More than 45 years after it was first created, the handicap symbol is getting a significant redesign, at least in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) recently signed into law the measure, making New York the first state in the nation to replace the universal symbol with a modified version, according to the sponsors of the bill.
“New York is again leading the way by being the first state in the Nation to update our outdated ‘handicap’ signs with a more active, engaging symbol. Working together we will continue to be a shining example for disability rights throughout the country,” Sen. David Carlucci (D) said in a statement. He and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D) co-sponsored the bill, which has no fiscal impact as it only requires new signs to carry the updated icon and which also drops the word “handicapped” from signs and communications in favor of the word “accessible.”