Access+Ability

About the exhibition

“Fills one with real optimism…”—New York Times

There has been a surge of design with and by people with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. Fueled by advances in research, technology, and fabrication, this proliferation of functional, life-enhancing products is creating unprecedented access in homes, schools, workplaces, and the world at large. Access+Ability features over 70 innovative designs developed in the last decade. From low-tech products that assist with daily routines to the newest technologies, the exhibition explores how users and designers are expanding and adapting accessible products and solutions in ways previously unimaginable.

Highlights

A selection of objects featured in the exhibition.

These prosthetic leg covers adorn and add a human silhouette to artificial limbs. Intended as a fashion accessory, the goal is to give amputees choice to select from a large variety of colors and patterns and the ability to shop in the same way they choose clothes.

Designed for Los Angeles County as a modular system that can adapt over time, this voting booth exemplifies inclusive design, ensuring every citizen access to an intuitive and accessible voting experience. It addresses all voters, including those unfamiliar with technology and who Access+Ability speak languages other than English, voters with vision and hearing loss, in wheelchairs, and with learning disabilities.

Neckace and bracelets are a wearable navigation system for people who are blind. Connected to a voice-controlled iPhone app and GPS, haptic vibrations not only guide the wearer, but are able to track obstacles above the knee.

A wheelchair designed for people with mobility limitations in the developing world. — This wheelchair navigates rough, unpaved, and uneven terrain, specifically in the developing world where the ground may be mud or sand. The three rather than four wheels provide extra Access+Ability stability when pushing, propelling, and even tipping around obstacles.

The LOLA Laugh Out Loud Aid) app is designed to engage children on the autism spectrum using humor as a tool to help train their brain and acquire different social and daily living skills.

Accessibility at Cooper Hewitt

In 2017, Cooper Hewitt committed itself to a campus-wide effort to broaden audiences and ensure the museum is welcoming to all. Toward that end, the museum is using its galleries and resources to raise awareness of accessible design innovation, inspire dialogue, and leverage the museum’s role as a design hub to promote problem-solving in support of inclusivity.

Cooper Hewitt offers a variety of access services and programs so that everyone may enjoy the museum to the fullest extent possible. Visit our Accessibility at Cooper Hewitt page to learn more.

supporters

A list of supporters of the exhibition and Cooper Hewitt Lab: AARP, Ford Foundation, August de los Reyes, Esme Usdan Exhibition Fund, Master's Program Fund, plus NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities

About the exhibition

Highlights

Accessibility at Cooper Hewitt

supporters

from the blog