Design meets disability covers an important aspect of assistive technology that is often overlooked by the developers of such devices: design. The design aspect of these devices is built on the societal belief that disability is something to be ashamed of or something that needs to be hidden. Hence the discretion takes center in the design process, leaving behind aesthetics. Moving away from this belief and centering aesthetics over discretion would contribute to overcoming the stigma behind disability not only on an individual level, but on a societal level. The writer highlights the example of the glasses, that converted an assistive device from just a functional device to a fashion piece that is used as a method of expressing identity.
This shift in perspective that came from the focus on aesthetics caused a significant change on the view of visual impairments, that could be applied to other devices. That can only be achieved when designers begin viewing these devices as an essential part of everyday life rather than medical necessities, focusing on how they can be used by the users to display their identity. Converting devices such as hearing aids and prosthetic limbs to opportunities for expression rather than reminders of their differences. This was an important message as approaching the design of assistive technology with creativity and curiosity, would transform the field of development of assistive technology. Therefore, putting aesthetics in the forefront is not merely a matter of visual aspect. It involves acknowledging the emotional and social aspects of disability and creating designs that respect and promote visibility instead of pushing them into the shadows.