History of the International Symbol of Access

“The International Symbol of Access (ISA), used in a variety of specific locations to represent purposely facilitated access, has become ubiquitous throughout the world within just a few decades. As part of early attempts to communicate issues of accessibility, the (wheelchair) mobility symbol—and the related access symbols in the areas of vision and hearing—have become arguably the most widely recognized representations of disability. Alongside disabled individuals themselves these symbols provide daily interactions with issues of accessibility and disability. Whether taken for granted, accepted or modified, the current ISA has spread around the globe, where it exists on doors, throughout buildings and the streets leading to them and in bus terminals, train stations and airports. In short, the ISA can now be found wherever people move in physical space, needing to navigate, negotiate barriers and find their way.” 

The history of the International Symbol of Access started in 1968 when the head of the Office for Vocational Rehabilitation requested a symbol for identifying accessible features and facilities. The task was handed to the Secretary General of Rehabilitation International (RI), who handed it to the Scandinavian Chairman of the Technical Committee, who sponsored a design competition advertised to the Student Design Organization in Copenhagen. This resulted in the first adaptation of the International Symbol for Access, created by the graphic design student Susanne Koefoed. “A simple motif of a stick figure using a wheelchair to indicate barrier-free access. After some modifications, including ‘humanizing’ it by adding a circle to the top of the seated figure for a “head,” the World Congress formally Adopted the International Symbol of Access in 1969.” It is important to credit the original designer of this globally recognized symbol. Before there was a symbol representing access, there was no clear indicator or sign to represent points of access for people who have disabilities. Today we can find this symbol in almost every public area, and since the creation of the symbol, many countries have incorporated it into their legislation regarding accessibility. Not only does the International Symbol of Access highlight accessible locations, but it also represents equal opportunities and rights for people with disabilities.