What does this symbol actually mean? - Adrian Treharne

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View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/what-does-t...
Some of the world’s most recognizable symbols exist to sell products. Others, to steer traffic or advance political causes. But there’s one whose main purpose is to help people. You may know it as the wheelchair symbol, but its formal title is the International Symbol of Access. But what does the symbol actually mean? And what is its purpose? Adrian Treharne explains.
Lesson by Adrian Treharne, animation by Kozmonot Animation Studio.

[@gabdominates]

I want to give a HUGE thank you to the makers of this video. I feel guilty and embarrassed walking into the "accessible" toilets even though I have every right and need to. Thank you for spreading awareness on this topic.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Additionslly if there is nobody there you can use those toilets anyway even if you have no disability. They are not like the parking spaces meant for disabled only, they are meant to be jsut toilets the disabled can also use.

[@coachmcguirk6297]

gabdominates I ALWAYS use the disabled stall. it's like my own private island. so roomy.

[@samdragonborn5864]

I don't require it, so I only use it when there's no other stalls available, mostly because I don't wanna get yelled at by strangers

[@requiemforamerica8432]

Sam Dragonborn - they shouldn't yell at you if there's no disabled person present. They are idiots virtue signaling idiots.

[@bakirev]

gabdominates I use them at school even though I dont a have a need to. There are very few at school who actually have a need for them so the way I see it who cares.

[@ChristianJiang]

I'm curious to see the other designs of the 1968 contest

[@nancymartin5258]

Christian Jiang OMG me too!!!Gracias

[@Namerex]

Now that you said it

[@lEGOBOT2565]

I always called it the "Handicapped" symbol

[@Yarshy.]

What do you call it now?

[@itsallgood2000]

mentalfloss.com/article/69361/why-did-disabled-replace-handicapped-preferred-term

[@lEGOBOT2565]

Handicapped

[@bluetannery1527]

Eric Williamson yeah, me too. I suppose I didn't realize it had such a broad meaning - thanks, TEDed! I wonder why some words fall out of favor like that. Handicapped sounds like a perfectly fine word to me .-.

[@aziouss2863]

forget the pc culture i dont care what you call ppl like us disabeled handicapped it does not matter as long as the message is sent

[@aliceli598]

This video should be showed in school so that kids can learn what the sign actually means and not just assume stuff

[@itsallgood2000]

I see there is a full lesson is on the Ted Ed website. Supplementary material too. So it will be used in teaching in some places :-)

[@Someone38482]

Watched this in school

[@jarlfenrir]

Why wasting time and resources education people if it would be easier to make another, self explanatory, symbol?

[@armpistolguy435]

@@jarlfenrir it's Already been universalized.

[@jarlfenrir]

@@armpistolguy435 How?

[@manofqwerty]

It sounds like people need to be educated on what the sign means, not that the sign needs replacing.

[@scarletfluerr]

People need to become less selfish and weigh their need against the need of others. Lupus needs the space more than a cane? Just because you can, does it mean you should?

[@Honeyful-Han]

scarletfluerr Its also meant for people who cant walk far. Someone with Lupus could have major joint issues making them in pain when walking a long distance.

[@AiiCii]

Michael Murphy +

[@dannykrinkle4726]

Should they list all disabilities on the sign?

[@MrLeomejia]

Why not? Something more "universal" could be made...

[@GustavoGaming]

I really love this animation style.

[@ABC73086]

GustavoGaming Yeah! Lumia Style it is

[@kitchensink6000]

GustavoGaming Is it because every where you look you see rectangles?

[@shajimampilly2190]

y do u have nickanyte s face

[@pastuh]

So you should install Windows 10

[@Prim3Pursuits]

Yea! I like how Ted-Ed is able to vary their style of animation from video to video. Also, great content as always.

[@umyeah3677]

“World Heath Organization”. “ who?” “ yes”

[@JasonXYT]

"No like who?"

[@No-yr9rs]

@@JasonXYT "yes exactly!"

[@rajivsodhi5]

@@JasonXYT r/whoosh

[@dumbbluedino1382]

@@rajivsodhi5 this isn't reddit and you just missed the joke

[@pretty948]

Samara Sodhi r/whoooooosh

[@andreapinto4248]

THANK YOU for making this video. I have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and the few times I've used facilities for people with disabilities, I've gotten nasty stares and comments because I look like a healthy young woman, even though I can easily pass out if I stand for too long. Thank you for raising awareness.

[@mitaka_78]

Oh so you cant do sports that long????

