In this exploration between design and disability, the author shows how design can evolve beyond simply addressing a disability and instead serve as a powerful tool for self-expression and even empowerment. Glasses were once purely a medical device, and now, they have become a fashion accessory, where people who don’t even need glasses to fix their vision will still want a pair for the looks of it. This shift in design can go from solely functionality to embracing style and personal expression, and the glasses example was pretty predictable, but the example on Hugh Herr’s prosthetic limbs in particular really stood out! I liked that he used his prosthetics as a form of empowerment towards him as a rock climber by having telescopic legs that could extended to different lengths while climbing, which would give him an advantage.
I think the topic of accessibility is one that can never be spoken about enough, as there’s always something that ends up being inaccessible because it wasn’t clear if accessibility was kept in mind while creating those designs. We have to keep in mind that not all disabilities are the same and not all disabilities are visible. With how much we’re advancing today and continuing to advance each day, we can learn more on how to move beyond the traditional medical models and instead figure out how to enhance and celebrate the body as well as the technology and artistry of the medical device.