Inclusivity in Graphic Design

Inclusivity means "an intention or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who are handicapped or learning-disabled, or racial and sexual minorities." Graphic designers intersect with this in a number of ways, including creating symbols that foster inclusivityIn Elizabeth Guffy's recent article for the NY Times, "A Symbol for 'Nobody' That's Really for Everybody," she writes about the power of graphic symbols in helping people feel safe and included. Guffy candidly shares her personal experience and how a simple infographic takes on much more meaning then merely guiding people to park, it allows millions to fully participate.Guffy was inspired to write about the symbol, originally conceived by Danish designer Susanne Koefoed in 1968, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Koefoed designed the symbol in a competition sponsored by the United Nations and the International Standards Organization. It wasn't widely used until 1990, when George W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and made it official. It is now found on road signs, parking signs, and official documents in all 50 states.Since its conception, the symbol has evolved through efforts like the "Accessible Icon Project" in order to create an icon that features a more dynamic figure and shows individuals with physical disabilities in a new light. The newer symbol has been legally accepted in New York and Connecticut as a replacement for the original icon.Look for the symbols in your neighborhood, are they present, have they been updated? And think about ways you can influence inclusivity.Sources:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/opinion/a-symbol-for-nobody-thats-really-for-everybody.htmlhttps://www.aiga.org/inclusive-accessible-icon-project-icon-wheelchairhttp://accessibleicon.org/