[@redhillbones7672]

_________ more likely she can't do any normal activity for that long without having a place to sit readily available. Even then she may not be able to be upright too much, it depends on the degree of her condition. Tachycardia has to do with the rhythm with a heart and thus with blood flow so somebody with tachycardia, whether it's orthostatic or supraventricular or many other variations, will have trouble with basic activities to some degree. I have supraventricular tachycardia, along with a congenital heart condition called shone's complex, and it means that my day today walking and just moving amounts vary based on how my condition is affecting me that day. For most people with any form of mild+ tachycardia sports are a no-go at all. If you have a very very minor type you can be okay but then you're not usually classified as disabled.

[@humbleclay79]

just add a +

[@TheCanterlonian]

you unironically solved the problem

[@whathappenedtomyyoutubehandle]

Wow

[@ngchloe9314]

Welp I guess problem solved huh?

[@weesalikesmilktea4829]

me no understand

[@riyazahmad154]

How?

[@peterdue7676]

0:13 The Coca cola sign is used to steer traffic? Ok i guess

[@kernowg6626]

Well, you know. The signs are just clearing up the lanes by making those who crave coca cola steer the other way to a local fast food chain/store XD

[@NightcoreLabOfficial]

Peter Due I thought you didn't know

[@peterdue7676]

Kernow Gold Bar ahhh i see, it all makes sense eventually xD

[@macreuben6998]

That is always happening in these types of videos

[@Joe0Alt]

I googled it, there is one sign that looks a bit like a traffic sign.

[@MaureenKo1]

It doesn't need re~designing. People need to be educated. To which end, this video should go viral. The international placard for disabled parking is already understood to mean people with arthritis or heart disease. People just have to be made aware that there are invisible disabilities. Maybe a 10 minute lesson could be added to curriculums so that middle school/high schoolers can be made aware. So simple to do.

[@romychubs5382]

fattymoko I'm glad to see some decent people in the comments

[@petriaquinox9751]

fattymoko yeah, but a literal wheelchair symbol is quite misleading. it's like having a restaurant with the symbol of a chicken to represent food but only serving fish.

[@NotAnotherKuromi]

+peter Ahuilar It is more like having a restaurant with the letter V & a symbol of carrots & peas to show vegetarian options, then everyone assuming those are the only two vegetables they serve.

[@MaruskaStarshaya]

totally agree, people should be educated, don't wait child will take everything correct

[@Legendnewer]

It's not like those arrogant people would try to understand anyway

[@gracegrass4462]

I was once at a camp and I went into the bathroom in the middle of the day to find a woman getting ready to shower. She seemed frustrated so I asked what was wrong. She told me she has multiple sclerosis so she couldn't shower when the bathrooms were busy because someone was always in the handicapped shower. She looked completely healthy, so no one knew she would need the handicapped shower and apparently she had had some problems with people believing that she needed it. Now I try to only use accessible showers/stalls if there is no other choice..

[@calicocat6057]

wow that must suck for her

[@morecringe89]

someone else well maybe sounds unfair, but if the shower is occupied, everybody waits outside until the person inside is finished, it what make us humans, waiting in large lines

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

I think her point was, that she couldn't use any of the other showers, even if they were free.

[@joif.1071]

I absolutely love how TED-Ed never fails to produce such original and curious topics... especially with such astheticly pleasing graphics... Blessings :)

[@Tangobaldy]

I have aspergers and use disabled toilet because I cant cope in the other ones. I regularly get filthy looks and on occasions get yelled at.

[@whomidity3953]

"How dare you not have me know every little aspect of your personal life?"

[@antonipolski9569]

:(

[@Amaranthyne]

Really?! I’ve never had a problem. I use them because they are more comfortable. As long as I don’t see someone else who needs it more than me I don’t see the issue. I suppose someone could say I could be using it and prevent a disabled person from occupying it, but disabled people can wait for bathrooms, too, and the regular ones are small enough to be uncomfortable whether or not you have a disability.

[@whomidity3953]

@@Amaranthyne I too enjoy big stall Lots of room for activities

[@Amaranthyne]

@@whomidity3953 Activities? It’s a bathroom, not a bounce house. I’ve seen regular fishing boats with bigger bathrooms than the average stall. Is it really that hard to add an extra foot of space?

[@sweiland75]

As a person with a disability myself, I appreciate this type of video to educate others.

[@doejhonny]

Sometimes when my grandma takes me to the store to get something, she'll park in the closest handicapped spot even when she's just going to wait in the car. (She is legitimately handicapped, with a placard.) I always ask her to move if she's just going to wait. Parking spots for stores aren't that big, so walking an extra 10 feet won't kill you. However, handicapped spots are almost always located next to a no parking zone, that way people with wheelchairs can get in and out of their vehicle. Stores with small parking lots don't have handicapped spots just to save you from walking a little farther, they have them so people who need special vehicles don't have to worry about getting blocked from getting back in their car because someone parked right beside them. So please, if the parking lot is getting pretty full, contemplate how much you actually need the handicapped spot. You never know, someone might come along who needs it more.

