HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-15-2016 - 6-d - Adoption of the Accessible Icon Project in Orange County 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 1, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-d
SUBJECT: Adoption of the Accessible Icon Project in Orange County
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights and
Community Development for
the Human Relations
Commission
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Audrey Spencer- Horsley, Director,
Attachment 1: Old Icon Before and the (919)245-2492
New Icon After of the Monica Richard, Chair of Human
Wheelchair Accessible Relations Commission (HRC)
Logo Uvonka Mercer, Civil Rights Specialist,
(919)-245-2488
PURPOSE: To consider the recommendation from the Human Relations Commission to
implement the new wheelchair Accessible Icon Project for Orange County.
BACKGROUND: In 2010 Sara Hendren, an assistant professor of design at Harvard Graduate
School of Design, set out to modernize the commonly accepted symbol for disability, the
International Symbol of Access, into an image that reflected an active lifestyle. Ms. Hendren
thought the current access icon looked too "mechanical and static", and knew many wheelchair
users were anything but. Ms. Hendren teamed with philosophy professor Brian Glenney to co-
create a new image that depicts a life in motion. Ms. Hendren and Mr. Glenney have been
tireless advocates for changing the public perception and image of persons with disabilities, and
believe the new icon is a more accurate symbol of persons with disabilities, of their fortitude,
true abilities and value to communities.
The 1968 era logo predates the digital era and is an immediate catalyst for change. The new
design will encourage discussion about access, challenge perceptions of disability, and
encourage a sense of inclusion and appreciation for the often overlooked members of the
disability community. Most recently, the City of Durham and the City of New Bern, North
Carolina implemented the Accessible Icon Project. The goals of this proposal are simple and
achievable:
* Painting the new icon onto the pavement at accessible parking spaces, both on newly
created lots and those due for restriping along with the standard signage at the head of
the parking space.
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* Supporting future code updates that would allow building signage to reflect the new icon.
* Branding identity refresh.
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is appreciative for the enthusiastic response and
practical support that the Board of County Commissioners showed the HRC's presentations last
year on the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the spirit of that same
sensitivity to and support for the many residents with disabilities, the HRC recommends that
Orange County affirm the Accessible Icon Project and begin to implement the use of the
redesigned accessible icon on County properties and recommend that same action to
institutions and businesses in the county.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The County does not currently provide ADA space markings that are
painted on the asphalt or concrete; however, code compliant signage is installed. The
estimated first cost range for applying the surface painted icon for providing ADA parking space
markings for all County facilities is $8,000 - $12,500. This first cost as well as ongoing
maintenance re-paint repair would be budgeted within the Asset Management Services (AMS)
operating budget.
Should the code allow for the new accessibility icon to be placed on building signage in the
future, new construction projects would incorporate this expense within the capital and operating
project budgets. New signs for existing facilities would be replaced as part of a normal
depreciation replacement cycle and budgeted within the AMS operating budget.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following three Orange County Social Justice Goals are
applicable to this agenda item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries while
building a safe, inclusive and loving community.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the
implementation of the new wheelchair Accessible Icon Project for Orange County.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Old Icon Before and the New Icon After of the Wheelchair Accessible
Logo
Before After
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(11111 )1.
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