The author feels that assistive devices enable people with the least possible attention. “The priority for design for disability has traditionally been to enable, while attracting as little attention as possible.” The author’s main argument is to highlight why assistive devices could be fashionable rather than discreet, and mentions eyeglasses as an example that could be applied to other assistive devices. But I disagree; not everyone wants to make their disability visible. Also, I don’t think the use of eyeglasses is the best example, because if it were the case, in my opinion, we would not have contact lenses. Also, people wear sunglasses, which lessens the stigma around medical eyeglasses, not to mention that an estimated 4 billion people worldwide wear glasses, many of which do so due to age, and as we grow older we will wear glasses. I would use the same argument with canes and walkers. We will all eventually age. I also disagree with the use of eyeglasses as a “fashion statement” because they sit right on my face; they should be comfortable and should suit my eye color and facial features due to their necessary placement, and not everyone can replace them with contacts. I think the same for hearing aids as for eyeglasses. But when it comes to prosthetics, I understand making them fashionable because we should make them as fashionable as clothing.
I believe I agree with the author that having options is a good idea, but with these options comes a problem: the cost increases, making people feel more left out than necessary. Imagine two elementary school students with hearing aids, eyeglasses, a wheelchair, etc. One has a colorful, cute, girly pink assistive device and the other has a simple black one. We do have the choice to accessorize, but imagine how it might feel to the student who could not afford to choose. Honestly, not everything needs to be designed to look great, fashionable, and trendy. This is where social media comes into play. In the TV era, mainly the early 2000s, people did what was affordable, convenient, and suitable for them when it came to clothing, children’s toys, etc. Social media is now constantly pushing ads, making people feel they are not enough. So my question is: should we stick to simplicity if it brings us happiness, regardless of what it is?