Tools of Life
Inclusive Design as Art and Advocacy
Tools of Life is an acclaimed art and design project by Elana Langer that reimagines assistive devices—such as hearing aids, walking frames, and prosthetics—as objects of beauty, style, and personal expression. By transforming medical and disability aids into fashionable, desirable accessories, the project challenges traditional notions of disability and accessibility, fostering dignity and empowerment.
The series has garnered significant attention from major publications including The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, and Daily Mail, sparking important conversations about inclusive design and the intersection of aesthetics, technology, and function.
Notably, Tools of Life is part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Design Museum (Cooper Hewitt), recognized for its innovative approach that blends art, design, and social advocacy to create products that are both practical and stylish. The project highlights how thoughtful design can enhance quality of life while reshaping cultural perceptions of disability.
