Universal Accessibility Symbols

Use consistent, recognizable symbols in signage, event pages, flyers, and social media. Provide alt text for every icon when used digitally.

Universal Disability Access Symbols by the Graphic Artists Guild, downloadable in AI, EPS, and JPG
AIGA “Symbol Signs” public set for wayfinding, free to use in EPS and GIF

Access (Other Than Print or Braille) for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

This symbol indicates access for people who are blind or have low vision, best used in places such as: a guided tour, a path to a nature trail or a scent garden in a park; and a tactile tour or a museum exhibition that may be touched.

Symbol of a person walking with a white cane, shown in black on a white background.

Symbol of a person walking with a white cane, shown in white on a black background.

Symbol for Wheelchair Accessibility

The wheelchair symbol indicates access for individuals with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. Remember that a ramped entrance is not completely accessible if there are no curb cuts, and an elevator is not accessible if it can only be reached via steps.

Important note on the wheelchair symbol: For facilities and signage that must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards, follow the U.S. Access Board guidance on the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA).

Wheelchair accessibility symbol in black on a white background.

Wheelchair accessibility symbol in white on a black background.

Audio Description

Blind or low vision people may enjoy performing arts, visual arts, television, video, and film that offers live commentary or narration (via headphones and a small transmitter) of visual elements provided by a trained Audio Describer.

Audio Description symbol with the letters AD and sound waves, shown in white on a black background.

Telephone Typewriter (TTY)

This device is also known as a text telephone (TT), or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD). TTY indicates the presence of a device used with the telephone for communication with and between deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired and/or hearing, persons.

TTY symbol showing a black telephone handset above a keyboard, on a white background.

TTY symbol showing a white telephone handset above a keyboard, on a black background.

Volume Control Telephone

This symbol indicates the presence of telephones that have handsets with amplified sound and/or adjustable volume controls.

Telephone Volume Control symbol showing a black handset with sound waves on a white background.

Telephone Volume Control symbol showing a white handset with sound waves on a black background.

Assistive Listening Systems

These systems transmit amplified sound via hearing aids, headsets or other devices.

Assistive Listening Systems symbol showing an ear with a diagonal line across it, in white on a black background.

Sign Language Interpretation

The symbol indicates that Sign Language Interpretation is provided for a lecture, tour, film, performance, conference or other program.

Sign Language Interpretation symbol showing two hands signing, in white on a black background.

Accessible Print (18 pt. or Larger)

Large print is indicated by the words: “Large Print,” printed in 18 pt. or larger text. In addition to identifying large print versions of books, pamphlets, museum guides and theater programs, you may use the symbol on conference or membership forms with large print. Sans serif or modified serif print with high contrast is important, and special attention should be paid to letter and word spacing.

Large Print symbol with black text on a white background.

Large Print symbol with white text on a black background.

The Information Symbol

Knowing where to find what you need is almost as valuable as finding it. The information symbol indicates the location for specific information or materials concerning access, such as “LARGE PRINT” materials, audio cassette recordings of materials, or sign interpreted tours.

Information symbol showing a black question mark inside a circle on a white background.

Information symbol showing a white question mark inside a circle on a black background.

Closed Captioning (CC)

Closed Captioning (CC) (commonly known as subtitles) enables people who are deaf or hard of hearing to read a transcript of the audio portion of a video, film, exhibition or other presentation. As the video plays, text captions transcribe (although not always verbatim) speech and other relevant sounds.

Closed Captions symbol with the letters C C in black on a white background.

Closed Captions symbol with the letters C C in white on a black background.

Opened Captioning (OC)

This symbol indicates that captions, which translate dialogue and other sounds in print, are displayed on the videotape, movie, television program or exhibit audio. Open Captioning is preferred by many, including deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and people whose second language is English. It also helps teach children how to read and keep sound levels to a minimum in museums and restaurants.

Open Captions symbol showing the letters O C in black on a white background.

Open Captions symbol showing the letters O C in white on a black background.

Braille Symbol

This symbol indicates that printed material is available in Braille, including exhibition labeling, publications and signage.

Braille symbol showing white dots representing Braille on a black background.

The Disability Access Symbols were produced by the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation with support and technical assistance from the Office for Special Constituencies, National Endowment for the Arts.

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