@theretheirtheyreshow @ba.design.gold
18-22 JUNE 2026
Unit 8, 133 Copeland Rd, London, SE15 3SN
Unit 8, 133 Copeland Rd, London, SE15 3SN
Accessing Joy
M Libaert-Cox
Inspired by the joy that comes out of swimming, “Accessing Joy” examines the field of inclusive design, with an emphasis on the barriers that disabled people face when accessing swimming pools, putting them first. It proposes a user-centred approach that is grounded in individual and portable adaptations, or “hacks”, that are small-scale and open-sourced.
These enable a disabled person to access a pool independently, rather than relying on permanently installed, universal design interventions, which are not always available, and may create more barriers for people depending on their disabilities.
The concept and motivation behind “Accessing Joy” gives Disabled people the opportunity to safely and independently access swimming at centres that are not designed with their needs in mind.
This has been addressed through two responses- the Swim Seat, and the Step2Swim, both assisting with the barriers of reduced mobility, strength, or energy.
These enable a disabled person to access a pool independently, rather than relying on permanently installed, universal design interventions, which are not always available, and may create more barriers for people depending on their disabilities.
The concept and motivation behind “Accessing Joy” gives Disabled people the opportunity to safely and independently access swimming at centres that are not designed with their needs in mind.
This has been addressed through two responses- the Swim Seat, and the Step2Swim, both assisting with the barriers of reduced mobility, strength, or energy.
Accessibility
Swimming
Hacks