Disability Pictures, Clipart, Signs and Access Symbols

Author: Ian C. Langtree - View Credentials
Published: 5 Jul 2011 - Updated: 5 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Instructive / Helpful

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information gathers sources of disability pictures, clipart, photos and printable signs, along with the main accessibility symbols used to show that places, programs and media are accessible. It explains the history of the International Symbol of Access, the familiar wheelchair sign designed in 1968, and lists other standard symbols for Braille, closed captioning, sign language interpretation, assistive listening, audio description and access for people who are blind or have low vision. The resources are useful for organizations, teachers, web designers and businesses that want to show accessibility clearly, and for people with invisible disabilities, whose needs the wheelchair symbol alone does not show.

At a Glance

• 1 - Some image sites are free to use, while others charge per image or by subscription.
• 2 - Symbol resource packs from Widgit support reading and learning for children and adults.
• 3 - Step-free routes marked with the symbol also help older people, parents with strollers and travelers.
• 4 - The International Symbol of Access is maintained as an international standard, ISO 7001, and is held by a committee of Rehabilitation International.

Topic Definition

International Symbol of Access

The International Symbol of Access, often called the wheelchair symbol, is a pictogram of a stylized person using a wheelchair, shown in white on a blue background. Designed by Danish design student Susanne Koefoed in 1968 and adopted by Rehabilitation International, it is the most widely recognized sign in the world for buildings, parking spaces, restrooms, transport and services that have been made accessible to people with disabilities.

Overview

Collection of clip art, photos, and printable pictures relating to disabilities and the disabled including accessibility signs and symbols. These disability and medical clipart include 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 everyday 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 and Video
• Assistive Listening Systems Symbol (Ear)
• Assistive Listening System Symbol (Telephone)
• Symbol indicating Audio Description for Theater and 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wheelchair symbol free to use?

Yes. The International Symbol of Access is a public standard and can be used freely, as long as it marks a place or service that is truly accessible.

What is the Accessible Icon?

The Accessible Icon is a redesigned wheelchair symbol showing a person leaning forward in motion. Some U.S. states and cities use it, but it is not an official international standard.

What color are accessible parking signs?

In the U.S., accessible parking signs usually show the white symbol on a blue background, and state laws set further details such as fine amounts and van accessible markings.

Are there symbols for invisible disabilities?

Yes. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers, is used in many airports and stores to show that the wearer may need extra help or time.

Can I use disability clipart in school projects?

Many clipart sites allow free use for personal and educational projects, but always read the license, because commercial use may need permission or payment.

What does the ear symbol mean?

An ear symbol, often with a letter T or a diagonal line, shows that an assistive listening system or hearing loop is available for people with hearing loss.

Is it okay to use stock photos of disabled people?

Yes, but choose images that show disabled people as active and real, and when possible use photos of disabled people rather than actors posed with equipment.

What does the AD symbol stand for?

AD stands for audio description, a narrated track that describes key visual details in films, TV and live shows for people who are blind or have low vision.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Using accessibility symbols correctly matters as much as using them at all: a symbol should only be shown where the service or feature is really available, such as a working hearing loop or a step-free entrance. In the United States, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design still require the International Symbol of Access on signs for accessible parking, entrances and restrooms, even though some states and cities now also use the newer, more active wheelchair icon. When choosing pictures of disabled people, images that show people taking part in everyday life, rather than as objects of pity, give a more accurate and respectful picture of disability.

Author Credentials: Ian C. Langtree is a writer, editor, and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, which he established in 2004 as one of the longest-running independent resources for disability news and information. Over more than two decades, he has written and edited thousands of articles on disability rights, health, accessibility, and assistive technology. Drawing on a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed advocate of the Social Model of Disability, the framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that focuses on removing societal barriers rather than on individual impairments. His writing is grounded in that framework and in a lasting commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.