The handicapped sign is getting a new look — at least in New York

A new ADA signage law has just passed in New York effecting sign shop owners all over the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo just signed the law on July 25, 2014 requiring future wheelchair-accessible signs to depict a wheelchair in motion, rather than the sedentary stick-figure image that has marked parking spots and ramps for decades. The new law will also prevent future accessibility signs from using the word “handicapped”, a term advocates say is out-stated and offensive to the wheelchair-bound.  The new description would allow only for the word “accessible”.

This new law goes into effect in November and will only apply to wheelchair-accessible signs that are newly installed or replaced going forward. Existing signs won’t be impacted. 

The new symbol maintains the blue and white imagery of the current accessible signs, but instead leans the character forward and shows it propelling the wheelchair in motion. Advocates for the new signage – which is already being implemented in New York City – say it helps fight the myth that people in wheelchairs aren’t active. 

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