# Blind Architect Consultants Chris Downey Turns Tragedy Into an Innovative New Gig By Meghan Young | Published 2010-09-30 | Updated 2010-10-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chris-downey References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2010/09/30/the-vision-of-a-blind-architect/) & [theatlantic](http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/10/design-within-reach/8220) Architect Chris Downey shows that if tragedy befalls you, you can still pick up the pieces and run with what you've got. He suffered from a tumor that left him [completely blind](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-bone-conduction-headset). Instead of crawling into a hole, he tapped into the growing field of [technology for the disabled](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remarkables). Downey became an invaluable architectural consultant. According to The Atlantic, Chris Downey "found a blind computer scientist who had devised a way to print online maps through a [tactile printer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchyard-park); it worked for architectural drawings too." He can now navigate through designs easily, suggesting changes that not only benefit the blind, but everyone in general. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Adaptive Technology for the Disabled:** Opportunity for developing innovative technology that aids individuals with disabilities, such as tactile printers for architectural drawings. - **Inclusive Design:** Potential for incorporating design elements that benefit both disabled and non-disabled individuals. - **Human-centered Architecture:** Emerging trend of prioritizing the needs and experiences of individuals with disabilities in architectural design. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology for Accessibility:** Emerging industry centered around developing assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. - **Architecture and Engineering:** Opportunity for architects and engineers to integrate accessible design principles into their projects. - **Healthcare and Rehabilitation:** Growing industry aimed at providing support, rehabilitation, and adaptive technology for individuals with disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inclusivity-Focused Consulting Firms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consulting-firm.md) - [Accessible Home Device Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessble-home-device.md) - [Assistive Navigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system.md) - [Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-tech.md) - [Braille-Integrated Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aedo-collection.md) - [Robotic Visual Impairment Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-guidance-device.md) - [Transformed Farm Accessible Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-rectory-farm.md) - [Assistive Sports Entertainment Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touch2see.md) - [Accessible Home Services Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-services-marketplace.md)