Can You See Me Now

Accessible signage has used the wheelchair icon for more than 50 years, and while alternate versions have been created with a more active represetation (notably the 2012 Accessible Icon Project) the icon still creates challenges for people who do not use a wheelchair or who have invisible disabilities that may be judged for using accessible facilities.

Can You See Me Now aims to raise awareness of invisible disabilities, and push for more inclusive signage on campus and beyond through an open design call for a new accessible icon.

Key Dates

  • 18 Nov-18 Dec 21 - Disability History Month
  • 20 Dec 21 - Invisible Disabilites training launches
  • 10 Jan-18 Feb 22 - Competition submissions open
  • 25 Feb-7 Mar 22 - Public Vote
  • 21 Mar - Panel Decision
  • End-March 22 - Gallery Event

The Competition

The competition is an open call to submit new designs for an accessible icon or icons.

The icons should be inclusive and representative of those with invisible disabilities and they should be distinctive and identifiable from a distance. To find out more download the full brief.

For the winning entries, prizes include up to £250 worth of Amazon vouchers, a print of your design, time with a professional design studio to develop your idea, and ultimately to see your design in use across Coventry University Group campuses.

Entries will also be showcased at a gallery event in March 2022, where winners will receive VIP passes and treatment.

We strongly recommend all entrants complete the Invisible Disabilities training before taking part.

Complete the Training Enter the Competition

The Training

This training will increase your understanding of Invisible Disabilities, the assumptions you might be making, and what you can do to tackle discrimination. You will receive certification upon completion of the training, boosting your employability skills, and which can be used towards gaining a YourSU leadership award. We recommend that all participants undertake the training, which takes less than 30 mins to complete.

Complete the Training

Team & Partners

Can You See Me Now is a collaborative project jointly funded by Coventry University's City of Culture Student Grants and Your Students' Union (YourSU).

The project is led by Coventry University student Elizabeth King and Vice President for Welfare & Inclusion Indica Norcup with support from the YourSU Community & Inclusion team.

Elizabeth King

Elizabeth King is a Coventry student who has been Disabled Student Community Officer and Welfare & Inclusion Rep for HLS.

All students deserve to feel included and represented by their university. Being a disabled person myself I understand how frustrating and difficult it can be with the barriers we face daily.

Can You See Me Now is a project I'm passionate about as part of my work towards all students feeling included and represented by their university.

YourSU

Your Students' Union is a student-led organisation that exists to improve the experience of students studying across the Coventry University Group. The Community and Inclusion team makes positive change for students through celebration, activism and support.

Indica Norcup, Vice President for Welfare & Inclusion, is passionate about equity and diversity in all aspects of university life.

Phoenix Creative

Phoenix Creative is a creative agency born from a Students' Union with an expertise in youth culture and engagement. Their clients include NUS, Coventry University, Coventry City of Culture, and West Midlands Combined Authority.

The winner will get time with the Creative team to workshop their idea into a final design.

Phoenix Creative

Coventry University

This project was part-funded via the Coventry University City of Culture student grants scheme.

Coventry University - City of Culture