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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: November 1, 2016 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 6-d <br /> SUBJECT: Adoption of the Accessible Icon Project in Orange County <br /> DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights and <br /> Community Development for <br /> the Human Relations <br /> Commission <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Audrey Spencer- Horsley, Director, <br /> Attachment 1: Old Icon Before and the (919)245-2492 <br /> New Icon After of the Monica Richard, Chair of Human <br /> Wheelchair Accessible Relations Commission (HRC) <br /> Logo Uvonka Mercer, Civil Rights Specialist, <br /> (919)-245-2488 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider the recommendation from the Human Relations Commission to <br /> implement the new wheelchair Accessible Icon Project for Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: In 2010 Sara Hendren, an assistant professor of design at Harvard Graduate <br /> School of Design, set out to modernize the commonly accepted symbol for disability, the <br /> International Symbol of Access, into an image that reflected an active lifestyle. Ms. Hendren <br /> thought the current access icon looked too "mechanical and static", and knew many wheelchair <br /> users were anything but. Ms. Hendren teamed with philosophy professor Brian Glenney to co- <br /> create a new image that depicts a life in motion. Ms. Hendren and Mr. Glenney have been <br /> tireless advocates for changing the public perception and image of persons with disabilities, and <br /> believe the new icon is a more accurate symbol of persons with disabilities, of their fortitude, <br /> true abilities and value to communities. <br /> The 1968 era logo predates the digital era and is an immediate catalyst for change. The new <br /> design will encourage discussion about access, challenge perceptions of disability, and <br /> encourage a sense of inclusion and appreciation for the often overlooked members of the <br /> disability community. Most recently, the City of Durham and the City of New Bern, North <br /> Carolina implemented the Accessible Icon Project. The goals of this proposal are simple and <br /> achievable: <br /> * Painting the new icon onto the pavement at accessible parking spaces, both on newly <br /> created lots and those due for restriping along with the standard signage at the head of <br /> the parking space. <br />