Favorite Typeface: Franklin Gothic Book
Favorite Software: Illustrator
Dream Job: Product/Package Design
Dan is a graphic designer born and raised in Arizona. They will be graduating in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Dan looks forward to developing his skills as a designer and working more designs within his personal life. He currently works part time at Starbucks while finishing their degree. Outside of work and school, Dan enjoys drawing, video games, and music. He also loves going to concerts when he has the opportunity.
You can view Dan’s portfolio at www.dansilvadesign.com.
Disability and Ableism
Accessibility and Ableism: How Society Lacks Intention for Inclusivity
Many people live with a disability. About 20% of those within the U.S. will live with a disability. And globally it’s about 16%. It’s a large group of people that end up being impacted heavily in multiple ways. Ableism– which is a negative view of persons with disabilities leading to discrimination, bias, and prejudice– affects those disabled within education, employment, in our language, within their environment, and all around them in design. This has made accessibility difficult due to lack of inclusivity. When looking at employment rates, those with disabilities are less likely to be employed at 33% while those without are at a 73% employment rate. Better awareness is needed. Effort to make sure there is intention to inclusivity constantly and allowing accessibility is necessary.
View Dan’s exhibition booklet here.