[@welpurp]

Thank you for this. When my grandfather was still alive, he had a few surgeries and had constant back pain so he got one of those parking permits but he would get scolded by strangers because he could walk.

[@acmulhern]

I used accessible facilities at the end of my pregnancy. I just wish I could have used disabled parking as well, because carrying groceries in the weeks before giving birth isn't easy at all. They should really introduce a temporary disability card for women in their third trimester.

[@littledarkstranger8111]

In Ireland it's not uncommon to see Disability parking paired with "Parent and Baby" spots which are designed for pregnant women or those shopping with small children. Both types of spots are located near the doors of the shops and are wider, often with extra coloured in space between parking bays as well to allow ease of access to car doors (so you can open the doors fully without hitting another car). They're great and should be a standard everywhere.

[@oliviawaffles6807]

littledarkstranger Yeah they do but where I live those are very uncommon ive auctually only seen them at the expense and high end grocery stores wich is awful

[@shilohschwartz8671]

Maybe you should try having quadruplets like my mother did and then you would know what REAL struggle feels like.

[@dougdimmadomeownerofthedim2918]

Shiloh Schwartz anyone who's pregnant would experience a struggle with groceries and it varies from person to person too as seen in your mother's case.

[@emmacousins8280]

Anne-Catherine Mulhern if you think it's hard being pregnant thing about all the children in wheelchairs that can't talk or express there feeling - not hating but I don't think people think about how serious this is...

[@lunawater10]

I sincerely appreciate the recognition of invisible disabilities. I myself have EDS and I know many others suffer as well. Thank you for the video!!!

[@skripnigor]

Disability is a vague concept. Probably the only way to eliminate confusion is to make ALL the facilities as accessible as possible.

[@lauren9285]

So depression is a disability? Ha. I'm sick as frick

[@varia2354]

Yes. Though apparently, my school didn't get the hint and replaced a ramp at one of the entrances with some stairs.

[@haseenabadshah5381]

68 likes epik

[@JoseRojas-hl7sn]

Yes like, I sometimes can move and don't that that makes me have to use those accesible features but definetely it would be easier. It's better to have everything accesible so even people undoubtly undisable can use them in an easier way.

[@daisuke910]

@@lauren9285 yes. Depression is a mental problem which later can shows physically. Though depression has many degrees and classes. From minor to severe. People can feel depressed due to life events but if it persist, please do tell someone. Unless you have a way to manage it, u r likely to do things that can endanger yourselves and others 👍🏼

[@OfelieArt]

In my country almost all accessibility toilets are locked anyway, there is barely any accessibility parking spots and like zero wheelchair/stroller ramps. That's why you don't even see disabled people (wheelchair) on the streets. It's really sad to realise this.

[@fredrikkarner4115]

OfelieArt in my country that happens too😔

[@mrncsreviews7666]

callum barbra In the UK disability accessibility is much better than other countries.

[@Schpoople]

OfelieArt it's not much better in America. In most parking lots there are MANY normal spots and maybe 2-3 handicapped spots. This is why I usually can't drive myself anywhere because I can rarely park. I have to be dropped off

[@amritpalsingh517]

New Zealand is very friendly towards people with disabilities!! Majority of buildings, all trains and most of the buses are accessible with a wheelchair/mobility scooter, everyone always give them their seats, plenty of parking at most places, there's a decent state well fare and state houses so they won't have to worry about money, 100% free public healthcare, special pools (with warmer water as it's better for blood flow), I can keep on but I guess you would have understood my point. I have a friend with very bad physical disability (poor guy :( ), he can go to all his lectures using his mobility scooter and he's halfway through his computer science degree! Life is still very hard but having not to worry about money, accommodation, food etc does make it a little less worse!

[@shugaku2461]

Where on earth do you live? Even here in Malaysia we have somewhat adequate disabled facilities.

[@mole62ssf]

I've had a placard for twenty plus years though I only use it when I'm having a hard day. Some days it's my mobility, some days pain, other days reduced function. But I look absolutely fine. Thank you for bringing this topic up. I shared it on my Facebook and asked if anyone had an idea about a more inclusive symbol. My friend Wendy hit on what I believe is the proper solution--raise awareness of what disability may look like, keep the familiar symbol.

