I get the idea that the point is to convey assistance, but it doesn’t strike me that the hand actually conveys this with design clarity or elegance.

Yes, people with disabilities do need the cooperation of others to create accessible environments on- and off-line. However, I do agree with Joe Clark that implying dependence on others is not the message to rally around.

That is one of the reason’s why I like the Apple icon, it is pretty much baggage-free.

The idea of accessibility being something we don’t need a special symbol for is the goal. As we know, we are far from being there. A symbol informs PWD of accessible structures and services, it also raises awareness in the general population.

I also wonder if we do need multiple symbols as accessibility is not implemented for all disabilities. For example, a building may be wheelchair accessible but does not provide braille signage.

You’re right that its not the best illustration, but then, as I say in the thread (presuming you read it) I’m not the worlds best illustrator. And I welcome better attempts. Please add to the discussion if you wish.

Or should I tag your comments #constructive_FAIL ?

WHO just said that disability is a universal human experience:
http://billcreswell.blogspot.com/2009/06/were-all-broken-people.html
JackP’s idea of incorporating accessibility in any standard form of help fits that concept.
In that one area of help, you can have subcategories. One subcategory example is mobility/agility (e.g. arthritic fingers, erractic arm movements, bobbing heads).
Hmm this sounds like progressive disclosure, but is there anything wrong with that?

Of course, you can tell how trendy and hip I am by the fact that I’m using words like ‘trendy’ and ‘hip’. Man, I’m a real groovy cat.

As a blind person, I feel no sense of identification with that symbol, other than by the fact of its convention. I’m afraid I haven’t really understood the detail of Phil’s symbol, but the concept of a helping hand seems like a step in the right direction.

Most people with disabilities need a helping hand from time to time. At the risk of ticking off several people, I think that we’d be foolish to suggest otherwise. The possibility that the idea may upset some people though can’t be dismissed.

I must admit I like the sound of the Apple symbol. I gather it uses the blue circle of the existing wheelchair symbol, so goes some way to utilising accepted convention to promote a new icon. I like the idea of open arms. It seems to suggest inclusion and acceptance.Léonie Watson

I have to say my thoughts are leaning towards not to include an accessibility icon at all but to include accessibility as part of ’standard’ help. In other words, make the accessibility aspect less of an add-on, and not something separate for those with disabilities. In this circumstances, a helping hand logo might be okay, although I’d tend to go with a question mark for help.

Although as Léonie points out, people do need a hand (whether disabled or not) from time to time. This reminds me of the whole anti- use of the word ‘handicapped’ particularly in the UK. The word carries negative connotations – although why this is might be a different matter. Some people thought (incorrectly) that the term came from cap-in-hand (i.e. begging for money/assistance) which it doesn’t.

Many people would therefore seem to have taken against the word for reasons which don’t actually exist; and then some take against it as it carries these connotations, even if they know the etymology. Of course, as the article also states, there are other reasons why it carries negative connotations too…

Since then, I’ve been tempted to Photoshop that bar into a cupid’s arrow.

The connotation of negativity, forbidden and bad in combination with disability is so ancient and unconscious. It’s interesting to see how it continues to be perpetuated.

I vote for the Apple symbol, if it can be co-opted. It similar enough to benefit from the recognition of the wheelchair symbol, but generic enough to be inclusive to all. It is a symbol that does not marginalize PWD.

As I believe we are no longer allowed to say these days, FAIL.