In the News

NY passes bill to alter handicap accessible signs

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Senator David Carlucci along with Assembly Member David Weprin, Chair of the Assembly Task Force for People with Disabilities, were joined on Assembly Disabilities Awareness Day by advocates from and for the disability community. (Photo: nysenate.gov)

ALBANY — New York's Legislature has passed a bill that would alter handicapped signs.The Republican-led Senate passed a measure that would alter the traditional image of a static wheelchair bound character used on ramps and accessible parking to show the character in motion.

Sponsoring Sen. David Carlucci, a Westchester County Democrat, says the term handicapped is outdated and offensive. The bill would prohibit the word handicapped from being displayed on signs.

The legislation, which has already passed the Democrat-led Assembly, would only apply to signs installed after the legislation is implemented.

The bill has been sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for consideration.