(1).jpg?fit=900%2C778)
Last week a photo of a new accessible toilet sign went viral around the world. The sign, which features pictures of a man and a woman next to the traditional wheel chair symbol, was designed to remind people that not all disabilities are visible.
The sign has received international praise and has opened up conversations about disability.
So how did the new sign come about? Asda says that the idea was prompted by a conversation between a store manager and a customer.
Tonya Glennester, was visiting the supermarket with her five-year-old daughter, Evalynn. Evalynn has ADHD and autism and can become distressed in noisy or crowded places. Glennester, who also sufferers from health issues took Evalynn into the disabled toilets to give her some space and privacy.
But when the mum and daughter left the disabled toilets they were criticised by people who were waiting to use the facilities.
“I tried to explain that not all disabilities are visible but we were told ‘you don’t look disabled’. We were both really upset and left the store but I decided to go back in and speak to the manager because I know there are so many stories like ours,” said Glennester.
“I am a member of the [local] Autism Support Group and I know several children and adults with additional needs who have been hit by the same brick wall – where society just looks at the cover of the book instead of reading the details so to speak. I just thought it was time for something to be said.”
Glennester, who is a designer and artist, asked if there was anything that could be done to help the situation. Store manager, Abby Robinson took the matter straight to Head Office.
They decided to support customers with invisible illnesses by introducing better signage.
Glennester added: “I was overwhelmed to see that Asda took my concerns so seriously and has made these changes nationwide. So many people will benefit from this – it will raise awareness and help people understand that you can’t always see someone’s disability. The standard disabled sign is no-longer a true representation of the disabled community so it isn’t really viable anymore and it’s great that Asda appreciates that and has taken action.”
Robinson says that she is really pleased with the outcome. “I feel very proud that a simple conversation with a customer and her daughter has resulted in this initiative to raise awareness of invisible illnesses,” she explains.
“This will go some way in helping people’s understanding of this issue and not jumping to conclusions.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
