THE DISABILITY EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE

CREATORS OF THE ACCESSIBLE ICON PROJECT Sarah Hendren- graduate student from Harvard Graduate School of Design Dr. Brain Glenney- associate philosophy professor at Gordon College

THE FIRST EDITION In 2009, Sara Hendren and Brian Glenney started a street art campaign in Boston to highlight the shortcomings of the current International Symbol of Access Design focused on showing movement

ART CAMPAIGN TO ADVOCACY PROJECT Noticed by Biller Baker from the Boston Globes Response to article changed direction of the project

REDESIGNING THE SYMBOL Abides by ISO DOT 50 Standards Complies with ADA Regulations New design fit for parking sign and stencil

THE EVOLUTION OF THE SYMBOL

ISO DOT 50 standards: a universally accepted icon set that determines the look of the figures you commonly see on bathroom signage

THE PARTNERSHIP BEGINS Triangle  Corporate partners like Clarks USA and Building Restoration Corp.  The mayor of Malden, MA Gordon College  Change signs around campus  Funding for new website

WHY SHOULD WE PORTRAY OUR CITIZEN LIKE THIS… The symbol has not been changed since 1968 Current symbol leads to thoughts of passivity and inability

WHEN THEY ARE REALLY LIKE… The new symbol reinforces themes of life, energy, and determination Design focused on movement

WHERE THE PROJECT IS NOW Grown from a grass roots campaign to become a larger social design effort, now housed and run by Triangle Now people all over the world use the symbol to signal their wishes for more inclusive institutions, economies, and workplaces everywhere.

PARTNERS United States  Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, New York, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia, Arizona, North Carolina, Washington International  India, France, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Korea, Alaska, Mexico Types of Partnerships  Businesses, Cities, Hospitals, Parks and Recreation Centers, Universities, Schools, Restaurants, Websites, Cruise Industry, Sport Teams ***Currently, the project is fortunate to have a number of partners who not only use the Icon in their buildings, but are also creating a stronger relationship with people with disabilities

GOALS Symbol Shift Spark Conversation Advocacy Activation Illustrate the active and engaged role people with disabilities play in society Community Change Prompt people to include individuals with disabilities in the workplace, schools, and in society ***Changing the symbol is part of changing the universally accepted mindset about people with disabilities

IN CONCLUSION Visual Representation Matters People Matter The Accessible Icon Matters! Contact: Leah Serao w. e. p