The Victoria & Albert Museum in London has opened a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Design and Disability,” a bold exploration of how disabled people have long influenced—and continue to transform—the design of the world around us. Running until February 15, 2026, this exhibit moves beyond the traditional medical lens of disability to highlight its cultural, political, and creative significance.

Rather than portraying disabled people solely as passive recipients of assistance or care, “Design and Disability” showcases disabled individuals as inventors, artists, and design thinkers. The exhibition is organized into three major themes: Visibility, Tools, and Living—each challenging perceptions and elevating often-overlooked stories.

In Visibility, the exhibit features iconic prosthetics, mobility devices, and inclusive fashion. These are not just functional objects—they are also design statements, cultural symbols, and expressions of personal identity. From 3D-printed limbs to fashion-forward wheelchairs and wearable tech, the objects here reflect a shift toward autonomy, representation, and pride in disability culture.

The Tools section dives into the creative and technical innovations driven by necessity and imagination. Items include early typewriters originally developed for blind users, specialized musical instruments, and communication aids. This section reframes “assistive” devices as mainstream design achievements—many of which now benefit everyone.

In Living, the focus turns to everyday environments—homes, public spaces, and institutions—and how disabled people have demanded more equitable, accessible design. It features examples of universal design principles, tactile signage, sensory-friendly interiors, and adaptive kitchens. It also includes powerful art installations that reflect on the lived experience of navigating inaccessible spaces, inviting visitors to imagine alternatives.

What makes this exhibition especially powerful is its curatorial approach: disabled voices are at the center. The museum collaborated with disabled artists, architects, designers, and academics to shape every part of the experience. Interpretive materials are available in multiple formats—braille, audio description, large print, and video with BSL (British Sign Language)—ensuring the exhibit itself embodies the accessibility it promotes.

“Design and Disability” is more than an exhibit. It’s a cultural turning point that recognizes disability not as a problem to be solved, but as a force of innovation and expression. By placing disabled creators at the forefront, it asks visitors to reimagine design as something that belongs to everyone—especially those traditionally left out of the conversation.

Your Thoughts

As someone building businesses that center disability inclusion, this exhibition aligns deeply with my mission. Through my work, I aim to challenge the longstanding stereotype that people with disabilities cannot lead, innovate, or succeed in business. These assumptions often stem from cultural narratives that see disability as limitation, rather than potential.

It’s time to break that narrative.

People with disabilities are not only capable of running businesses—we are uniquely positioned to build better ones. Our lived experiences bring insight, creativity, and resilience that the world needs. I believe success doesn’t come despite disability, but often because of it. Through inclusive models, we can prove that accessible spaces and disabled leadership don’t just work—they thrive.

There’s also something deeper I think about often: the common idea that “you have to better yourself” or “work harder to improve.” While that message may be well-intentioned, it’s often rooted in able-bodied standards of worth and progress. What if our version of “better” isn’t about fixing ourselves to fit a mold, but about reshaping the mold entirely? People with disabilities don’t need to prove we’re worthy of success by masking or overcoming who we are—we are enough as we are. And that authenticity can drive innovation in ways the world hasn’t seen yet.

It’s not about asking for permission or waiting to be invited in. It’s about showing that we belong in every room, at every table, and at the forefront of change. By building businesses and communities where accessibility is foundational, we aren’t just participating in the economy—we’re transforming it. This is the future I believe in, and I’m committed to building it.

Verified Sources

    1.    The Guardian – Design and Disability: A Radical V&A Exhibition (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/jun/08/design-and-disability-exhibition-victoria-and-albert-museum)     2.    V&A Museum Official Website (https://www.vam.ac.uk/)     3.    BBC Culture – Disability, Design, and the Future of Inclusion (https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250608-disability-design-exhibit-reshapes-narrative)

Question to Consider

How would the world look different if every design process began with disabled voices at the center, not as an afterthought?