I’ve always been fascinated by the ways design can alter our everyday experiences, but this reading made me realize how deeply it can also impact dignity and independence. Design Meets Disability argues that assistive technologies aren’t just medical tools; they’re cultural objects that can express identity and empower people. That idea immediately reminded me of when I first discovered the Be My Eyes app.
The app enables people with visual impairments to call volunteers, open their phone camera, and request assistance with tasks such as locating items in the fridge or reading labels. I’ll never forget one call I had: the person asked me to help identify items in their kitchen, and while we were talking, he told me a story about how he once cooked an entire meal for his family using the app to double-check ingredients and instructions. I was amazed, not just by his resourcefulness but by how technology became a bridge for independence and creativity.
Reflecting on that experience alongside the reading, I realized how much design can influence confidence and joy. When assistive tools are thoughtfully designed, they don’t just solve problems; they open doors to new possibilities. Be My Eyes is a perfect example of inclusive design, empowering people by turning what might seem like a barrier into an opportunity for connection and creativity. My takeaway is that disability should never be viewed as a deficit in design, but rather as an opportunity to rethink and expand what technology can do for everyone.