Access Symbol Legend

As a result of several Federal Acts, accessibility provisions are now in place which apply to organizations that receive government funding and to the private sector. If you are a facility or business that would like to use the symbols in your print, media, or web sites, some of the symbols may easily be downloaded by accessing the following web site: http://www.gag.org/resources/das.php.

The following twenty-four icons describe a service or feature designed for people with disabilities. These symbols are a combination of those developed by VSA arts Massachusetts and those designed by the Graphic Arts Guild Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts Office on AccessAbility.

A symbol appears only if a facility completely fulfills the requirements established by state and federal law. The survey we used was designed jointly by VSA arts Massachusetts and Adaptive Environments. The symbol system describes the facilities but it also has specific icons that provide information for the Deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. The Directory notes sites that are in the process of becoming more accessible but where changes aren't completed at this time.

Please scroll down to view the symbols which are included for your familiarity and ease of use. Accessible Arts encourages a focus on individuals (who have a disability) rather than placing the disability first. Similarly, the symbols focus on value to the general public, rather than targeting only persons who have disabilities. For example, automatic doors assist persons with their arms full, ramps are an aid to those with baby strollers, luggage carriers, and dollies, low drinking fountains are of value to young children. Language, also, best serves the public when it recognizes the dignity of all. Words which apply to the general public can be paired effectively with the symbol such as: "Reserved Parking," "Accessible Parking" or "Van Accessible" with the appropriate mobility symbol.

Click on one of the symbols below to get a description of its meaning.

	International Access Symbol
	Designated accessible parking
	Primary Entrance/Approach
	Restrooms
	Public Telephone
	Information
	Volume Control Telephone
	TTY/TDD
	Meeting/Event Space
	Elevators
	Interiors/Circulation
	Safety
	Water Fountains
	Live Audio Description
	Programmatic Access Information
	Accessible Print
	Access (other than print or Braille)
	Braille
	Sign Language-interpreted
	Hammer
	Assistive Listening Systems
	Closed Captioning
	Open Captioning
	Audio Description for TV, Video, Film or Live Theatre
(WC/MI) People using wheelchairs or people with mobility impairments. The following services may be available: seating for events, wheelchairs for use at facility.
(B/VI) People who are blind or visually impaired. The following services may be available: large print, Braille, cassette tape, audio description, audio description, tactile tours, seating for events.
(D/HH) People who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The following services may be available: sign language interpreted events or services (ASL), assistive listening devices (FM or infrared loop system), seating for events.