Local News

Actions

Lawmakers propose change to handicapped signs

Posted at 2:56 PM, Feb 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-29 17:56:34-05

DENVER, Colo. -- There's a push to change the handicapped sign to make it look more dynamic.

Lawmakers in Connecticut just proposed a bill to add motion to the current design, which hasn’t changed in at least 50 years. The new logo was first introduced by the Accessible Icon Project, which says the logo gives independence to the disabled, showing they "navigate the world."

But, not everyone is on board with the change.

"I certainly don't think a sign is something to get emotional about," said Julie Reiskin, Executive Director at the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition. "I don't think it's going to do anything. I don't think it deserves a lot of attention, and I certainly don't want to see tax dollars spent on it."

Reiskin rather focus on policy issues, such as poverty, housing and education. When it comes to the logo, she says, one size does not fit all.

"Not everyone with a disability does move," said Reiskin. "Some people don't move physically, but that doesn't mean their life has no motion or meaning."

Still, supporters say changing the logo is one small step in the right direction.

If the bill passes in Connecticut, the old signs would be phased out slowly at no cost to taxpayers. New York has already made the change by taking the word "handicapped" off the logo.