Is it time to rethink the disability symbol? ♿️
Around 4% of Australians living with disability use wheelchairs, and with 90% of disabilities being invisible, is the current international symbol of access — the iconic wheelchair figure — truly inclusive?
It’s interesting how a single image can shape perceptions. For many, this symbol has become synonymous with wheelchairs, often leading people to associate mobility needs solely with wheelchair users. This assumption, however, can be problematic. Take, for instance, Hannah Dodd, a Paralympian and wheelchair user, still faces judgment when she walks short distances from the back of her vehicle to the drivers seat. Or the story of a support worker I met who, despite working closely with people with disabilities, felt frustrated by people without visible mobility aids using accessible parking spots. It led me to consider: could more inclusive or varied symbols reduce these misperceptions and foster more respect across diverse needs?
Digging around I found that I was not the first to have this thought. A few competitions and forums have been held on this very topic.
🗣️ I’d love to know what you think: Do you know someone with an invisible disability who feels misjudged for using accessible facilities?
🗣️ What role could a symbol — or even multiple symbols — play in improving understanding and respect?
Let’s have the conversation!
If accessibility, inclusion, and fostering respect are close to your heart, feel free to connect or follow along with curiosity.
#Accessibility #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #UniversalDesign #InvisibleDisabilities #AccessibleDesign #DisabilityAdvocate #Brisbane2032 #Neurodiversity #Disability
We Need you! 🫵
Help us help you, people living with disabilities and the entire community.
We are seeking data collectors, businesses and people who would like their own personal accessibility and sensory needs guide to join the movement so that we can generate the change in the world that you would like to see!
Get in touch, sign up and share the word! 🩷💚
#Accessibility #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #InclusionMatters #Tourism #SDGs #Disability #Inclusivity #DisabilityAdvocacy #UniversalDesign #AccessibleTourism #AdvanceQLD #InvisibleDisabilities #QLD
We Need you! 🫵
Help us help you, people living with disabilities and the entire community.
We are seeking data collectors, businesses and people who would like their own personal accessibility and sensory needs guide to join the movement so that we can generate the change in the world that you would like to see!
Get in touch, sign up and share the word! 🩷💚
#Accessibility #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #InclusionMatters #Tourism #SDGs #Disability #Inclusivity #DisabilityAdvocacy #UniversalDesign #AccessibleTourism #AdvanceQLD #InvisibleDisabilities #QLD
At ASI Index, we match a person's specific disability needs to venues and providers, saving time and frustration on research. Create a personal profile and off you go!
Now you can be a little more spontaneous! 🎉👏
#WheelchairUser #Amputee #InclusionMatters #UniversalDesign #Tourism #InvisibleDisabilities #Accessibility #SDGs #Inclusivity #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #Disability #AccessibleTourism #AdvanceQLD #DisabilityAdvocacy #QLD
At ASI Index, we match a person's specific disability needs to venues and providers, saving time and frustration on research. Create a personal profile and off you go!
Now you can be a little more spontaneous! 🎉👏
#WheelchairUser #Amputee #InclusionMatters #UniversalDesign #Tourism #InvisibleDisabilities #Accessibility #SDGs #Inclusivity #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #Disability #AccessibleTourism #AdvanceQLD #DisabilityAdvocacy #QLD
Don't Slip Up on Accessibility!
At ASI Index, we're all about making the world a more inclusive place. Today, let's talk about something often overlooked: surfaces!
Here's some reasons why surfaces matter:
🩷Slippery When Wet: Imagine navigating a rainy path with a walking stick - not ideal! Slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls for everyone.
🩷Uneven Terrain: Bumpy paths or uneven flooring can be difficult to navigate for those with mobility challenges.
🩷Traction Matters: Smooth surfaces can be tough for wheelchairs or walkers to grip, especially when wet.
When designing spaces, consider:
💚Textured surfaces: These provide better traction for everyone.
💚Ramps with a gradual gradient: Makes access easier for wheelchairs and walkers and those who find it hard to walk up an incline.
💚Non-slip flooring: Especially important in high-traffic areas like toilets.