[@beefmomma]

Coca Cola steers traffic: Illuminati confirmed

[@RikeshPatelthugga]

Dale Doback comment of the year

[@roodlesprease7659]

luminarty comfirmed

[@a_neon_e7126]

I was diagnosed with cancer last year, and I was issued a blue badge. I use disabled toilets and parking spaces. It’s sad, how many people don’t understand what the accessibility sign means. Some people even think “oh your hair is back, you’re fine.” That’s not how it works. I’ve still got a year of treatment left. I have a wheelchair. I suffer from many medication related side effects, like struggling to walk or sometimes think. Things with accessibility areas help me feel normal around everyone else, and have fun with my friends at places like school or the park. Thanks for reading this paragraph, and I hope you have a wonderful day. 🎗

[@avivastudios2311]

I don't fully understand. Why do you use disabled toilets? What do you need?

[@wren_.]

@@avivastudios2311they probably just easier to sit down and stuff. i’m assuming cancer treatment makes you really weak

[@limegreen92]

people who question/make fun of those who use the "accessible" toilets are just rude.

[@aedenthegreatyt]

Not really, just uneducated

[@mike140298]

I think many of them have good intentions, a kind of social policing to keep accessible facilities available to those who need them. They often just don't realise that the group of people who need them is far larger than the group who visibly need them. And then there are the pricks who are just jealous of not getting to use them.

[@SingularPhasmid]

Or they just saw 5 year old me who used that restroom because the women's restrooms were full even though I don't have any disability.

[@horhehorhe1980]

in architecture, it matters... A LOT!

[@joif.1071]

Horhe Horhe I'm curious, how so? Like, in a summary...no need for particular details

[@horhehorhe1980]

+Joi F. well you design spaces, and considering the most convenient and efficient ways to access those spaces by ALL people, depending on the use of that structure

[@joif.1071]

Oh, okay. I thought something along the lines of that. Thanks

[@horhehorhe1980]

+Joi F. well this subject is broad, it deals with function, not just aesthetics and longevity of buildings

[@ultimategametime3269]

Odamaa 100

[@fleurgi]

Thanks for this video. I have CP but I am not in a wheelchair and I don't limp too much anymore unless I am tired. I can't tell you how many times people have been rude to me when they see me coming out of an accessible washroom stall or even on the bus when I sit in the area for seniors, people with disabilities, or mothers.

[@SoundBlackRecordings]

There will always be ignorant people even if you change the symbol

[@littledarkstranger8111]

Brilliant video Ted-Ed, really gets the message of invisible illness and disability across. Well done!

[@GraveUypo]

huh so i can park in accessibility spots. i have a lower back pain that doesn't let me walk for more than 20 minutes without experiencing crippling pain, and sometimes i can't even walk straight. been this way for 15 months. fuck i hate this.

[@sounaamine99]

i feel you

[@akinmytua4680]

GraveUypo they are for you. think of the elderly who normally park in those spots. they often don't have wheelchairs, but they do have issues getting around.

[@Cronuz2]

Atleast in my country you need a national permit from the government.

[@akinmytua4680]

You need a permit in the US as well. There are 3 types. The red temporary ones (after surgery like a knee or hip replacement) that hang on the mirror, the blue permanent ones that hang on the mirror, and a blue permanent plate.

[@MasterJongXG]

GraveUypo Than go get your permission so you can park on the spot designed for you.

[@AlexTalArt]

perhaps continue with the wheelchair but also have a person standing next to it or just educate people like in schools that not all disabilities are visible and that the sign included all disabilities.

[@molly.dog8brooke792]

Sophie Talia This is a legitimately good idea imo!

[@ggmrgameanddraw]

This was a very well taught lesson. The visuals were helpful along with the clear and controlled explanations. Very well done!

[@kianheus2487]

If it includes auto-immune diseases and autism, the logo is just very poorly made

[@softmoxymuffin2351]

Kian Heus its an old logo so definitelt needs a change... it is a challenge tho to be able to include so may forms of disablities in one simple and recognizable symbol. but i hope it happens soon.

[@alexandrugheorghe5610]

I propose a standing human being with half of the body hashed out. It should symbolize: disability

[@thembones5]

Alexandru Gheorghe I like that idea

[@Croz89]

Great idea in principle, but from a distance it may just look like a standard human figure. Needs to be easily readable from far away.

[@norxcontacts]

Unacceptable

[@marcdeluna8674]

I think the symbol isn't the problem.

[@XigXag]

This was an amazing video. I love how the narrator enunciates words such that you understand everything.

[@callofgears91]

Really loved the animation in this one, you should do more videos like this one!

[@claudiag.9307]

Maybe you should replace it with a helping hand or something if this doesn't already exist

[@ayushgarg3694]

Those are some impressive animations you got there.

dude, I've been pondering on this issue/symbol for like two years now, so glad that someone made a video about it, now I can rest my thoughts. Thank you ted-ed!

[@emsc2365]

I think especially when it comes to people with IBD, if there are no toilets available then we should be allowed to use the accessible toilets without getting looks from people. There's nothing worse than being on a flare day and having to wait for a stall :-(

[@Marylandbrony]

I have crippling depression.

[@funsometimes]

I have Osteoporosis.

[@foalspreshow]

Marylandbrony same :(

[@CoffeePoints]

I don't have dysentery.

[@AnnebelBuntOnline]

Marylandbrony I have a KZbin channel

[@mymyrrah]

Marylandbrony I have a cold.

[@TaiNguyen-bg3cl]

thank you TED-ed you have opened my mind

[@HelloAnitaStar]

It's so cool that symbols are universal.

[@khiemthongminh]

I find this animation comfortable and eye-satisfying.

[@orangutansoda]

Of one was to redesign it, I would do a hand to represent helping or assess ability

[@martaantonionesereno3120]

i absolutly love this channel

[@EpicOD11]

Video editing is on point! Love it! Ofcourse the education aspect of it, goes along with that statement.

[@illiengalene2285]

Me too! Autism, ADHD, Endometriosis and chronic pain. My Partner has MS, General anxiety disorder and allergy(and other conditions I don't want to mention). We usually don't get access for things to the accessible symbol and are often told we are not allowed to use it. Me and my partner need shorter walks to the shops. My partner experiencing chronic fatigue and brain fog, me having a 2× higher risk to die in an accident because of ADHD. Or using a single restroom, because of a panic attack or mental meltdown, an sensory overload, sudden moments of bowel cramps or need of an injection of painkillers. I hope that one day I will be able to use those facilities without shame.

[@MediocreMolly]

Asda, uk Walmart, has a poster underneath this symbol that says "NOT ALL DISABILITIES ARE VISIBLE" to remind people not to yell at people who look abled about using them. I look normal but I am in fact disabled. I don't use disabled parking usually because I just cannot deal with being yelled at or aggressive notes being left on the windscreen

[@Falinks31]

Milton Keynes?

[@ernestbywater411]

In some countries the symbol for some services is only intended to apply to those with physical access issues, and there isn't a recognised way to differentiate. Take the case of the toilet in the clip. In some countries the laws are worded that only those with a physical access issue can lawfully use the accessible toilets, but that isn't the international standard. So what is really needed is two symbols, one for those with physical mobility issues and one for those with non-physical mobility issues. Thus a new symbols for the non-lhysical mobility issue people is all that's needed.

[@galact1cfox573]

The problem is though that people, like myself, have physical mobility issues but don't use a wheelchair or other mobility equipment that would class them as disabled in some peoples eyes. I have chronic nerve pain all over my body and can't walk or stand for long periods of time and therefore struggle sometimes getting to the bathroom in public when my pain is high. Therefore I'd be excluded just because I don't have a physical identifier such as a chair of walking aid. I appreciate where you're coming from, it's just that not everyone fits into certain categories.

[@SC-ni5me]

@@galact1cfox573 I'm with you on that. I have Multiple Sclerosis and have used every mobility aid out there but on some days I dont have one. . On hot days if I can't find a close regular spot I utilize my permit and park in handicap. My nervous system cant handle the heat and it causes internal tremors, my leg stiffens up and feels like someone shove a rod down it and so many other symptoms. I literally feel like I'm dying inside some days. I have adapted so well to this that you cant even tell on the outside this is going on. Ironically enough I had another disabled person feel they were entitled to that spot more. They shoved a note behind my windshield wiper shaming me for parking in the handicap spot. So not only is there a stigma in the able bodied community but also visible pitted against inviaible in the disabled community.

[@phoebewinterbottom938]

Looking at the image for so long makes it look like something I've never seen before

[@ar2_]

as usual an excellent video from ted with informative topic, but the video/animation style sets it apart. best animation ever.

[@Mackeye_]

i like the design of this video, keep it up!

[@CocoaEnchilada]

The biggest issue I have as a disabled person, is when they people "borrow" a relative's parking permit. It's become very common here in the US to abuse these.

[@imroztowhid1284]

one of the best presentations from TED-Ed guys!

[@ehsancharolia3297]

the visuals of this video are just amazing!!! reminds me of De Stijl without the restraints of using only primary colours...

[@willhiggins9563]

Informative video. I think the symbol should kept as it is for all the reasons you stated and to have be more educated on it's apparently broad meaning.

[@reznoire]

It's lupus.

