‘Ability Signs’ Turn Around Misbeliefs Of What People With Disabilities Can Do
Images via Rethink Canada and Decathlon Canada
Throughout the globe, people with physical disabilities are represented by one symbol: of a person in a wheelchair. The figure takes on a passive stance, as if reliant on an able person to get around.
Sporting goods retailer Decathlon aims to swivel this stigma around with ‘Ability Signs’. With the help of creative agency Rethink Canada, it has overhauled the International Symbol of Access, also known as the Wheelchair Symbol, to depict people with disabilities in sports.
Images via Decathlon Canada
The graphics took over the traditional symbol in a parking lot, illustrating the diversity of abilities in the community. They’ve also been released for free in a downloadable pack under a Creative Commons license to be used in more settings.
18 free icons imagine a self-reliant figure practicing a plethora of sports, including archery, football, soccer, and table tennis.
Image via Decathlon Canada
In addition, Decathlon Canada has put up GIF stickers on Instagram for users to superimpose existing accessibility signage with badminton-playing arms and more. To access them, simply search “ability signs” in the Stories feature.
Image via Decathlon Canada
[via Rethink Canada, images via Decathlon Canada]
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