Understanding Accessibility Symbols

When an organization does not have a particular symbol, it does not necessarily mean that a person with a disability cannot be accommodated. It means that they do not offer all of the following basic minimum accessible features.

Important: We encourage you to contact organizations for further details and information regarding accommodation of specific needs.

Symbol of an Individual in a Wheelchair with a black background

This symbol means the organization complies with all the following architectural features:

  • Accessible private parking or valet service (Parking situations vary tremendously. At minimum, an organization must have the required ratio of disabled-designated parking spaces in a privately controlled lot.);
  • An accessible route from the parking area to the accessible building entrance;
  • An accessible entrance to the primary function (performance, exhibit space, etc.);
  • An accessible bathroom, and
  • Provisions for wheelchair seating.
Symbol of an Individual in a Wheelchair with a grey background

The Cultural Access Network has created this adjusted symbol for organizations that do not strictly comply with the above minimum standards , but have made their primary programs and services accessible to people with mobility restrictions.

  • In some cases architectural limitations have been addressed through special accommodations, such as videotape of an inaccessible second floor art exhibit.
  • In other cases, the organization is completely wheelchair accessible, but it could not comply with the parking requirement because parking is not provided on site (i.e. a municipal owned lot, or street parking) and the organization does not control parking usage.
Symbol of an ear intersecting with radio waves
This symbol means the organization has an Assistive Listening System (either Infrared, FM, or Induction Loop) in its assembly area and/or provides a system for guided tours.
Symbol of two hands creating sign language
This symbol means the organization offers sign-interpretation for all or select performances, lectures, and/or guided tours. Please note: in some cases, sign interpretation will only be provided if requested within a designated period of time prior to the event.
Symbol for open captioning: upper case letters O, C
This symbol means the organization offers open captioning for select performances, videos/films, lectures, tours or workshops. Please note: in some cases, captioning will only be provided if requested within a designated period of time prior to the event.
Symbol for closed captioning: upper case letters C, C
This symbol means the organization offers closed captioning for select performances, videos/films, lectures, tours or workshops. Please note: in some cases, captioning will only be provided if requested within a designated period of time prior to the event.
Symbol for audio description: the upper case letters A, D emanating sound waves
This symbol means the organization offers audio description for all or select performances and/or guided tours. Please note: in some cases, audio description will only be provided if requested within a designated period of time prior to the event.
Symbol for braille materials: a braille cell on a black background
This symbol means the organization offers Braille programs, promotional materials and/or Braille signage for displays and exhibits. Please note: in some cases, Braille materials will only be provided if requested within a designated period of time prior to the event.
Symbol for large print materials
This symbol means the organization offers Large Print programs and/or other materials. Please note: in some cases, Large Print materials will only be provided if requested within a designated period of time prior to the event.
Symbol for Touring events: an uppercase T
This symbol was created to notate those organizations which present their work in multiple venues. Many of these touring companies require their performance venues to be accessible. As it is not possible for the Cultural Access Network to collect complete information on all these spaces, contacting the organization for further information is recommended.
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The Cultural Access Network is a co-sponsored project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.