The Icon Graphic Elements
Is this ADA Compliant?
The short answer is yes. Federal and state officials have determined that slight variations on the historical International Symbol of Accessibility are generally permissible as long as the symbol clearly displays a wheelchair and signifies accessibility.
Forward thinking companies such as The TJX Companies, have utilized another progressive symbol by the graphic designer Brendan Murphy. We are grateful that companies like Talbots have embraced the Accessible Icon as well.
Different states have different regulations concerning the size, color, and placement of the symbol. For instance, in Massachusetts, accessible parking spots must be identified by a vertical parking sign, but symbols on the ground are not required. We recommend that you review state and local regulations before painting the Accessible Icon on parking spots or placing the sticker on signs.
Although some states require that the background be painted in “Handicapped” Blue – which we will call Accessible Blue from this point forward! – and the figure be painted in white striping paint. Other states such as Massachusetts do not mandate a color scheme. For this reason, some of the logos we’ve painted have figures that are rendered in striping paint red on a safety yellow background – which we think might be superior for people with limited vision – while others have been rendered the figure in striping paint white over the Accessible Blue background. Again, we recommend that you review state and local regulations before painting the Accessible Icon.
Forward thinking companies such as The TJX Companies, have utilized another progressive symbol by the graphic designer Brendan Murphy. We are grateful that companies like Talbots have embraced the Accessible Icon as well.
Different states have different regulations concerning the size, color, and placement of the symbol. For instance, in Massachusetts, accessible parking spots must be identified by a vertical parking sign, but symbols on the ground are not required. We recommend that you review state and local regulations before painting the Accessible Icon on parking spots or placing the sticker on signs.
Although some states require that the background be painted in “Handicapped” Blue – which we will call Accessible Blue from this point forward! – and the figure be painted in white striping paint. Other states such as Massachusetts do not mandate a color scheme. For this reason, some of the logos we’ve painted have figures that are rendered in striping paint red on a safety yellow background – which we think might be superior for people with limited vision – while others have been rendered the figure in striping paint white over the Accessible Blue background. Again, we recommend that you review state and local regulations before painting the Accessible Icon.