ISSUES OF HANDICAPPED PARKING
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
by Patty Cyr
Obstacles to handicapped parking have become increasingly apparent to me. This site has been created to spread awareness of the obstacles and to educate the public on ways to prevent them. I have also included my personal story, which motivated me to create this site.
THE OBSTACLES
Two cars are often parked in one handicapped parking space.
This does not allow room for wheelchair access.
Cross-hatchings are the diagonal lines to the side of the
handicapped space. When they are blocked, those in wheelchairs cannot get in and out of
their car.
Handicapped parking spaces are often not plowed well. I
believe this is because they are usually in corners where plows tend to pile snow. Some
lot owners say the handicapped parking signs impede their plowing effort because they are
in the way of the plow. This is a valid concern, yet alternate methods of clearing the
spaces could be used. You may live in an area where you do not get snow. You may, however,
get dust storms. The spaces may be covered by sand and not adequately cleared.
Delivery trucks often park in the handicapped spaces to
unload items.
Shopping carts are often left in
handicapped parking spaces. This can block the space making it impossible for a car to get
into the space. I realize other spaces, besides handicapped spaces, also get blocked. That
too, is inconsiderate. Yet, it is easier for one without a walking impairment to move the
carts than for someone in a wheelchair or with a severe walking impairment. I think there
are a few reasons why carts are left in handicapped spaces. One is that people, without
handicapped permits, may leave their cart there when the space is empty, being too lazy to
return it where it belongs. Secondly, I have also seen those with handicapped permits
leave their cart there. They may be too fatigued to actually return the cart. I believe
this is a point we must all take seriously, as it truly may be difficult for the person to
return the cart. Perhaps, there should be a special place by the handicapped spaces for
shopping carts. I would welcome opinions on this subject.
People without permits sometimes park
in the spaces.
Some people are using handicapped parking permits for
themselves, that have been issued to another member of their family. The permit is only to
be used when the person with the disability is in the car and in need of a space. Some are
even using permits of relatives who had the permit but have died. In that case, the
handicapped parking permit should be returned.
Some people once had a valid disability, but recovered, and
are still using their handicapped parking permit until it expires. If you no longer have
the walking impairment, which initially entitled you to the permit, you should return the
permit.
Recently, in some states and towns, lot owners have
designated special parking places for seniors, expectant mothers, and customers with
infants. I noticed one lot, in which a handicapped space had been taken away, and used for
this instead. It does not seem fair, that these customers are so easily granted a space,
whereas those with legal walking impairments must apply for, and often pay for, a
permit.
Some, with invisible impairments, are yelled at by others who do
not believe they have a disability because they “look” well. Although concern
for abuse is appreciated, this does not justify making quick assumptions and angry
remarks. There are people whose illnesses, such as those with
heart disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and numerous other diseases, whose walking
impairments may be "invisible" to others. These people may "look"
well. They are, however, deserving of their handicapped permit, provided they have been
issued it in accordance with their state’s law on handicapped parking. State laws
vary on their interpretation of what impairments allow one to be issued the permit. It is
hard enough for people to suffer with invisible illnesses, let alone be harassed for using
the space, when they have legitimately been issued a handicapped parking permit.
Some stores have their exit very far from the handicapped spaces. The spaces meet the legal requirement for the distance to the entrance, but exiting distances are not taken into account.
Some handicapped spaces are on treacherous slopes. They may meet the distance requirements to the entrance, but the slope area is very dangerous to those with walking impairments.
What Can You Do?
My Personal Story
This is a 
Updated 03/09
