At a bill-signing ceremony Wednesday, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy unveiled the state’s new handicap parking signs for those with disabilities, which will now be known as “reserved” signs.
The signage contains a new, modernized symbol as well as more inclusive language. Endorsed by advocates internationally and already in use in certain locations throughout the world, the proposal was inspired by a group of Connecticut residents who approached the governor with the idea.
The new signs with the modernized symbol and language will only be installed when a new accessible parking space is created and needs a sign, or when an old sign becomes damaged or weathered and necessitates replacement. Under the law, all signs that are currently in use and contain the previously used symbol will remain until in need of replacement.
The governor’s office said in a statement phasing in the revamped symbol and language will come at no additional cost to taxpayers or businesses. The symbol will also begin to be used on license plates and placards, which will be similarly phased in when needed.
The symbol currently in use is nearly a half-century old and depicts a stationary individual in a wheelchair. The new symbol, known globally as the “Modified International Symbol of Access,” places the visual focus from the wheelchair to the individual.
