beautiful design and practical usability while arguing for a change in perceptions of the design of items intended for people with disabilities.
The growth of eyeglasses from a stigmatized medical device to a stylish accessory demonstrates how design has the ability to alter views. In the past, glasses were frequently associated with social shame and were only considered useful instruments for correcting vision. But by adding fashion components to its designs, eyewear has evolved into an item that is for use and visual appeal.
Aimee Mullins, a model and athlete, has demonstrated how creatively she uses prosthetic limbs to emphasize the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration between fashion designers and disability product designers. Her prostheses, which are both artistically beautiful and practical, are a prime example of how incorporating fashion into disability design can defy stereotypes and turn medical devices into fashion statements.
Is it possible for the aesthetics of assistive devices to impact how society views and treats people with disabilities? If yes, how can designers use this authority to promote greater acceptance and inclusion?