JWU Professor Driving Change for Rhode Islanders with Disabilities

For Associate Professor Tim Cox, advocacy and design have always gone hand in hand.

As a design educator at Johnson & Wales University, Cox has spent years researching disability representation and accessibility. That commitment recently extended beyond the classroom, helping inspire a legislative change that will make everyday life easier for Rhode Islanders who rely on adaptive vehicles.

Cox partnered with RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress), a Rhode Island-based disability advocacy organization, to design Rhode Island's new disability access license plate and a companion charitable license plate supporting the organization.

"This project highlights the role design can play in communicating ideas and supporting community initiatives," said Cox. "It was an opportunity to work with RAMP on a project intended to increase visibility and awareness around accessibility issues in Rhode Island."

A "Fun, Meaningful" Design

Cox said the project was "really fun to work on because it was so meaningful."

"This September I'll be in a wheelchair for 40 years," he said, "and so I look forward to opportunities to use my skills to advocate for the disabled."

When designing the plates, Cox drew inspiration from other states' disability license plate designs and Rhode Island iconography, creating a design that stands apart and feels unique to the Ocean State.

The disability access plate, intended for adapted vehicles, features the stars and anchor from the Rhode Island state flag along with the accessibility ;access symbol over a white background, with blue stripes at the top and bottom.

"My concept is to use the stars from the state flag to highlight the active disabled silhouette, and the anchor is the hub for that movement," Cox explained. "The blue areas are the world as the disabled person moves through it."

The companion charitable plate was designed to support RAMP's advocacy, education and outreach efforts. It features a group of people of all abilities walking across a bridge against the background of a yellow sun. As a charitable plate, it is available to all Rhode Island drivers.

"The concept is that ramp is a bridge to help the disabled to move from a world of inaccessibility and ableism to accessibility and acceptance," said Cox. "If you're in Rhode Island, please consider it so the mission of RAMP can reach new heights to advocate for the disabled."

Support From Statewide Partners

Gov. Dan McKee signed the legislation authorizing the plates into law July 22.

"These are more than just license plates," McKee said at the time of the signing. "They're a statement that Rhode Island is committed to accessibility, inclusion, and building a state where everyone belongs. I'm especially proud to ceremonially sign this legislation during Disability Pride Month, celebrating the achievements and rights of people with disabilities."

Tina Guenette, the founder of RAMP, said the legislation "it signs off on hope, on independence, and on the idea that access isn't special treatment, it's the starting line."

"Twelve years ago, five minutes changed my life when I became a wheelchair user," she said. "Today, five minutes with a pen changes lives for thousands of Rhode Islanders. We are all only temporarily able-bodied ... The work we do today protects everyone's tomorrow."

Cox, said he was proud to see the hard work of Guenette, RAMP, and state officials come to fruition.

"Their advocacy is an inspiration to all, and I'm happy to be a small part of the projects," he said.

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