View allAll Photos Tagged accessibledesign
Art meets innovation in this striking image of a custom-designed prosthetic leg displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. More than a medical device, this prosthesis is a canvas—a symbol of personal identity, technological progress, and the disability rights movement.
The upper socket is vividly hand-painted with jungle motifs, including a chameleon, salamander, and vibrant plant life. These elements evoke themes of adaptability, resilience, and transformation, reflecting the journey of those who use prosthetics to reclaim movement and independence. The artwork personalizes the device, transforming it from a tool of necessity into a celebration of self-expression.
The leg features a Flex-Foot Cheetah blade, a carbon fiber prosthetic foot known for its high-performance design, often used by amputee athletes and Paralympians. Its curved, spring-like structure helps absorb impact and return energy with each step, enabling users to walk, run, and even compete at elite levels. This combination of mechanical sophistication and artistic detail underscores how far prosthetics have come—from purely functional to deeply empowering.
Behind the prosthesis, the display case includes patent diagrams and historical references to the evolution of limb design. This layered context invites viewers to consider both the engineering ingenuity that makes such technology possible and the activist efforts that have pushed for visibility, equity, and accessibility in medicine, society, and design.
Within the larger context of the Smithsonian’s exhibitions on invention, human potential, and inclusive innovation, this artifact reminds us that assistive devices are not one-size-fits-all. Every prosthetic leg tells a story—of recovery, reinvention, and redefinition. And when decorated with personal artwork like this, it also tells the story of who the wearer is: not just a user of technology, but an artist, an athlete, a survivor, and a whole person.
In the 21st century, the aesthetics of prosthetics are shifting. Designers, artists, and amputees themselves are embracing bold designs, rejecting the notion that assistive devices must be hidden or neutral. This prosthesis stands as a powerful example of that shift—an invitation to see beauty, not just utility, in the technologies that expand human capability.
This photograph captures a moment of intersection: between body and machine, between medical function and visual expression, between invisibility and celebration. For anyone interested in disability rights, design innovation, prosthetics, or accessible technology, this image offers a vibrant entry point into those conversations.
Discover the architectural gem that is the San Francisco VA Medical Center, an exemplar of mid-20th-century modernism set against the city’s dynamic backdrop. Designed with precision and functionality in mind, this institution has stood as a beacon of medical excellence. Its minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and an unadorned facade, reflects the era’s design ethos where form follows function. The architect employed a utilitarian approach while ensuring resilience and timelessness—a true testament to San Francisco’s rich architectural tapestry. With its strategic location offering both accessibility and serenity, this historic structure not only serves veterans but also stands as an enduring piece of San Francisco’s storied past.
Showing restraint, Tempo 28 King's LyNN's dazzling, brilliantly sun-trapping, trademark Optare interior is only dampened by shadowy slithers of absorbing Esteban Civic seats. The shaded woodgrain floor has a circular highlight towards the front below the scrolling space-age VFD. Accessible luxuries exclusive to this 2009 Optare-Yellow Buses (Bournemouth) collaboration include the image-framing hand or foot rail seat shields, polymorphic TARDIS-esq headrest grab handles, deviceful LED up-lights, cutting edge partitions with glass inserts
Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to be part of an annual effort that encourages the next generation of engineers, designers and architects to be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The annual Future City Competition encourages 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to imagine, design and build the cities of the future. Paralyzed Veterans of America has long been a sponsor of the contest’s “Accessible City Award,” which encourages students to think creatively about how to solve mobility barriers in innovative ways. Read more: bit.ly/1yYOoeN.
ADA and European ICT standards for accessibility.
Ideum's latest white paper, Accessible Design for Multitouch Tables, Large Displays, and Interactive Experiences focuses primarily on access for individuals in wheelchairs or those of short stature who may have reach, roll-up, or related mobility limitations. Building upon existing standards, this paper presents both “broad” and “strict” interpretations for accessible design on multitouch tables and describes a range of approaches for incorporating them into new experiences.
ADA and European ICT standards for accessibility.
Our latest white paper, Accessible Design for Multitouch Tables, Large Displays, and Interactive Experiences focuses primarily on access for individuals in wheelchairs or those of short stature who may have reach, roll-up, or related mobility limitations. Building upon existing standards, this paper presents both “broad” and “strict” interpretations for accessible design on multitouch tables and describes a range of approaches for incorporating them into new experiences.
ADA and European ICT standards for accessibility.
Our latest white paper, Accessible Design for Multitouch Tables, Large Displays, and Interactive Experiences focuses primarily on access for individuals in wheelchairs or those of short stature who may have reach, roll-up, or related mobility limitations. Building upon existing standards, this paper presents both “broad” and “strict” interpretations for accessible design on multitouch tables and describes a range of approaches for incorporating them into new experiences.
An Ideum touch table with a custom mount for a Storm Interface AudioNav EF. We develop custom add-ons of all kinds for our hardware. You learn more about our Platform II touch table at: ideum.com/products/touch-tables/platform
An Ideum touch table with a custom mount for a Storm Interface AudioNav EF. We develop custom add-ons of all kinds for our hardware. You learn more about our Platform II touch table at: ideum.com/products/touch-tables/platform
An Ideum touch table with a custom mount for a Storm Interface AudioNav EF. We develop custom add-ons of all kinds for our hardware. The custom mount is made of aluminum and black acrylic. It is as tough as our tables and built for public spaces. You learn more about our Platform II touch table at: ideum.com/products/touch-tables/platform
An Ideum touch table with a custom mount for a Storm Interface AudioNav EF. We develop custom add-ons of all kinds for our hardware. You learn more about our Platform II touch table at: ideum.com/products/touch-tables/platform
Ideum staff test out a multiuser application for accessible design. The software is running on an older Ideum Colossus 84" touch table. Learn more about accessibility and Ideum touch tables at: ideum.com/news/ada-accessible-touch-tables
Paralyzed Veterans members visit the new Milwaukee SCI/D Center.
