V&A to launch groundbreaking exhibition on Design and Disability
Design and Disability will showcase the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent designers, exploring accessibility, innovation, and identity through 170 objects spanning fashion, art, architecture, and technology.
'The best lovers are good with their hands' by Harry McAuslan, issued by AIDS Ahead part of the British Deaf Association © Victoria and Albert Museum, London,
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will unveil Design and Disability, a landmark exhibition showcasing the contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent designers to contemporary culture. Opening on 7 June 2025, the exhibition will explore disability as both an identity and a powerful creative force. Featuring 170 objects across art, architecture, fashion, and photography, it will celebrate the ingenuity of Disabled-led design while advocating for greater inclusivity in the industry. Tickets are now available.
Divided into three sections—Visibility, Tools, and Living—the exhibition will trace the political and social history of disability in design, showcasing both grassroots innovations and commercial breakthroughs. Visibility will explore how Disabled makers express their identities, featuring works such as Sky Cubacub’s gender-affirming garments and Marvel Harris’ portrait First Swim after Rebirth. The Tools section will focus on how Disabled people adapt and ‘hack’ existing designs to meet their needs, displaying objects like Microsoft’s adaptive Xbox controller and Cindy Garni’s self-made prosthetics. Finally, Living will examine how Disabled individuals have shaped their environments and advocated for accessibility, featuring works such as the McGonagle Reader, a voting aid for blind users, and Helen Stratford’s Public S/Pacing rest blanket.
Designed with accessibility at its core, Design and Disability will integrate Deaf Space principles, tactile surfaces, and self-regulation areas to create an inclusive experience. Beyond celebrating past and present innovations, the exhibition will challenge traditional notions of design and who gets to be considered a ‘designer’. From DIY zines and self-modified prosthetics to industry-leading innovations, Design and Disability will highlight the power of Disabled creativity in shaping the world. By showcasing this work in a major cultural institution, the V&A not only honours Disabled designers but also calls for a future where accessibility and inclusion are fundamental to all aspects of design.
Date: 7June 2025 – 15 February 2026.Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL. Price: from £16. Concessions available. Book now.
