We’ve all seen it, the blue sign with a stick-figure drawing of a wheelchair with the word “handicapped” beneath it.

It’s a design that hasn’t changed since 1969.

And while the people who originally designed those signs meant no disrespect, as the times change, so should the verbiage.

The Michigan Secretary of State has since changed the name of the placards and plates it provides residents to “disability parking.”

Under state law, people who are legally blind, have difficulty walking or require a cane, walker, wheelchair or other assistive device are eligible for some type of disability parking.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Public Acts 182 and 183 of 2022 of 2022 will change the signs to better reflect people who use wheelchairs or need mobility assistance.

Under the legislation, introduced in the Michigan House by Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, the word “reserved” will take the place of “handicapped” and the new design will show a new active person in a wheelchair.

LaFave worked closely with Disability Network, Michigan to create the legislation.

According to its website, the group advocates for “inclusion and accessibility throughout Michigan.”

Alex Gossage, vice chair of Disability Network/Michigan Board of Directors said; “We are pleased the Legislature and the governor agreed that it was time for an update.”

Businesses won’t need to replace their signs right away, but the new design will need to be used when replacing an existing sign or placing a new one.

The changes are fitting, considering the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was celebrated this past week.

The federal law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.

The new logo has already been adopted by New York and Connecticut.

Inclusivity is a laudable goal, and, in our opinion that updating the signs is a step in the right direction.

We applaud Rep. LaFave for bringing this issue to light and the state legislature for acting on it.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette