IDEAS
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Breaking Barriers: Redesigning the Accessible Symbol
The current accessibility icon is a familiar symbol worldwide, but it has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity and representation. Inspired from The Accessible Icon Project, we tried to create our own version of their more inclusive icon that accurately represents people with disabilities.
The new icon features a person in a wheelchair in an active position, leaning forward with arms raised. This icon promotes the idea that people with disabilities are not passive, but rather active members of society.
History of the Accessibility Icon
The current accessibility icon was designed in the 1960s by Susanne Koefoed and features a static figure sitting in a wheelchair. While this icon has become widely recognized, it has also been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes about people with disabilities.
The Accessible Icon Project began in 2011 when a group of activists in Boston started placing stickers of a modified accessibility icon around the city. This modified icon featured a person in a wheelchair in an active position, leaning forward with arms raised. The project gained momentum and eventually led to the creation of a new, more inclusive accessibility icon.
Designing the New Icon
The design process for the new accessibility icon involved input from people with disabilities, designers, and advocates. The team wanted to create an icon that accurately represented people with disabilities and promoted the idea of inclusion and active participation.
The final design features a person in a wheelchair in an active position, leaning forward with arms raised. The figure is depicted in a dynamic and fluid manner, promoting the idea of movement and activity. The icon also features a more modern and simplified design, making it easier to recognize and reproduce.
Impact & Challenges
We hope this new accessibility icon would have a significant impact on public perception and awareness of disability issues. A symbol that promotes the idea that people with disabilities are active and engaged members of society, challenging negative stereotypes and promoting inclusion.
While it has been adopted by some places around the world, it has yet to be established in the Philippines. By promoting the new accessibility icon, we are doing our part to continue to raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with disabilities.
Although the new accessibility icon has received widespread support, there have also been challenges and criticisms. Some argue that the new icon is not recognizable enough and may cause confusion or misinterpretation. Others argue that the focus on the icon detracts from more pressing issues facing people with disabilities, such as access to healthcare, education, and employment.
These criticisms highlight the ongoing need for advocacy and action to address the systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities.