Spread over three chapters – Visibility, Tools and Living – the exhibition at the V&A South Kensington, London, uses 170 objects to tell the story of design as a means of self-empowerment and cultural expression. Items on display include adaptive fashion by Sky Cubacub, DIY prostheses and the Xbox controller for accessible gaming, as well as design classics such as the OXO Good Grips. The exhibition is complemented by zines, photographs, and media representations that demonstrate not only how people with disabilities design, but also how design shapes our perception of disability.

Making the Invisible Visible

The first section, Visibility, explores how disabled artists present themselves through fashion, photography, and graphic design. Exhibits include Maya Scarlette’s adaptive carnival costume, portraits by Marvel Harris and Davina Starr, and the ‘Reframing Fashion’ cover of British Vogue featuring Sinéad Burke and Aaron Rose Philip. Zines such as Able Zine and Bed Zine, as well as the typographic work of Conor Foran for Dysfluent Magazine, also demonstrate the role of language and imagery in representation.

Design as a Tool for Participation

The Tools section illustrates how creative solutions can emerge from the practical experience of disabled people. Examples of this design approach include DIY prostheses by Cindy Garni, the Touchstream keyboard and the adaptive Xbox controller, which rethink everyday life, needs and technology. The final Living section showcases innovative ways of living together, ranging from the McGonagle Reader audio dialling device to the ‘Public S/Pacing’ ceiling, which allows individuals to relax in public areas. The exhibition concludes with a specially designed ‘Decompressing Zone’, which demonstrates that inclusive design begins with the design of spaces.