The VA brought Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans members as well as the Paralyzed Veterans' Architecture Program into the planning phase. Architects Frank Menendez and program director Mark Lichter, AIA, worked with the chapter, the design architects and the VA Project Team, contributing ideas. “I think their input really helped VA get that center into great shape,” Sorenson says.
Read the full story at: www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E...
No anti-homeless armrests on the new benches in front of the Azure development at Richmond & Woodroffe.
Benches in public places with armrests in the middle of their length (to discourage people from sleeping on them) have been a blight on this city. Good to see this practice being reversed now.
The VA brought Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans members as well as the Paralyzed Veterans' Architecture Program into the planning phase. Architects Frank Menendez and program director Mark Lichter, AIA, worked with the chapter, the design architects and the VA Project Team, contributing ideas. “I think their input really helped VA get that center into great shape,” Sorenson says.
Read the full story at: www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E...
The VA brought Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans members as well as the Paralyzed Veterans' Architecture Program into the planning phase. Architects Frank Menendez and program director Mark Lichter, AIA, worked with the chapter, the design architects and the VA Project Team, contributing ideas. “I think their input really helped VA get that center into great shape,” Sorenson says.
Read the full story at: www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E...
The VA brought Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans members as well as the Paralyzed Veterans' Architecture Program into the planning phase. Architects Frank Menendez and program director Mark Lichter, AIA, worked with the chapter, the design architects and the VA Project Team, contributing ideas. “I think their input really helped VA get that center into great shape,” Sorenson says.
Read the full story at: www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E...
Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to be part of an annual effort that encourages the next generation of engineers, designers and architects to be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The annual Future City Competition encourages 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to imagine, design and build the cities of the future. Paralyzed Veterans of America has long been a sponsor of the contest’s “Accessible City Award,” which encourages students to think creatively about how to solve mobility barriers in innovative ways. Read more: bit.ly/1yYOoeN.
Photo by: Stephen Elliot
The heart of the building is a tall atrium which is the central organizer for all the functions of the building.
For more information regarding Paralyzed Veterans of America and accessible design, visit: www.pva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=access_main
Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to be part of an annual effort that encourages the next generation of engineers, designers and architects to be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The annual Future City Competition encourages 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to imagine, design and build the cities of the future. Paralyzed Veterans of America has long been a sponsor of the contest’s “Accessible City Award,” which encourages students to think creatively about how to solve mobility barriers in innovative ways. Read more: bit.ly/1yYOoeN.
Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to be part of an annual effort that encourages the next generation of engineers, designers and architects to be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The annual Future City Competition encourages 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to imagine, design and build the cities of the future. Paralyzed Veterans of America has long been a sponsor of the contest’s “Accessible City Award,” which encourages students to think creatively about how to solve mobility barriers in innovative ways. Read more: bit.ly/1yYOoeN.
Competition entry for Boscombe Beach Huts, calling for accessible design for disabled users.
MSA's Sou’wester is specifically designed for sensory enhancement of the seaside environment, increasing the pleasure of a day at the beach for those with sensory impairments as well as referencing the seaside in terms of materials found and experienced during a visit to the seaside.
The model has been exhibited, along with others submitted, in Boscombe’s Royal Arcade from July to September 2009.
Photo 8: CBT Architects
Photo by: Stephen Elliot
CBT Architects’ Kristi Sprinkle, Christos Coios, Paul Viccica, PVA’s Carol Peredo Lopez and CBT Architects’ Charles N. Tseckares, PVA’s Maurice Jordan.
For more information regarding Paralyzed Veterans of America and accessible design, visit: www.pva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=access_main
Photo by: Stephen Elliot
CBT Architects, Paul Viccica, discusses the accessible renovation with PVA National Vice President, Laura Ellington
For more information regarding Paralyzed Veterans of America and accessible design, visit: www.pva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=access_main
Photo by: Frank Menendez
CBT Architects, Christos Coios points at the level of the main entrance before it was renovated. With Mr. Coios is Deputy Executive Director, Maurice Jordan and NEPVA president, Craig Cascella.
For more information regarding Paralyzed Veterans of America and accessible design, visit: www.pva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=access_main
Photo by: Stephen Elliot
Charles N. Tseckares, FAIA, upon accepting the award for CBT Architects, shared that his brother was a World War II veteran, a navigator of a B24, and a member of Paralyzed Veterans of America. He acknowledged that due to injuries incurred in the war, his brother was not able to lead a barrier free life.
For more information regarding Paralyzed Veterans of America and accessible design, visit: www.pva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=access_main
TRYB has compiled a list of the best-selling men's sports underwear
and it turns out that men love colourful undies just as much as women do! From common white, black to cool blues and greens, there’s a colour for everyone on this list. Whether you’re training for your next race or just want to stay comfortable all day long, TRYB has got you covered. So be sure to check out the full list of what went down in the underwear world this year, and see which pair of TRYB’s comes top of your hit list!
Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to be part of an annual effort that encourages the next generation of engineers, designers and architects to be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The annual Future City Competition encourages 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to imagine, design and build the cities of the future. Paralyzed Veterans of America has long been a sponsor of the contest’s “Accessible City Award,” which encourages students to think creatively about how to solve mobility barriers in innovative ways. Read more: bit.ly/1yYOoeN.