👨‍🦼

Man in Motorized Wheelchair

man in MOH-tuh-rized WHEEL-chair
People & Body Unicode 12.0 common

Meanings

1
People · Disability Common

Depicts a man using a motorized/electric wheelchair, representing disability, mobility assistance, and accessibility. Used to discuss disability experiences, accessibility needs, or represent wheelchair users.

Used in contexts of disability representation, accessibility discussions, and inclusive communication. Appropriate for both casual and advocacy contexts.

My dad 👨‍🦼 just got a new motorized wheelchair with better battery life! 📋 Personal message
Reminder that our 👨‍🦼 accessibility group meets tomorrow at 3pm in the community center. 📋 Community announcement

Part of disability representation emojis introduced to promote inclusivity and visibility. Reflects ongoing efforts to represent diverse human experiences in digital communication.

2
People · Representation Common

Used symbolically in disability rights contexts, advocacy messaging, and discussions about accessibility barriers or improvements in physical spaces.

Often used in educational content about disability awareness or when highlighting accessibility issues in public spaces.

The new building design includes proper ramps and elevators 👨‍🦼👩‍🦼 #AccessibilityMatters 📋 Social media post

Represents the broader disability rights movement's push for representation in digital spaces and accessibility in physical environments.

Combos with 👨‍🦼

👨‍🦼♿
Accessibility signage and accommodations for wheelchair users.
Used in discussions about accessible facilities and disability rights advocacy.
👨‍🦼🏢
Workplace accessibility for wheelchair users.
Used in discussions about inclusive workplaces and employment accessibility.
👨‍🦼🚫🚶
Inaccessible spaces or barriers to wheelchair access.
Used to highlight accessibility issues in public spaces.

Culture

Represents the broader movement for disability inclusion and visibility in digital spaces, reflecting societal shifts toward recognizing diverse human experiences.

Part of Unicode's ongoing efforts to create more inclusive emoji representations, responding to advocacy from disability rights organizations.

The specification of 'motorized' wheelchair (versus manual) reflects the importance of representing different mobility aids and experiences within the disability community.

Introduced following criticism about lack of disability representation in emoji sets, marking a shift toward more inclusive digital communication tools.

United Kingdom Often used in contexts referencing the Equality Act and NHS accessibility services.
United States Often used in contexts of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance discussions and disability rights advocacy.
Gen_X: Used more sparingly, typically in practical contexts about accessibility needs or family situations on Facebook.
Gen_Z: Commonly used in advocacy contexts, disability awareness campaigns, and discussions about inclusive spaces on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Limited usage, primarily in family communication contexts when discussing mobility needs or accessibility issues.
Millennials: Used in workplace inclusion discussions, parenting contexts regarding accessibility, and disability rights advocacy on Twitter and Facebook.

History

2019

Introduction of disability representation emojis including the man in motorized wheelchair emoji.

Advocacy from disability rights organizations for better representation in digital communication.

2020

Increased usage during COVID-19 pandemic as discussions about accessibility and vulnerable populations expanded.

Pandemic highlighted accessibility issues and needs of disabled communities.