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Columbia Missourian

Disabled advocates want 'handicapped' off signs

By The Associated Press
December 1, 2008 | 10:29 a.m. CST

ST. LOUIS — The Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities wants to remove the word "handicapped" from signs indicating parking spaces for the disabled.

Susan Pritchard-Green heads the council. She says the word "handicapped" is derogatory and insulting for people with disabilities.

Instead, she says she'd like to see the spaces marked in blue to be known simply as "accessible parking." The council and other advocacy groups say they'll push for legislation to change the language of the state law governing the parking signs.

Pritchard-Green says some other states have already made the change.