One idea that stuck with me even after the reading is that eyewear is a space where fashion and disability overlap. The text explains how glasses are no longer seen only as medical tools but also as items people wear to express themselves. This connects to my own experience. When I was younger, I saw my friend’s glasses as more of a fashion statement than something related to vision problems. I would even try them on because I thought they looked good on me. At that time, I didn’t really understand the difference between graded glasses and fashion glasses since they looked similar and came in many styles and colors. It was only later, when I developed farsightedness myself, that I realized their actual purpose. Looking back, I see that my experience reflects what the text describes, that glasses can function both as a medical tool and as a form of self-expression. I also noticed that, as mentioned in the reading, glasses are often visible and even desired, unlike many assistive devices that are designed to be hidden. This shows how eyewear challenges the idea that disability-related products should always be discreet.
On the other hand, I liked how the author pointed out that invisibility is not always the best approach for disability design. Instead of hiding, creating a positive and confident image can change how people see disability. This made me think that trying to make assistive devices invisible can make them seem like something to be embarrassed about. This also made me realize that design doesn’t just solve a problem, it also affects how people feel about themselves and how they are seen by others. A good example of this from the text is Aimee Mullins, who embraces her prosthetic legs and uses them to express herself, similar to how people choose different outfits. Through this example, I realized that design for disability goes beyond just function. It also plays an important role in someone’s confidence, identity, and how people choose to express themselves.