Reading Design Meets Disability really changed the way I think about design. Before this, I used to see design as something focused on looks or style, not really about who it’s for. But this reading made me realize that design is also about who gets included or left out. I liked the part where it said that designing for disability actually helps everyone. It reminded me of curb cuts on sidewalks. They were made for wheelchair users but also help people with strollers or suitcases. It made me think that maybe good design should always start with accessibility, not add it later.
Another thing that stood out to me was how design shows what we think is “normal.” I never thought about how something like a prosthetic leg can carry stigma, while glasses don’t, even though both are assistive. The difference is that glasses have been accepted and even turned into fashion, while prosthetics haven’t been treated the same way. It made me wonder if more expressive or creative prosthetic designs would change how people see them. This reading made me realize that design isn’t just about making things work,it can also change how we feel about our bodies and each other.