Accessible Design

Accessibility determines who can fully participate in their lives and in the world. Designing for accessibility is an opportunity to connect with and empower the 1.3 billion people with disabilities globally.

Assistive Technology

Xian served as the exemplar and judge of the AT&T NYU ConnectAbility Challenge. The project was a masterclass of collaborative innovation toward the creation of assistive technology and was celebrated at the 2018 ADAPT Leadership Awards Gala.

Close up of Xian concentrated looking down at screen.
Text on upper right picture quote: to change the lives of others through thoughtful design can be the ultimate gift. – Xian
Text on lower third – The AT&T NYU “Connectability Challenge 90 days. Hundreds of developers. Endless possibilities.
Smaller text: Apply now to help Xian help millions of others.

Accessibility is Beautiful Universal Homes Look Book & Panel

Xian had the pleasure of serving on a steering committee for the Chubb and CP Foundation project. She served as the editor of the Look Book for accessible homes and a speaker at the award-winning panel in connection with the project for the American Institute of Architects, NY.

Learn more ↗

Read Xian’s Interview on Elle Decor: “Accessible Design is the Pinnacle of Good Design—And It’s for Everyone” ↗

Accessible Fashion Solutions

Xian’s adaptive fashion design journey started in 2016 when she was made a couture garment at Parsons through Open Style Lab and she has served as an advisor ever since. In 2017 and 2018, she was designed for again in “Design for Disability” with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and got to work with Anna Sui and Derek Lam. In 2020, Xian worked with Zappos Adaptive and walked the runway for NY Fashion Week wearing adaptive clothing that was helpful given her dexterity issues.

Xian walking down the runway with ski poles — Xian Horn on the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Design for Disability runway wearing a sustainable silk top and skirt made for her by designer Emily Ridings during her time at Pratt.

Xian wearing clothing with hidden adaptive features in the form of aligned secure magnets instead of buttons, and Seven7 jeans with hidden Velcro and zippers at the sides

Xian smiling into the sun in a gray plaid Jacket holding her ski poles from an upwards angle

Xian was one of the three people designed for by Parson’s Open Style Lab in its inaugural semester. Above is the Xian Coat, a rain-proof coat with customized accessibility features informed by Xian’s experience and input.