COLUMBUS—Today, Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) gave sponsor testimony on Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, which urges Congress to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act and adopt a new version of the International Symbol of Access that depicts a wheelchair user in an active and engaged way.

“It is long overdue that the sign be updated to display mobility, as many people with disabilities are fully independent and enjoy a very active lifestyle,” said Senator Yuko, speaking in front of the Health, Human Services and Medicaid committee. “The new wheelchair symbol is a step towards removing the stigmas affecting those with disabilities.”

Shown above, the new symbol features a person on a wheelchair whose body is in motion, with the head and upper body leaning forward and the arms pushing backwards. The resolution calls for the new version of the symbol to replace the current International Symbol of Access. All new signs would use the new symbol and old signs would be replaced with the new symbol when they become worn out.