Examining perceptions of existing and newly created accessibility symbols.
BACKGROUND
Symbols are used to convey messages in a clear, understandable manner, without the use of written language. The most widely recognized symbol used to denote access for persons with disabilities is the International Symbol of Access. This symbol has been criticized for its inadequate representation of disability diversity poorly representing universal design of space and products.


OBJECTIVE
This descriptive study explored individual comprehension and perceptions of nine existing and newly created accessibility pictograph symbols and identified one that represented universal access to fitness equipment.


METHODS
A survey was disseminated electronically and face-to-face to individuals, groups and organizations affiliated with inclusive fitness equipment, space and programming. Quantitative data was analyzed for descriptive statistics, rank order of symbols and group comparisons of rankings. Thematic analysis of open-ended question results revealed themes to enhance understanding of symbol rank order.


RESULTS
981 participants completed the survey. Symbol four, shaped as a Venn diagram containing three icons representing individuals with varying ability levels, was ranked highest with no significant differences in group comparisons between participants with and without a disability and U.S. residents versus non-U.S. residents. 85.4% of participants demonstrated accurate comprehension of this symbol. Though symbol five had the same symbol rank median value, this symbol's distribution of scores was lower.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants accurately comprehended symbol four and it was identified as the highest ranked symbol representing universal access to fitness equipment. Because of symbol unfamiliarity, adoption will require education and consistency of use and placement.
['Barstow|Beth A|BA|', 'Vice|Jason|J|', 'Bowman|Sean|S|', 'Mehta|Tapan|T|', 'Kringen|Seanna|S|', 'Axelson|Peter|P|', 'Padalabalanarayanan|Sangeetha|S|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D032882:Comprehension D006233:Disabled Persons D004867:Equipment Design D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008123:Location Directories and Signs D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014481:United States
Accessibility Symbols Universal design Fitness equipment