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Before new exhibitions open on December 12, explore the first-floor spaces at Cooper Hewitt.

design and Disability | Inspired by Alice Wong

Cooper Hewitt’s Design and Disability programs invite participants to explore relationships between design and disability, centering disabled perspectives as essential to the future of inclusive and innovative design. Through lectures, panels, workshops, and community gatherings, these programs aim to highlight the work of disabled designers, and examines how disability can inform design practices, aesthetics, and systems.  

Join us for an afternoon of community, crafting, and conversation inspired by disability activist, writer, and visionary leader, Alice Wong. 

This gathering invites participants to collaboratively reflect on Wong’s transformative impact on inclusive design and the participation of those with lived experience in accessible design strategies. Learn about Wong’s influence on design thinking through community discussion and shared reflection. Engage in drop-in crafting and art-making activities inspired by her advocacy and creativity. Whether you are familiar with her work or just learning about her contributions, this event offers space for connection, creativity, and care.  

Through her advocacy, storytelling, and leadership, Wong transformed conversations around disability justice, representation, and access. Wong (1974–2025) was a groundbreaking disability activist, writer, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, among a multitude of other cross-disciplinary projects dedicated to amplifying disabled voices. Her work revolutionized disability representation within inclusive design and community advocacy spaces.  

ACCESSIBILITY AND WHAT TO EXPECT 

  • Format: Informal discussion and reflection with prompts. Drawing and hands-on crafting instructions will be available and all materials will be provided. No drawing or design experience is required. You can drop in at any time and stay as long as you like. 
  • About this space: This program will take place in person in the first-floor galleries at Cooper Hewitt. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Stairs or elevator use are required to enter the program space. Lighting includes a mix of natural light and overhead lighting. An air purifier will be running. Seating options include floor pillows, benches, a couch, chairs with backs, and gallery stools. Sensory materials and PPE masks will be available. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt. 
  • Accommodations:  This program will have personal CART and ASL Interpretation. Masking is encouraged but not required. We welcome questions and accommodation requests that support your participation. Email us at CHAccess@si.edu. Call 212.849.8384. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least one week before the program date. 

 

 

Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Generous support is also provided by the Smithsonian Institution’s Together We Thrive initiatives.