JWU Professor Helps Design Rhode Island's New Disability Access License Plate

PROVIDENCE, RI — A professor in the Johnson & Wales University Design Department helped design Rhode Island's new disability access license plate and a companion charitable license plate supporting disability advocacy efforts throughout the state, the school said.

"Over the past year, Professor Tim Cox partnered with RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress), a Rhode Island-based disability advocacy organization, to develop designs for the two plates," the university said in a media release.

Gov. Dan McKee recently signed the law authorizing the plates during Disability Pride Month.

"This project highlights the role design can play in communicating ideas and supporting community initiatives," Cox said in the release.

"It was an opportunity to work with RAMP on a project intended to increase visibility and awareness around accessibility issues in Rhode Island," Cox said.

Cox has used a wheelchair for nearly 40 years and drew on both personal experience and conversations with law enforcement officers while developing the disability access plate design, according to the release.

"The proposed plate incorporates stars from the Rhode Island flag surrounding the accessibility symbol, with the state's anchor at the center," the release said. "Blue stripes extending across the plate represent movement and mobility."

The plate designs are currently awaiting final approval from the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, according to the release.

See also:

• 'Combative' RI Constable Blocked Dad From Autistic Son During Eviction: DBR
• Rhode Island Ranked 33rd In Best States Report: Here’s Why
• Boston Celtics Fans Among Most Foul-Mouthed In NBA: Study
• 3 More West Nile Virus Samples Found In Rhode Island
• RI Blood Donors Urgently Needed As Red Cross Declares National Crisis