[@ShankarSivarajan]

It's never lupus.

[@mavla4262]

Shankar Sivarajan except that one time it was Lupus

[@coolmdj111]

Nope. It's Sarcoidosis.

[@LulitaInPita]

reznoire it's alway lupus 👍🏻

[@scofield1154]

reznoire doctor house ?

[@sammysammyson]

Beautiful animations...like always! (But this one in particular)

[@vigorwoods]

Thanks a lot for this. I absolutely didn't know it!

[@pgtmr2713]

No head... she must've been married

[@kattenelvis1778]

Or single

[@ChrisPPotatoIDC]

Poor girl never got head ;[

[@brentheundeadartist906]

@@hunnaRIP Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to let the whole world know that.

[@loredanavasilescu5634]

You included Romania in a very neutral way

[@ADAMan123]

The animation in this video is amazing!

[@rith5073]

Amazing Animation, and more explanation

[@ericchengtv3506]

I think the best way to create a symbol that won't be misunderstood is to make it unrecognizable unless you know what it means. With a person sitting in a wheelchair, people will assume the symbol means exactly what it looks like. However, if we replace the handicap symbol with a random obscure glyph, *people must be educated about its meaning* since they can't tell what it is by first glance.

[@marino5652]

this is what hapened to me. people became rude and insulting for sitting for disabled peron spot, or using wc,. only becouse they couldnt see any visible imparement.

[@PHREDOFFICIAL]

thank you this is exactly what we need one of my close family members used a accessible toilet and was shouted at as if he was a child supposing they were a 42 year old man with a brain tumor this was something that really troubled him. not only was the man shouting but his wife who had a wheelchair and he was told that her disability was greater than his and he didn't have the right to use this facility. plus not only does he have a brain tumor he also has diabetes which has caused him to loose feeling in his feet making it hard to stand for long periods of time and not only did this happen but he didn't say anything and just apologised to the man people just need to be a little bit more open minded and see that not all disabilities are visible thank you for sharing this topic

[@asitbhowmick8304]

Thanks for solving my question.

[@UnknownGunslinger]

I have Ulcerative Colitis but would never feel comfortable using Accessibility toilets, even though I'm allowed, because others might judge me.

[@just4fun620]

fear of judgement isn't something that should hold you back. verbal or physical battery is something that should, though.

[@TheEmerald]

You are absolutely entitled to the accessibility toilets.

[@Schpoople]

Ivo Sotirov usually accessible toilets are designed with a wheelchair in mind. It's much more open, there are grab bars for transfers and usually the toilet is much lower. I may be making a wrong assumption but it doesn't seem like any of that would aid in your ability to use or be comfortable in that restroom any more than a restroom designed for able bodied people when it comes to Ulcerative Colitis. Please correct me if I'm wrong though.

[@UnknownGunslinger]

+Sir Wheelz thank you for your question, for being understanding and for being curious :) This is a rare gift these days. Personally I wont feel comfortable using one with the way my illness is at this stage. But the way they are configured is of benefit to people in my situation. Most importantly you wouldn't have to wait for one, which for people with IBD is the main issue. Without being graphic people with IBD experience pain when visiting restrooms when their disease are flaring and it is more comfortable if they had the solitary and no rush facility that Accessibility restrooms provide. People with ileo-pouch also benefit from the use of private sinks. There are also shower heads that allow you to clean after yourself if you need, but even if they don't or you aren't able to, the staff would be much more understanding to the situation if that happened versus if it did in a regular shared toilet facility. No one likes getting stink eyes or being yelled at because of something they cant control - I'm speaking from experience :) I'm sure there are also a lot of other diseases that fit those criteria that I haven't thought of - Lupus is the one that comes to mind at the moment. However the stigma of using Accessibility restrooms without showing outward signs of disability are too great for me to try personally even if I need one at the time.

[@summerrosesutton3073]

And you worry about them WHY?? Does their opinion mean that much to you? Will you be seeing them again? My own medical issues ARE NOT visible; and I use what I need to use and to "H" with what anyone else thinks or believes. Oh and I got mine courtesy Vietnam. My vehicle plate says Vietnam Disabled Veteran, and I added the word "Vietnam" over the Disabled Veteran so I could let others know why I was a Disabled Veteran. Other Disabled Vets can do the same, all you have to do is ask for the sticker for the particular war or campaign you were in, IF your State issues those as mine does.

