Semiotics, identity, and what is communicated
Atlas Obscura has an interesting article about a guerilla project to redesign the globally-utilised and instantly recognisable "Wheelchair Symbol".
Designed in 1968, it has come to unquestionably represent any and all disability, and of course that is problematic from the outset as well as unavoidable. This mysterious new image began to appear around 2009 and has led to interesting debate about identity, representation and attitude.
“We really like the situation we’re in,” Glenney says. “It gives visibility to the context of people with disabilities. It keeps them ‘in the market’ of ideas, so to speak. Our symbol is most successful when it’s not fully legal—when there’s lots of wrinkles and questions.”