In “Design Meets Disability,” the author talks about how design and disability come together in ways we don’t usually think about. He challenges the idea that things made for people with disabilities shouldn’t only be practical. Instead, they can be beautiful and a way for someone to express who they are. I found this really interesting, especially when the author compared eyeglasses, which are now a fashion accessory, with hearing aids, which are often hidden. It made me realize how much society’s views affect the way these tools are designed.
I really liked how the author said that designers should do more than just try to “fix” disabilities. They should make products that celebrate differences. It made me think about what good design really means. Shouldn’t it be about helping people feel empowered and giving them choices? For example, think about how wheelchairs have changed over time. Old wheelchairs were bulky and just focused on function. But now, there are wheelchairs that are lightweight, stylish, and customizable. They give people more than just mobility, they help them feel confident. This is exactly the kind of change the author is talking about.
Another example is prosthetic limbs. In the past, they were designed to blend in and look as “natural” as possible. But now, some prosthetics are colorful and artistic, or they look futuristic, like the bionic limbs. These designs are more than just tools, they let people show their personality and feel proud of what they’re wearing.
The book left me feeling hopeful about what could happen if more designers thought this way. Assistive devices could become something people actually want to use, not just something they need. Imagine a future where these devices are seen as an exciting part of someone’s personality, like how clothes or accessories are today.
Overall, I appreciated the author’s perspective. It added a lot to the conversation about inclusion and made me see how much potential there is in rethinking assistive design as something not just useful, but also appealing.