NAE Member Rory A. Cooper, University of Pittsburgh, will explore the transformative contributions of engineers and inventors with disabilities, highlighting both contemporary and historical achievements. Cooper will emphasize how innovations initially designed for people with disabilities have led to widespread societal benefits, such as curb cuts and voice recognition software. Persistent barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in the fields of engineering and broader society, including accessibility challenges and underrepresentation, will be discussed. Participatory action design and engineering — a collaborative approach engaging end users and relevant stakeholders through convergence teams in the engineering process — to drive inclusive research and development will be introduced. Embracing this methodology can result in solutions that enhance the lives of people with disabilities and foster a more inclusive and innovative society for all. Examples will be presented from the current work of Cooper’s team.