We’re all familiar with the iconic symbol of a person in a wheelchair that represents accessibility features for public spaces. Not as many people know how it came about or where the future of accessibility symbols is going, however. To better understand this, you’ll need a historical perspective on symbols, starting with how the recognizable accessibility signage symbol was created. The original International Symbol of Access (ISA) (Figure 1) was first developed by Danish design student Susanne Koefoed in 1968. Through a collaboration of subject matter experts, academics, and the design community, this symbol of accessibility became the universal standard. Fast forward to 2013, and the United States began to implement a new symbol, the dynamic symbol (Figure 2). 

How Has the Accessibility Symbol Changed?

Over the decades, there has been a trend towards symbols more inclusive of all disabilities, not just those requiring a wheelchair. The latest design pursuits and what’s legally permissible, however, have not always aligned. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (SfAD), where all accessible standards are codified for the built environment, states, “Symbols of accessibility shall comply with 703.7.” Furthermore, “The International Symbol of accessibility shall comply with Figure 703.7.2.1.”

With such a direct mandate, and the fact that the U.S. Access Board has not adopted the dynamic version, it appears at first glance that the legal requirement is inflexible. However, many locations have taken official steps to incorporate the dynamic symbol, with New York and Connecticut specifically having state-wide statutory adoptions. Many local governments have formally adopted the dynamic version as well. When multiple governments make such a choice, offering a new perspective on the issue, it makes a big statement.The main question becomes whether the ADA authorizes the use of an accessibility symbol not codified in the Standards. Luckily for these states, a good argument can be made for the dynamic ISA.

When to Use Revised Accessibility Symbols

Under the Standards, Chapter One, § 103, Equivalent Facilitation states, “Nothing in these requirements prevents the use of designs, products, or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.” The legally operative phrase here is “substantially equivalent or greater.” This effectively means that for something to pass the test, it has to provide the same measure of access the Standards are meant to provide or an easier form of access. This is an objective standard, but it also requires a supplemental question, “How is this an improvement on the old concept?” The Forward Movement organization, along with the Accessible Icon Project, have articulated the answer to this question, stating two main factors: “(I) The person in the new image is more defined than the one in the old image, and (II) The new accessibility symbol shows movement, a symbolic action that emphasizes differing abilities.” 

Notwithstanding the unique perspective the dynamic signage symbol offers, and the fact that the the U.S. Access Board has yet to support the dynamic symbol as an alternative, much of the confusion surrounding what is and is not permissible is caught between law and social advocacy. However, knowing the regulatory language cited in the SfAD and the formal adoption by New York and Connecticut, the team at HOTELSIGNS.com agree the dynamic symbol is a viable option for your accessibility signage needs. Now that you know a little bit more about the ISA symbol and its usage, you can count on HOTELSIGNS.com to update your signage to the new symbol, no matter which state you live in. 

As we’ve gone over, the traditional disability symbol has changed since its initial introduction, now encompassing a wider range of disabilities. We hope that by informing you of the history of the ISA symbol and its different versions, you’ll be able to choose the one right for your building and make it a more accessible, welcoming place.