The four symbols of accessibility, and where each one goes

Section 703.7 of the 2010 ADA Standards names four symbols of accessibility. Each one has to match its published international form, have a non-glare finish and contrast with its background. The Standards don't set colors or sizes, which is why white on blue is a convention, not a rule. Section 216 says where each symbol is required.

International Symbol of Accessibility

The wheelchair symbol marks accessible elements, but only where some elements are accessible and some aren't. The Access Board's guide lists the places it's required:

• Accessible entrances, where not every entrance is accessible. Inaccessible entrances get directional signs to the nearest accessible one (§216.6).
• Accessible toilet and bathing rooms, where not all of them are accessible (§216.8). In most new buildings every restroom is accessible, so no symbol is needed.
• Accessible parking spaces (§216.5).
• Accessible check-out aisles, where not every aisle serving the same function is accessible, shown in the same place as the aisle's number (§216.11).
• Accessible elevators, in existing buildings that also have elevators that don't comply (§216.7).

The guide recommends putting directional signs where they prevent backtracking, and notes that the symbol with an arrow is enough on its own.

Some places use a redrawn, forward-leaning wheelchair figure instead of the standard one. The Standards allow an alternative only as equivalent facilitation (§103): it must provide substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability, and the owner bears the burden of showing that. The builder uses the standard figure, taken from the federal sign artwork.

TTY and volume control

The TTY symbol identifies public telephones with a text telephone. Where a bank of phones has no TTY, a directional sign must point to the nearest one (§216.9). The volume-control symbol marks telephones with amplified handsets.

Assistive listening

The International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss, an ear crossed by a bar, marks assembly areas with an assistive listening system (§216.10). The signs go at each assembly area or at ticket offices. The Standards don't fix the wording, but the guide advises saying where people can get receivers. Where the system is a hearing loop, many venues add a T to the symbol to tell hearing aid users to switch to the telecoil setting. The builder includes that variant.

Reserved seating

Wheelchair spaces and companion seats in assembly areas are a building requirement (§221). Signs reserving seats for people with disabilities are not required, but they're common in restaurants, theaters and waiting rooms. The reserved seating section has full-size signs and small seat-back labels that put the symbol beside the words. These are informational signs, so they don't need braille.

Make any of them with the symbol sign builder.