[@colorgaurdsweethreat3474]

Thank you for achknowledging both descrimination and lupus. My mom has lupus and with it other problems. She is handicaped without being physicaly seen as such. Weve come out of stores and such with notes on our cars angry she used a disabled spot or has a sign for it without physically looking as such. She actually won once when in rage of someone saying in such a note that she was "teaching me (her daughter) bad habits or morals and should be ashamed" a front page spot when she wrote the local papers on such and recieved high acclaim for stating it. People wrote her thanks because she said what they were afraid to speak or hadnt the courage to stand up for. I was pre teen or such at the time. But Ive seen such descrimination even at places such as california adventures (disneyland has a great system, sister park at least last we were there in like 04 or 05 did not so much) where main park understood her lupus and do tors note stated she couldnt be in the heat long (and by the way she grew up for half her life in california, in the case there are nay sayers, her ability to handle heat with lupus makes it dificult for her to be in the sun as she once could) but the sister park doesnt give the same wait in the shade, no long wait privilages as disneyland. Instead you had to use a ride hopper pass which got you closer for a specific time but made her awefully uncomfortable as she would nearly have medical episodes from waiting (in the consecutive 3years we came they seemed to get to know my mom (families awefully social, but thats besides the point) they at least realized she really needed shade and a seeting place if she didnt have the electric wheelchair they provide for physical and non physical handicaps so theres no descrimination and were known to cone and check on her alot (shes got ok lupus but when its bad even the slightest symptom looks like a medic will be needed asap. So at leadt they realized her thing was no joke, it just would have been nice if California adventures in 04 or 05 addopted thevsame fast passed system for both handicaps. No Im not saying that for the privliage but the knowledge of growing up with a mother suffering lupus and seeing how bad and scary a non visable handicapped can be and Im speaking for the many I know including a best friend with non visable handicaps. Thank You TED talks for educating people on a matter many as you even stated have to fight to not be descriminated against. This is the type of thing I follow you guys for. YOU ROCK TED TALKS!!!!! You'RE AMAZING!!!!!!!!😘😃😝😜😋😆😄🤗🤗☺️☺️☺️😊😊😏😄😄😄😄😄😆😆😆😆😆

[@SINCHIROCA07]

This explains a lot thank you so much!👍🏼🙂

[@thegentle-hooter46]

I like how you made the this you where using into the new thing, ik its confusing, I just don't know how else to put it without making it more complcated.

[@darko.v]

Can anyone link me a tutorial or show me how this type of animation and video is made? Thank you :)

[@zirquera28]

Mental Illness is also a form of disability depending on the person's disorder. Physically there may not be visible or obvious signs of disability but a person with anxiety disorder, for example, may feel uncomfortable using a comfort room full of people. Or lining up at the supermarket feeling anxious and itching to get out ASAP, so the person ends up taking the PWD line. This is where PWD ID's come in handy, though it would also make things easier if we don't make snap judgments about people we don't know anything about.

[@albertocarloshuevos6808]

I always finish watching these videos with more questions than answers

[@darrelllancaster9554]

I love studying about symbols and signals. Thank You. 🎯

[@ElephantWhisperer222]

Apparently if you drive a truck the handicap symbol means nothing..

[@LoreCatan]

Really?? They need to change that, it's not really fair.

[@loriefranceschi2590]

If you drive a diesel four wheel drive truck jacked up with big tires and have a handicap marker on your plate, should you really be driving?

[@flymccloud3262]

Who the fuck is anyone to judge? Get your nose out of other people's asses lady

[@romychubs5382]

Lorie Franceschi wtf? You need to be educated

[@botigamer9011]

Oh my god, your profile picture looks absolutely gorgeous. Who is it? Cameron Boyce?

[@haydenunsell]

Add + next to it

[@Jesper8Wolters]

Love your videos!, the danish designer is called Susanne Koefoed though, just to let you know

[@n00bm4str69]

Thanks for this very informative video!!

[@stardefenderxgamer4232]

Goes in bathroom to the left: People outside: Wait that's illegal

[@umberscore2051]

this is the most informative Ted ed video I've ever seen

[@kat-oh3hx]

Very nice animation! Very smooth

[@RusNad]

You could make the symbol look more like a key with the wheel as the base of the key and the head/arm as the teeth of the key. That way it would be similar but more broadly represent accessibility.

[@aoki556]

:( aw I'm sorry that some people are made to feel this way. I think it needs to be changed after watching this. I might even think of some designs myself.

[@william_aviation0145]

The only part of 1 of my disabilities that is visible is a head tilt, that is due to my Nystagmus. I also have Autism. I would love to see your redesign of the symbol. Pm me for my email to show me it if you don't mind

[@toastie4848]

Aoki FLR I don't/barely know anything about disabilities but i have a design idea: A human figure with a green key as one of his/her hands about to open a green lock

[@ECAPS.]

