History of the Handicap Symbol
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History of Handicap Symbol

The History of the Handicap Symbol

One of the most recognized symbols is the handicap symbol, officially called the International Symbol of Access. It is a royal blue square overlaid in white with a stylized image of a person using a wheelchair. It is maintained as an International Standard which means of transcends all languages, and its appearance is uniform in every country in the world. The image is a copywrite of the International Commission on Technology and Accessibility.

Rehabilitation International, a federation of 145 organizations in 82 countries that conducts programs to assist people with disabilities and work for prevention, rehabilitation and integration decided to create the International Sign of Access. In 1968, Susan Koefoed submitted her design with six other potential symbols to be judged by an independent and international jury. Shortly after, Susan’s symbol became one of the most commonly recognized symbols in the world as the International Symbol of Access.

After the design was voted in deliberations began to identify exactly what the symbol was to denote officially. A document on guidance was prepared for the uses of the International Symbol of Access bearing in mind varying circumstances in different countries.

The Specific Uses of the International Symbol of Access Mark a parking space reserved for mobility vehicles used by disabled people or blue badge holders Mark a vehicle used by a disabled person, often to denote to enforcement authorities permission to use an accessible parking space Mark a public lavatory with facilities designed for wheelchair users Indicate a button to activate an automatic door Indicate an accessible transit station (e.g. table) or vehicle with accessible seating Indicate a transit route that uses handicap accessible vehicles (e.g. ramped curbs on sidewalks and elevators in lieu of stairs or escalators in buildings with multiple floors)

In addition to these basic uses, Rehabilitation International further defined the International Symbol of Access by publishing guideline set forth in the “Guidelines for Improving Access for Disabled People” in 1983. The main points of the document are to set a minimal standard that public entities provide:

  1. A barrier free approach to the building

  2. An accessible entrance

  3. Accessible and usable facilities

  4. Accessible and usable toilets

  5. The International Symbol of Access is to be displayed at the key points of first use and at the principal entrance of all these mandated accessible environments.

Organizations like Rehabilitation International and ongoing amendments to laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continue to mandate appropriate accommodations be made for the disabled. This is so they may enjoy the quality of life all citizens, regardless of physical ability, are entitled to as set forth in the ideals this country was founded on.