Design Access

Photograph of design objects on exhibition in Access+Ability on view through September 3. For information about the exhibition and programming at the museum related to accessible design scroll

Cooper Hewitt is committed to broadening its audiences and ensuring the museum is welcoming to all. Learn how we are using our exhibitions, campus, and museum resources to raise awareness of accessible design innovation, inspire dialogue, and leverage Cooper Hewitt’s role as platform for design to promote problem-solving in support of inclusivity.

Accessibility Articles + Resources

Image of a parchment drawing rendering a drinking cup and straw.
Robust online resources share stories of designers and disability service organizations celebrating inclusivity. Diverse perspectives highlighted in videos and articles illustrate the impact of design in addressing the barriers many people with disabilities experience worldwide.

Inclusive Design at Cooper Hewitt

Image of an iphone displaying the senses accessible exhibition guide application.
Cooper Hewitt collaborates with inclusive designers, industry experts, and members of the disability community to exhibitions, programs and museum experiences are welcoming to all.

Education Programs

Image of a young black man with Cerebral Palsy seated next to an older white woman. They work together on a paper prototype, both are smiling.
Regularly scheduled educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Cooper Hewitt Accessibility Services

Close-up image of a hand holding a black plastic 3-D printed geometric material sample.
Cooper Hewitt offers a variety of access services so that everyone may enjoy the museum to the fullest extent possible, including large print materials, audio description, and design objects to touch and explore.

Making Home Accessibility Resources Guide

Get screen-reader compatible text, including visual descriptions, directions, and label text for installations in Making Home--The Smithsonian Design Triennial, now open.