New Accessibility Signs Going up in Clarkstown

Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack joined Senator David Carlucci, Highway Superintendent Wayne Ballard and disability advocates including Dan Lukens, of Camp Venture, and Jill Warner, of Jawonio, for a Ceremonial Unveiling of the new Accessibility Icon Signs, in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The unveiling was on Main Street in New City July 31.

The new signs are due to a law sponsored by Carlucci and passed by state lawmakers in 2014 that removes 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 It discontinues the use of outdated “handicapped” signs throughout the state, which many advocates for people with disabilities found offensive, and replaces them with the revamped “accessible”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,” Carlucci said in a prepared statement. “This ceremonial unveiling is a great way to come together as a community and celebrate the 25thAnniversary 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.”

Gromack said, “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 Lukens. “ 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 Waner. “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.”

PHOTO/Clarkstown Supervisor’s Office