#DisabilityAdvocacy #SDGs #InclusionMatters #AdvanceQLD #UniversalDesign #AccessibleTourism #Inclusivity #Accessibility #QLD #Tourism #Accessibility #Disability #InvisibleDisabilities #DisabilityAwareness #WheelchairUser #Amputee
Don't Slip Up on Accessibility!
At ASI Index, we're all about making the world a more inclusive place. Today, let's talk about something often overlooked: surfaces!
Here's some reasons why surfaces matter:
🩷Slippery When Wet: Imagine navigating a rainy path with a walking stick - not ideal! Slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls for everyone.
🩷Uneven Terrain: Bumpy paths or uneven flooring can be difficult to navigate for those with mobility challenges.
🩷Traction Matters: Smooth surfaces can be tough for wheelchairs or walkers to grip, especially when wet.
When designing spaces, consider:
💚Textured surfaces: These provide better traction for everyone.
💚Ramps with a gradual gradient: Makes access easier for wheelchairs and walkers and those who find it hard to walk up an incline.
💚Non-slip flooring: Especially important in high-traffic areas like toilets.
#DisabilityAdvocacy #SDGs #InclusionMatters #AdvanceQLD #UniversalDesign #AccessibleTourism #Inclusivity #Accessibility #QLD #Tourism #Accessibility #Disability #InvisibleDisabilities #DisabilityAwareness #WheelchairUser #Amputee
To the man who threw his umbrella in the bush to help Rowena up to a Sydney hospital in the rain 💚🩷🙏💚🩷 Thank you for being you!
The heartfelt gratitude Rowena expressed as she told this story was palpable and directly from the heart. In Australia mates help mates! 🦘
So we at the ASI Index hope that this thank you finds Mr Umbrella where ever he may be!
#Amputee #WheelchairUser #InclusionMatters #Tourism #DisabilityAwareness #Accessibility #DisabilityAdvocacy #AdvanceQLD #InvisibleDisabilities #SDGs #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #Inclusivity #AccessibleTourism #Disability #QLD
To the man who threw his umbrella in the bush to help Rowena up to a Sydney hospital in the rain 💚🩷🙏💚🩷 Thank you for being you!
The heartfelt gratitude Rowena expressed as she told this story was palpable and directly from the heart.
In Australia mates help mates! 🦘
So we at the ASI Index hope that this thank you finds Mr Umbrella where ever he may be!
#Amputee #WheelchairUser #InclusionMatters #Tourism #DisabilityAwareness #Accessibility #DisabilityAdvocacy #AdvanceQLD #InvisibleDisabilities #SDGs #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #Inclusivity #AccessibleTourism #Disability #QLD
Sometimes you just have to laugh 😂 or you will cry! 😭
At ASI Index we love hearing about Rowena’s adventures.
Whilst we laugh with her we also take note of sometimes small and sometimes big things together we could improve within our community to reduce the barriers to her independence.
Join the movement - ASI Index!
#Amputee #WheelchairUser #QLD #AccessibleTourism #InclusionMatters #Inclusivity #Disability #InvisibleDisabilities #Tourism #SDGs #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #DisabilityAdvocacy #AdvanceQLD #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness
Sometimes you just have to laugh 😂 or you will cry! 😭
At ASI Index we love hearing about Rowena’s adventures.
Whilst we laugh with her we also take note of sometimes small and sometimes big things together we could improve within our community to reduce the barriers to her independence.
Join the movement - ASI Index!
#Amputee #WheelchairUser #QLD #AccessibleTourism #InclusionMatters #Inclusivity #Disability #InvisibleDisabilities #Tourism #SDGs #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #DisabilityAdvocacy #AdvanceQLD #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness
Reduced accessibility limits competition and options for people living with a disability.
Is your business unknowingly excluding customers like Uber at airports for Rowena? 🤔 Are you keen to start making changes to improve your inclusive service delivery? From small things big things grow! 🌱
ASI Index is here to support your community on the journey to improve access, sensory needs and inclusion. 🩷💚 Join the Movement!
#InclusiveServices #WheelchairUser #Amputee #InclusionMatters #AccessibleTourism #Accessibility #Inclusivity #Disability #SDGs #UniversalDesign #AdvanceQLD #InvisibleDisabilities #DisabilityAdvocacy #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #QLD #Tourism