Sara Hendren is a visionary design researcher, author, artist, and educator whose work transforms the way we see disability, design, and the built world. 

As a professor at Northeastern University, Sara teaches Design for Disability, guiding students to embrace creativity, empathy, and inclusivity in their work. 

Her groundbreaking book, What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World, has been celebrated as one of the best books of 2020 by NPR and Lit Hub, captivating readers with its profound exploration of the spaces where design intersects with human diversity.  

Sara’s work is more than academic - it’s a celebration of the extraordinary in the everyday. Through her writing, teaching, and advocacy, she reveals how disability is not a personal deficit but an invitation to reimagine the world around us. From adaptive tools to inclusive environments, Sara’s insights challenge us to think differently about the possibilities of design and the profound interdependence that connects us all.  

As a mother of three, including a son with Down syndrome, Sara draws deeply from personal experience to illuminate the power of inclusive design to foster connection, joy, and belonging. Her ability to re-envision what is possible makes her a beacon of inspiration in a world striving for greater inclusivity.  

Sara invites us to approach design -and life- with curiosity, care, and a commitment to building a world where everyone belongs. 

Her voice is a rallying cry for creating spaces and tools that celebrate human diversity and nurture the connections that make life meaningful.

Key Takeaways

1. Design for Connection, Not Isolation - The best designs don’t just meet individual needs—they create spaces where people can come together, fostering trust, community, and belonging.  

2. Embrace the Power of Adaptation - Human bodies and minds are extraordinarily adaptive. Let’s celebrate and design for the full spectrum of human diversity, not force everyone to conform to a narrow definition of "normal."  

3. Rethink Productivity and Time - Life isn’t a race. By embracing slower, more meaningful rhythms—like "Kryptime"—we can focus on what truly matters: relationships, creativity, and well-being.  

4. Start with Empathy and Collaboration - Great design begins with truly listening and understanding. Partner with the people you’re designing for, and ask better questions to create solutions that empower and uplift.  

5. See Disability as Innovation’s Catalyst - Disability isn’t a limitation; it’s a lens that inspires creative, inclusive solutions for everyone. The curb cut effect proves that what benefits one group can transform the world for all.  

6. Challenge the Myths of Normalcy - There’s no such thing as “normal.” Instead of trying to fix differences, let’s design environments and tools that amplify humanity’s incredible variety and potential.  

7. Celebrate Interdependence - None of us thrive alone. By recognizing the beauty of interdependence and creating systems that support it, we can build a more compassionate, inclusive world.  

Quotes 

1. "Disability is not a personal deficit—it’s an interaction with the world. Let’s design spaces and tools that don’t fix people but instead amplify their unique brilliance."

2. "Great design begins with better questions. Ask not just what people need but how your work can foster connection, care, and joy."

3. "The extraordinary is often hidden in the ordinary. Look closer, and you’ll see that adapting to differences is where creativity and humanity truly shine."

4. "Our greatest strength is in our interdependence. When we design with others in mind, we create a world where everyone can thrive together."

Connect with Sara

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-hendren-8a854140 

Website - https://sarahendren.com/ 

X -  https://twitter.com/sarahendren 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahendren/ 

Book - https://www.amazon.com/What-Can-Body-Do-Built/dp/073522000X