The “accessibility icon” is a transformative effort to update how the world perceives and represents individuals with disabilities. A pivotal milestone in this movement occurred at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, in 2012, where the new accessibility icon made its debut. Replacing the traditional static wheelchair symbol, the updated icon portrays a dynamic, forward-leaning figure with an arm in motion—a powerful reimagining of disability representation.
The Birth of the Accessibility Icon Project
Brian Glenney, an assistant professor of philosophy at Gordon College, partnered with Sara Hendren, a graduate student at Harvard Graduate School of Design, to bring the Accessibility Icon Project to life. This collaboration stemmed from their shared interest in rethinking how symbols shape societal perceptions. Their research and advocacy work laid the foundation for this groundbreaking initiative.
“The traditional handicap symbol, visible in public spaces worldwide, presents a passive and medicalized portrayal of individuals with disabilities,” Glenney explained. “The Accessibility Icon Project emerged as a way to challenge these outdated perceptions and foster a more empowering representation.”
A Symbol of Movement and Empowerment
The updated accessibility icon is more than a design change; it’s a statement about inclusion and potential. Unlike the traditional icon—a static stick figure in a wheelchair—the new design emphasizes activity and autonomy. By depicting a person in motion, the symbol highlights capability rather than limitation.
This reimagined icon first appeared on October 22, 2012, when Gordon College replaced its parking lot signage. Glenney, his aesthetics students, and the college’s facilities staff collaborated to make the change. The initiative quickly gained traction, inspiring local businesses and municipalities to adopt the new icon.
From Art to Advocacy
The Accessibility Icon Project began as an art project inspired by Glenney and Hendren’s exploration of the intersection between technology and personhood. They recognized that individuals with disabilities often exemplify the synergy between human capabilities and assistive technologies.
“We saw wheelchair users as clear examples of technology and personhood in harmony,” Glenney noted. “But the traditional symbol emphasized limitations. We wanted a design that celebrated what people with disabilities can achieve.”
Starting with stickers and stencils, Glenney and Hendren launched the Accessibility Icon Project with the help of Triangle Inc., a Massachusetts-based advocacy group for individuals with disabilities. Triangle Inc. not only updated its own signage but also partnered with the team to spread awareness. Today, the Accessibility Icon Project has a dedicated website (www.accessibleicon.org) and continues to receive support from corporate sponsors and community organizations.
Shaping Perceptions, One Icon at a Time
The Accessibility Icon Project is about more than signage; it’s a cultural shift in how society views disability.
“Our goal is to redefine what it means to be disabled, whether physically or cognitively,” Glenney emphasized. “We envision a future where every college campus, public space, and business adopts this icon, reinforcing the idea of people with disabilities as active contributors to society.”
Final Thoughts
The accessibility icon challenges all of us to rethink our assumptions and embrace a more inclusive perspective. By adopting this symbol, institutions and communities can play a vital role in reshaping societal attitudes. Let’s move forward together toward a more inclusive world.
