The state house has passed legislation that makes changes to Michigan’s handicapped parking signs.
Upper Peninsula state representative Beau LaFave sponsored the legislation, saying that the new signs showing a person in a wheel chair that’s in motion.
“The old logo, commonly referred to as the handicapped parking sign, showed an individual sitting passively in a wheelchair, doing nothing,” said LaFave (R-Iron Mountain). “Essentially being pushed through life. This new logo strikes the word ‘handicapped’, which many in the disability community find to be offensive.”
The bill does NOT mandate new signs, but calls for the installation of the new image as current signs are replaced.
“We’re not going to force businesses to spend money unnecessarily,” LaFave said. “And this would be an unnecessary expenditure. But if you’ve got to get a new one, after the enactment of this bill, then get the new one. It doesn’t cost any more than the old sign.”
