Disability Pictures Clipart, Printables, Wallpaper, Signs and Symbols
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/07/05 - Updated: 2025/03/14
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful
Topic: Disability Accessibility - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This resource offers a curated collection of disability-related images, including clipart, printables, wallpapers, signs, and symbols. It features the International Symbol of Access - a stylized wheelchair figure - commonly used to indicate accessibility features like parking spaces. The compilation also includes various other signs and symbols that assist in portraying disability and accessibility, such as Braille symbols, closed captioning symbols, and sign language interpretation symbols. These visual aids can be valuable for individuals with disabilities, seniors, educators, and organizations aiming to promote inclusivity and accessibility in both digital and physical spaces. - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Collection of clip art, photos, and printable pictures relating to disabilities and the disabled including accessibility signs and symbols.
Focus
Disability and medical clip art links to Braille, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, crutches, sign language, wheelchair basketball, and other disability images.
Probably the most recognizable picture associated with disability is the "stick figure in a wheelchair" sign which is the International Symbol of Access (see below), also commonly used as a symbol to define disability parking spaces. Though this symbol is used to denote disabilities in every day life. It doesn't tell the whole story, and it certainly doesn't help people with invisible disabilities whose disability isn't always obvious. Thus there are many other signs and symbols used today to assist and portray disability and accessibility.
The International Symbol of Access (ISA), (pictured below), also known as the International Wheelchair Symbol, was designed by Susanne Koefoed in 1968 and consists of a blue square overlaid in white with a stylized image of a person using a wheelchair. It is maintained as an international standard, ISO 7001, and a copyrighted image of the International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA), a committee of Rehabilitation International. Frequently, the symbol denotes the removal of environmental barriers, such as steps, to help also older people, parents with baby carriages, and travelers.
Disability Access Symbols
- Braille Symbol
- Closed Captioning Symbol
- Universal Information Symbol
- Telephone Typewriter Symbol
- International Symbol of Accessibility
- Sign Language Interpretation Symbol
- Large Print / Accessible Print Symbol
- Audio Description for TV, Films & Video
- Assistive Listening Systems Symbol (Ear)
- Assistive Listening System Symbol (Telephone)
- Symbol indicating Audio Description for Theatre & Live Performances
- Symbol indicating Access for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Websites Providing Disability Pictures, Printables and Clipart
Searching for a picture relating to disability for use on your website or for offline posters etc.? Below is a list of sites offering photos, clipart and printable pictures relating to disabilities and the disabled including accessibility signs and symbols.
Note: Some of these sites provide non-copyrighted royalty free images, however, some sites offer a paid service - either by subscription or pay per image requirement. Please follow the terms of usage required for each site.
- disAbility Related Graphics: From Jim Lubin's web site.
- Flickr: Flickr provides an easy method to store, sort, search and share your photos and pictures online.
- Disability illustrations and clipart: Stock Photography and Royalty Free Stock Photos licensed by Publitek, Inc.
- Pictures of: Provides a range of Disability Pictures, Clip Art, Disabled Photos, Graphics and Icons relating to disabilities.
- Disability Stock Photos and Images: Download stock photos, royalty free images, clip-arts, vectors and illustrations related to disability.
- Disability Clipart: Collection of images depicts a wide range of ages and various disabilities that may be reproduced free of charge by nonprofits, others are required to obtain permission of the program instructor and illustrator.
- Disability Clip Art : Images in collections on CD-Rom or purchase only the images you want to communicate the work of your organization - on brochures, in publications, web pages, PowerPoint presentations, training and educational materials.
Disability Access Signs
These symbols are often used to promote and publicize accessibility of places, programs and other activities for people with various disabilities.
- Access Symbols: Office of Accessible Education - Disability Access Symbols.
- Widgit Symbol Resource Packs: Hundreds of free and low-cost symbol resource packs, created in partnership with professionals.
- Disability Access Symbols: Graphics from the Disability Access Symbols Project produced by the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation.
- Widgit Software: Widgit produce a wide range of symbol-supported learning materials and symbol stories, including extensive topic-based packs ready to go for special and mainstream education.
- The Symbols Inclusion Project (SIP): A collaboration between Widgit Software and Warwickshire IDS (Integrated Disability Service) on the use of symbols to support inclusion and curriculum access. The purpose is to create genuinely inclusive learning environments for all children and young people.
- Total Communication Symbols: Symbols are also used widely to help children and adults with difficulties learning to spell, through to children and adults who are not able to use traditional text as a means of reading and self-expression. Here are a collection of symbols that are free to copy and paste them into documents. (U.K.)
Specific Health Condition Graphics
- Braille Fonts: 2 free downloads of the freeware version, shadow fonts.
- Public Health Image Library (PHIL): Photographs, Illustrations, Videos, and Multimedia Files related to health and disability.
- Sign Language: Clip art of hands showing the sign language alphabet with white and Black Backgrounds for Web TV users.
- Diabetes Clip Art: Clip art developed for "Take Charge of Your Diabetes," a CDC publication that is a guidebook for people with diabetes.
Physical Disability Signs
Businesses have a legal requirement to treat disabled people equally to able bodied people. These symbols advertise your accessibility to employees, customers, audiences, and anyone else who needs access to your building or offices. Examples of places you'll want to promote your accessibility include: advertisements, newsletters, conference and program brochures, membership forms, building signage, floor plans and maps. The provision of Braille and Disability Signs are an important part of ADA and DDA compliance.
- The Office Safety Company: Choose from a great range of Disability and Braille Signs. (U.K.).
- Accessible Parking Signs: Accessible Parking Signs Traffic Signs, Safety Signs, Custom Signs, ADA and Interior Signs. (U.S.).
- Safety Sign Supplies: Disability signs designed to help businesses and public premises comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) regulations. (U.K.).
- Peachtree Business Products: Selection of handicapped signs for your parking lot etc. that clearly indicate designated reserved parking spaces for handicapped permit holders as well as the penalties for unauthorized parking in those spaces.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: It's striking how a simple image, like that wheelchair symbol we've all seen on parking signs, can carry so much weight - decades of advocacy boiled down to a single, recognizable mark. Incorporating universally recognized disability symbols into public domains not only facilitates better navigation and understanding for individuals with disabilities but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and awareness. These symbols serve as constant reminders of the diverse needs within our communities and the importance of accessible design. It's important to remember that accessibility is not simply about complying with regulations, but about creating environments where everyone feels welcome and can participate fully. Familiarity with these symbols promotes a more inclusive society where individuals can confidently navigate their surroundings and access the resources they need. - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.