Disability Rights is an ongoing issue, even here in the United States.
Fortunately, there are many groups that exist who are fighting for those rights and changing how society views wheelchair users.
Last fall we shared a post (here) featuring the history behind the handicap symbol and the redesign that occurred for the International Symbol of Access.
The new symbol of accessibility conveys a much different message from the previous symbol simply by using a figure that is actively moving forward.
But, just because the symbol was changed, it does not mean that everyone is using the new symbol to convey messages.
Moving Forward in New York
Last month, new strides at making the new symbol something that is actually used started taking shape.
Currently, a legislation that requires updated signage using the new symbol and removing the words “handicapped” or “handicap” from all disability-related signage is up for a vote in both houses. This bill is specifically for the state of New York.
While this has not yet been voted into legislature, one city is already in the process of implementing the changes.
Big Changes for New York City
New York City is already proving the principle behind the legislation that a picture is worth 1,000 words.
City officials are hoping that by updating signage in areas where people park their handicap van with the new active image and marking signage as simply “accessible”, they will be able to make a difference in how people view other people with disabilities.
And, while this is not legally in effect for the state of New York yet, that doesn’t mean other cities won’t start taking after New York City’s lead and begin implementing the change.
What do you think about this move towards the future for how people view disabilities? Do you think this is enough or will we need to make bigger improvements to the system to make things better?