Mich. Comp. Laws § § 37.1102a
Adoption of standardized design; international symbol of access; removal of "handicapped".
Operative Text
Sec. 102a. (1) The commission shall adopt and post on the website of the department of civil rights a standardized design that is a variation of the current international symbol of access. The design must comply with all of the following: (a) Depict a dynamic character leaning forward in a wheelchair with a sense of movement. (b) Provide a contrasting background with either a light symbol on a blue background or a blue symbol on a light background. (c) Be substantially equivalent to the international symbol of access. (d) Be simple and avoid any secondary meaning. (2) Beginning 1 year after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section, each new placement or replacement of an international symbol of access sign required by law, ordinance, or administrative rule of this state or a local unit of government of this state must use the design adopted under this section. For any placement or replacement of the international symbol of access that is not required by law, ordinance, or administrative rule of this state or a local unit of government of this state, the commission and the department of civil rights shall encourage use of the design adopted under this section. (3) The commission and the department of civil rights shall encourage removal of the word "handicapped" from any signs or other means of communication of this state or any local unit of government of this state. (4) For the purpose of this section, encouraging the use of the design adopted under this section or the removal of the word "handicapped" do not include any form of civil, criminal, administrative, or regulatory action against any person or entity. (5) Any government issued item currently in use by this state or any department, agency, or office of this state, local unit of government of this state, or other entity or individual that contains the international symbol of access may continue to be used until there is a need to replace that item.
MCL § 37.1102a requires Michigan's civil rights commission to adopt and publish a modernized version of the international symbol of access — one depicting a forward-leaning, dynamic wheelchair user — and to post it on the Department of Civil Rights website. Starting one year after the law's effective date, any new or replacement accessibility sign that is legally required must use this updated design. The provision also encourages, but does not legally compel, the removal of the word 'handicapped' from government signs and communications, and existing items bearing the old symbol may remain in use until they need replacement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 37.1102a, property owners and managers who are required by law, ordinance, or administrative rule to install or replace international symbol of access signage must use the updated dynamic-wheelchair design beginning one year after the amendatory act's effective date. Compliant operators generally track when their accessible-parking and accessibility signs are due for replacement and source signage that meets the new standardized design published by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. For signage placements that are not legally mandated, operators are encouraged — but not required — to adopt the new design voluntarily.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 37.1102a establishes that legally required accessibility signs in Michigan must transition to a more dynamic, forward-leaning wheelchair symbol, which reflects a broader commitment to dignified and inclusive representation of people with disabilities. Tenants and residents who observe that a landlord or property manager has installed or replaced a required accessibility sign without using the updated design may wish to note the provision and raise the issue with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with disability access law can help individuals understand how this provision intersects with other accessibility requirements that may carry enforcement consequences.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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