V&A's 'Design and Disability' Showcases Disabled Innovation from 1940s to Present

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London presents 'Design and Disability,' an exhibition curated by Natalie Kane, exploring the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent people to design from the 1940s onward. Featuring 170 objects, the show is structured into three sections: Visibility, highlighting fashion, photography, and zine culture with items from Able Zine and Dysfluent Magazine; Tools, focusing on innovations like the Touchstream technology by Wayne Westerman and Fingerworks, later used in the first iPhone, and Microsoft's adaptive Xbox controller; and Living, which addresses protest and advocacy. Accessibility is central, with features like BSL guides, tactile surfaces, and resting areas, developed in collaboration with DisOrdinary Architecture. The exhibition challenges narratives that overlook Disabled designers, citing examples like the OXO Good Grips and the Pulse Oximeter's flaws during COVID-19. It runs until 15 February 2025, aiming to affirm Disabled communities and inspire the design industry to prioritize access and collaboration.