Rethinking Signage for a More Inclusive Australia
- Eva Krane
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 9
A submission to Parliament
At Made by Boto®, we believe signage is more than a wayfinding tool — it’s a silent but powerful statement about who belongs. Our founder, Eva Krane, recently submitted a proposal to Parliament recommending changes to the National Construction Code to make our shared spaces more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Here is a breakdown of what was proposed:
1. From “Unisex” to “All- Gender”: A Language of Belonging
The term “Unisex” has become outdated and can be confusing or exclusionary, particularly for people who do not identify within the gender binary.
Updating terminology to “All-Gender” communicates more clearly and respectfully that the space is available for use by anyone, regardless of their gender identity. For transgender and non-binary individuals, inclusive signage is not just about access — it’s about safety and recognition.
Shifting to “All-Gender” is a small but powerful change that fosters dignity and reduces the anxiety many feel when navigating public or shared amenities.
2. Gender Diversity Welcome Statement on Binary Toilet Signage
While many buildings continue to provide separate female and male toilet facilities, it is both possible and important to signal that gender diversity is welcome and recognised in these spaces. A simple, clear welcome statement can be added to binary signage or on a plaque at the entryway to help ensure all individuals — including non-binary, transgender, gender-fluid, and gender- nonconforming people — feel seen, respected, and safe. This is especially crucial in environments where architectural or regulatory constraints currently prevent the introduction of all-gender facilities. Example statement:
“We recognise that gender exists beyond a binary. Please use the facility that feels safest and most appropriate for you.”
This kind of message does not disrupt the existing layout or compromise safety, but it sends a powerful signal of inclusion and respect.
It acknowledges that while the physical structure may remain traditional, the social and cultural environment is evolving to reflect the realities of the people who use it.
Why It Matters:
• For many transgender and non-binary people, choosing which toilet to use can be a source of anxiety or fear.
• A welcome statement affirms that gender diversity is valid, discrimination is not tolerated, and autonomy is respected.
• It supports legal protections, health outcomes, and broader public wellbeing by reducing exclusion and distress in everyday experiences.
Even in settings where full all-gender facilities are not yet feasible, a well-placed, intentional message can bridge the gap and build a foundation for more inclusive design in the future.
3. Statement on the Use of Tactile Evacuation Plans and Signage in Public Buildings
Tactile evacuation plans and accessible signage are essential tools in creating safe and navigable public environments for people who are blind or vision-impaired. In emergency situations, the ability to understand exit routes, refuge areas, and building layouts can make a critical difference. For many, tactile maps and Braille signage are not optional — they are a matter of equal access and safety.
Despite growing awareness of inclusive design, tactile evacuation plans remain inconsistently implemented across public spaces. When provided, they are often too high, overly complex, or missing key elements such as directional orientation, contrasting colours, or clear tactile indicators.
To meet the needs of the vision-impaired community, tactile evacuation signage should be:
• Located at an accessible height and placed at key decision points throughout a building
• Designed with Braille and raised tactile elements that are legible and intuitively laid out
• Aligned with national standards (e.g., AS1428.1) and inclusive of visual contrast for people with low vision
• Maintained regularly to ensure accuracy and readability
Incorporating these features helps ensure that all building users — regardless of ability — have the right to safety, autonomy, and confidence in emergency situations.
Tactile evacuation plans are not simply a matter of compliance; they are a reflection of how seriously we take our collective responsibility to design for all. Public buildings must be places where no one is left behind — not in daily use, and not in an emergency.
4. Rethinking the International Symbol of Access: Moving Beyond the 1968 Design
The International Symbol of Access (ISA)—the familiar blue-and-white wheelchair icon—has long served as a global marker of accessibility. While effective in its time, it reflects a narrow, mobility-focused view of disability that no longer aligns with contemporary understandings of inclusion.
A growing number of advocates support a more dynamic version of the symbol: one that shows a person in motion, leaning forward in a wheelchair. This updated image conveys agency, independence, and participation, rather than passivity or limitation.
A modernised ISA:
• Promotes a more accurate and empowering representation of disability
• Signals progress toward inclusive, equitable design
• Reflects the diversity of lived experiences, beyond physical mobility needs
Evolving this symbol isn’t just about design—it’s about shifting perceptions and making space for all people to feel seen, capable, and welcomed in the built environment.
5. A Vision for a Refined ISA Inclusive Design for the Neurodiverse Community
A More Refined, Inclusive Approach
Designing for neurodiverse people means moving beyond the wheelchair symbol and adopting a more holistic, inclusive design language that communicates a range of access features. This includes:
New symbols or complementary icons that signal environments which are:
• Low-sensory or sensory-adjustable (e.g. soft lighting, reduced noise, scent-free)
• Wayfinding-friendly with simplified signage and visual schedules
• Socially safe, indicating trained staff or quiet zones
• Use of clear, easy-to-read signage with icons, high contrast, and visual consistency
• Predictability and routine cues, which are essential for many autistic individuals navigating unfamiliar environments
• Inclusion of calm spaces or quiet rooms in public buildings, schools, transport hubs, and workplaces, with clear wayfinding to these zones
While the ISA remains important, it must no longer be seen as the sole marker of accessibility. The lived experiences of autistic people and those with sensory or cognitive disabilities deserve visibility and consideration through new symbols, better signage, and informed design responses.
Designing with — not just for — Neurodiverse People
Importantly, these solutions must be developed in consultation with neurodiverse individuals, to ensure that the environments we shape genuinely reflect their needs, preferences, and strengths. As our understanding of mixed ability becomes more nuanced, our public spaces must follow suit. It’s time to reimagine access — not just as physical entry, but as a feeling of being welcomed, understood, and supported.
Final Note
Thank you for taking the time to engage with this article and submission. It is offered with care, experience, and a deep belief in the value of inclusive design for all members of our community.
As a queer, neurodiverse founder, and someone for whom English is a third language, running a business in the design and built environment space comes with both unique challenges and meaningful opportunities. Creating accessible signage is not only a profession—it is a personal commitment to building environments where everyone feels seen, respected, and safe.
All content, language, and design approaches presented in this submission are the original intellectual property of Boto Pty Ltd, unless otherwise referenced. This work is protected by copyright and shared in the spirit of collaboration and advocacy. Please credit appropriately when referencing or sharing.
Your support of inclusive, minority-led businesses makes a real difference. Thank you for listening—and for taking part in the ongoing work of designing for dignity.
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