International Symbol of Accessibility

The first ever handicap symbol was designed by Susanne Koefoed of Denmark. The International Commission on Technology and Accessibility set up a competition for a design that could designate handicap accessible areas (braunability.com). The design was later edited for legibility as well as inclusivity by Karl Montan to include a head (thesocietypages.org). 

The first design follows a swiss modernist approach, abstracting the figure to several lines and creating a wheelchair out of a simple circle. It values simplicity over a complete understanding. The revised design, remains very simple but adds a head to the figure, making it more recognizable, while at the same time adding a sense of personhood to those with disabilities. 

Though designed int the 60s, this symbol remains in regular use internationally to this day.