WHY AM I NOT TOLD THIS.

[@vi_cesario]

This animation style is so... stylish. And just so pleasing to the eye.

[@awesomenathan100]

I really want to see the other entries of that contest

[@tallybee9091]

I am a congenital anosmic, an invisible disability - sooo I actually do need the closer parking spots as I cannot smell danger coming like the average person can. It's a huge disadvantage.

[@davemartino4953]

Tally Bee oh yeah, that must suck. I can't tell you how many times my nose has saved me from a wild bear attack in a public restroom

[@zxcvbn3817]

Dave Martino i dont think they meant smell in the literal sense through thier nose, they probably meant that they cant sense danger easily/ spot danger coming easily compared to a normal person.

[@skwhale1118]

Congenital Anosmia is the inability to smell 😂

[@zxcvbn3817]

Sk Whale oh 😂 i really should have googled it before u made the comment😂😂

[@joleencrystoval9776]

I don't typically smell danger coming. Can someone please explain ?

[@nikolasdoubouridis9244]

it means clean toilets

[@rasmuserlandsson2204]

People who avoid "germs" at all costs are the ones to get sick the easiest later on. Just a heads up.

[@rasmuserlandsson2204]

April Smith What is a "bathroom germ", if you don't mind explaining?

[@you_just]

April Smith your phone has more bacteria on it than a public toilet seat. Just throwing that out there. Also, germophobia isn't a disability, so it's kind of a jerk move to use bathrooms specifically designed for those people.

[@you_just]

April Smith im sure someone who has the right to use them would appreciate them a lot more than you, with your paranoia about bacteria.

[@luisroman2144]

You_just I've always used the bigger room it's for everyone one

[@lexik4603]

I love this guy's voice he makes anything sound interesting

[@imohammed5697]

Perhaps one of the best of things to do now in this regard if to educate people about this. From schools to universities and put commercials and billboards and stuff.

[@ilikecats.dealwithit.3168]

People also get confused when I tell them I have autism. Well, I don't have autism, but I have a branch. It's SPD (Sensory processing disorder). I also have minor ADHD. :) but I'm not handicapped, I just might not realize that you're pointing to a dog and telling me to look at it until we've gotten out of view. Or I'll come up with a witty comeback two seconds after that conversation is over. It's why I like the internet so much. I can take as long as I want to make a witty comeback, and I'll just say that my computer is slow. Heheh.

[@kopasz777]

Are you telling me that 15% of a billion is 65 million? 2:31 2:48

[@od4186]

Fefinix probably meant visible disability but yeah that was wierd

[@vanwan7610]

Fefinix I'm guessing the number was supposed to be 165 million

[@ndgoliberty]

Fefinix yeah this guy is clearly in need of a white guy driving a wheelchair over the ocean

[@l.jturner6617]

THESE PEOPLE MAKE AN INTERESTING VIDEO OUT OF *LITERALLY ANYTHING*

[@NathanGatten]

The new symbol should be the Superman logo

[@romychubs5382]

steve b not funny dude.

[@Sean-kp1to]

stop this

[@missizette7017]

Nathan Gatten u

[@missizette7017]

Hunter RIP u

[@scomo7yearsago958]

Nathan Gatten that’s sweet 😊

[@geraldmerkowitz4360]

Honestly who gets mad when they see someone getting out of accessible toilets without a wheelchair ?

[@HAngeli]

Archibald Belanus Not me either but I had heard before that this sort of thing happens. They should do some educational campaigns about invisible disabilities and the need of accessibility for these people.

[@jenniferstokley3112]

I love the Symbol! What if the words "Accessibility" was at the top of the sign and "For (visible/invisible) Disabilities" was on the bottom, like a frame with the Symbol in the middle? This would help everyone understand what it's for and help them to understand what the symbol stands for, again.

[@commanderfionafakeno5984]

✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️

[@cristinamlt]

Now, that sounds like a graphic design homework to me... *thinks about all I've learned at uni*

[@gabbyk.7358]

"the World Health Organization" "WHO?" "yes."

[@No-yr9rs]

Stolen

[@gabbyk.7358]

@@No-yr9rs not stolen.

[@gabbyk.7358]

@@No-yr9rs think before you post a comment.

[@No-yr9rs]

@@gabbyk.7358 then why is there a comment above yhis from 2 years ago by "um yeah" that is exactly the same except for spacing?

[@gabbyk.7358]

@@No-yr9rs you may not know this but when you make a comment it usually doesn't end up at the top, yet the person who made the comment sees it close to the top. I can't see where you see my comment, and I don't see another comment just the same as the one I made. I didnt copy someone else's comment and it's about time you accept that.