2010 ADA Standards · 216.5–216.11, 703.7

Accessibility symbols

Short answer

Four symbols, each with a fixed design (703.7.2): the International Symbol of Accessibility (wheelchair), the TTY symbol, the volume control telephone symbol and the hearing loss symbol. Each needs a non-glare finish and light/dark contrast (703.7.1). None needs a text descriptor or braille.

Where each symbol is required

Where	Symbol	Section
Accessible parking spaces	ISA (+ "van accessible")	216.5, 502.6
Accessible entrances, where not all are accessible	ISA	216.6
Directional signs at inaccessible entrances	ISA on a visual sign	216.6
Accessible elevators, where existing ones are not	ISA	216.7
Accessible toilet and bathing rooms, where not all are	ISA	216.8
Directional signs to accessible toilet rooms	ISA on a visual sign	216.8
Public TTYs	International Symbol of TTY	216.9.1
Banks of pay phones without a TTY: direction to one	TTY symbol on a visual sign	216.9.2
Telephones with volume control	handset with sound waves	703.7.2.3
Assembly areas with assistive listening	hearing loss symbol	216.10
Accessible check-out aisles, where not all are	ISA	216.11

The International Symbol of Accessibility

The ISA is the profile of a person seated in a wheelchair, drawn as in Figure 703.7.2.1 (703.7.2.1). The Access Board confirms the symbol has no border. Parking spaces always carry it. At entrances, toilet rooms, elevators and check-out aisles it marks the accessible ones only where there is a choice: if every entrance or every restroom is accessible, the symbol is not required on them.

Many owners now ask for the newer "dynamic" symbol, the forward-leaning figure. Where the Standards require the ISA, a different symbol complies only through equivalent facilitation (section 103), and the burden of showing equal or better access falls on the owner. On signs the Standards do not require, any symbol can be used. A few states and cities have adopted the newer figure for their own purposes, so check the local rule before specifying either.

TTY, volume control and hearing loss

The TTY symbol shows a keyboard with a handset above it (703.7.2.2). The volume control symbol is a telephone handset with radiating sound waves on a square field (703.7.2.3). The International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss is an ear with a diagonal bar (703.7.2.4); assembly areas that must provide assistive listening need a sign saying it is available, with that symbol, unless the notice is posted at every ticket window instead (216.10).

From the shop floor

Use the Access Board's figure artwork for the ISA rather than redrawing it or pulling a clip-art version: small changes to the proportions are the kind of thing an inspector notices. Keep it on a plain field; a textured or gradient background can undercut the contrast rule.

Questions

Where is the International Symbol of Accessibility required?

On accessible parking space signs, at accessible entrances where not all entrances are accessible, on accessible toilet and bathing rooms where not all are accessible, on directional signs to them, on accessible elevators where existing ones are not, and on accessible check-out aisles where not all are (216.5 to 216.11).

Can I use the "dynamic" or "active" accessibility symbol instead of the ISA?

Where the Standards require the ISA, a different symbol only complies under the equivalent facilitation provision, where the owner has to show it gives equal or better access. On signs the Standards do not require, any symbol can be used. Some states and cities have adopted the newer symbol; check local rules.

Does the ISA need a border?

No. The Access Board says the specified symbol has no border around the image.

What colors must the ISA be?

The federal rule only requires a non-glare finish and light-on-dark or dark-on-light contrast. White on blue is conventional, and some states require it for parking signs.

Sources

Last checked against the source text 2026-09-25. Section numbers refer to the 2010 ADA Standards unless marked otherwise.