A while back I did an explanation on wheelchair icons, and some information on a new icon that was starting to appear across the US. (Check it out below the comic here.) TLDR: The old icon implies a level of inactivity in the handicapped that isn’t that great, a new icon that is more “active” is a much better idea.

A group of academics are looking to change the handicapped icon on a grander scale, working to get New York City to adopt the new symbol you see above. The story starts as a guerilla marketing campaign and grows into a full-blown movement. An interesting read.

READ HERE »

Or if there aren’t any designated locations, anything secure will do.

Anyone catch the callback to “Wobbly”?

Solidarity.

A Quick Note About Wheelchair Icons

Btw, thanks to @aidensdame on Twitter for helping me track down the new wheelchair symbol. I had seen it around and thought it was a much better representation than the original “handicapped” one. A quick comparison:

Check out the old one. The person stands out from the rest of the style of this “bathroom icon” set that you see in the comic. The head is connected to the body. The arm / arm of the chair is straight and not curved on the end.

Then there’s the more symbolic element, “what does this symbol say about those in wheelchairs?” The old one implies a lack of movement or ability, as the person is neither moving themselves or seemingly able to do so. The new one shows someone propelling themself along, with an angle that implies them actively doing so.

I wanted to make sure to use this new one for all that it implied, I think it sends a much better message. If you want to read more about it, here are two quick articles I found explaining the history of the old icon, and a bit about the change to the new one. Apparently there’s some debate over it as not all people are handicapped and in wheelchairs.

• History of the Handicap Symbol (via amsvans.com)
• Handicapped Parking Signs – Development of the ADA Symbol (via myparkingsign.com)

So there you have it. Hope you like the comic!