Design and Disability at V&A Dundee: A celebration of inclusive design

The thought-provoking Design and Disability exhibition has arrived at V&A Dundee from London, bringing with it a powerful exploration of disabled-led design. This Scottish presentation also features additional artists from Scotland, adding new voices and perspectives to an exhibition that highlights the creativity, innovation and expertise of disabled people.

A celebration and a call to action

Design and Disability is both a celebration of disabled-led design and a call for action to embed the experiences and expertise of disabled people within design processes. Through inspiring examples of disability-first practices, the exhibition demonstrates how design can become more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

Spanning from the 1940s to the present day, the exhibition features objects across three themes – Visibility, Creativity and Living – exploring design, art, architecture, fashion and photography. Together, these works tell the story of how disabled people have shaped design history and continue to influence the future of design today.

One of our favourite pieces in the exhibition was the MCP/CMC/IP splint ring designed by EvaBelle Jewelry, displayed within the Visibility section. This elegant piece demonstrates how assistive design can be both functional and beautiful, challenging assumptions about medical and adaptive products.

Accessibility at V&A Dundee

We loved our visit to V&A Dundee and were impressed by the accessibility of both the museum and the exhibition.

Access throughout the building is flat, making it easy for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments to navigate. A lift provides access to the upper galleries, and there are accessible toilets as well as a Changing Places toilet available on site.

The exhibition gallery itself is spacious and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of room to move around comfortably. There is also lots of seating throughout the exhibition for visitors who are unable to walk long distances or who may need regular rest breaks.

Large-print booklets are available within each exhibition theme, providing information about the objects on display in an accessible format. BSL and audio tours are available both on the V&A Dundee website and within the exhibition itself, offering alternative ways to engage with the content.

It was also particularly encouraging to see that all of the interactive objects within the exhibition were positioned at a suitable height for wheelchair users to reach comfortably, demonstrating the exhibition's commitment to inclusive design in practice.

Whether you're interested in design, disability history, accessibility, or contemporary art, Design and Disability is an inspiring exhibition that demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive design. By placing disabled experiences and expertise at the centre of the conversation, it offers a compelling vision of how design can create a more accessible future for everyone.

Plan your visit

Design and Disability is open at V&A Dundee until 4 October 2026, and entry is free for everyone.

If you have specific access requirements or would like to discuss your visit in advance, access arrangements can be made by contacting the museum:

Telephone: +44 (0)1382 411611

Email: access@vandadundee.org

The Euan's Guide team attended the media preview of Design and Disability.