Senator Carlucci & Supervisor Gromack Host Ceremonial Unveiling of New Accessibility Icon Signs

Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester), in partnership with Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack and disability advocates, hosted a Ceremonial Unveiling of the new Accessibility Icon Signs, in celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In 2014, Senator Carlucci’s passed legislation to modernize the Universal Accessibility Icon throughout New York State. The law eliminates the word ‘handicapped,’ and changes the icon symbol to represent a person seated in a wheelchair while appearing to be in motion. It discontinues the use of offensive and outdated “handicapped” signs throughout the state, and replaces them with the revamped “accessible” signs approved by disability advocates worldwide.

“New York is the first state in the nation to adopt this change,” said Senator David Carlucci said. “This ceremonial unveiling was a great way to come together as a community and celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am proud that we are again leading the way in disability advocacy and policy, and working together we will continue to be a shining example for disability rights throughout the country.”

"I am proud to join Senator David Carlucci in celebrating this milestone anniversary, in which we celebrate the success of the Americans with Disabilities Act over the last 25 years,” said Clarktown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack. “Thanks to the ADA, people with disabilities have better access to businesses, buildings, government services, and increased opportunities for employment.  In addition, New York State's new Accessibility Icon updates and destigmatizes the logo.  The Town of Clarkstown will replace the old accessibility logos over time as ​needed."

“My 52 year old brother came into this world as a member of a different class of people,” said Dan Lukens, Executive Director of  Camp Venture, Inc. “ Shortly after his birth, my parents were told that he belonged in an institution. When he went to school he had no right to an education and when he went in the community, people would sometimes ask why we would let him out.  In spite of this, my brother still managed to live a productive life in our community. He benefited (as did his family) by the advancement of his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act but mostly his life was made better by a state community that was there for him with supports and service that he needed. I am also very grateful for the leadership of  Senator Carlucci and for all the people in public life who have spoken up for our most vulnerable citizens. It is that leadership that has spoken to the better side of people and ultimate made a better life for them.”

“There has always been a concern that the existing signage and language emphasizes the disability itself, rather than being person-centered,” said Jill Waner, CEO of Jawonio. “The new more active image portrays more of us moving forward together as a society and that is what we need more of. Jawonio commends Senator Carlucci and the legislature and Governor Cuomo for this progressive, meaningful legislation throughout NYS and the country.”