Handicap parking spaces: Often too few or occupied by non-permits

@sandy8043 We are still using our placard from our reboots state. I’m not sure what are options here are. I like the options you have.

@heisenberg34
Hi, yes I have one now. I still have placard for the car. I do not always use handicap parking because I see older people who need it more. My leg and other issues allow me to have one but I feel for those who are worse off. It does tick me off when I see blatant abuse as I struggle to walk and others get out and literally run into the store. I can't stay on this as there will always be inconsiderate people. I only wish for enforcement of something that is mandatory for business to have but there is absolutely no enforcement. So why have it.

@shmerdloff
When I lived in California I drove a city bus. I had a passenger in a wheelchair who rode with me frequently. He made it a job to report to the bus company any violation in being ADA compliant . Due to a shortage of busses one day I had a non-compliant bus on an accessible route- time slot. Boy did I get an ear full and demanded I call dispatch to report it. I did just that. Things changed alot thanks to that advocate. All trips, all routes, all time slots became accessible. Old non compliant busses were removed from service. I wish there was a way to enforce all ADA parking. Private property (grocery stores, department stores, etc. do not enforce parking. I currently work at a VA hospital and they fully enforce it if found or reported. You can't park on the white lines or take up two spots. Kinda nice as our parking is extremely tight. I wish I could transfer that enforcing to the civilian side.

@lockmith
Going home from work one day, I was waiting on the bus line. Handicap wheelchair lady in front of me. Bus comes. Doors open. Bus kneels down. Platform lift comes out. Driver straps them (chair and lady) in and raises them into the bus. He secures them. The line of passengers break out into clapping and cheers. We board and leave. Terrific.

@lockmith I use a cane. I have a handicap tag. But I will not use a spot that is tagged "for wheelchair user" only. And yes, I have been known to go "all karen" on somebody who does do that. My wording is not very nice, but neither is their disregard of the tag. I advocate for those who need a accessibility consideration. When there is not a spot available, I will park where I can, and definitely take my time getting into whatever commercial venture I am heading to.

The one time someone parked covering two spaces, including the van accessibility area, I took out my phone and recorded everything. That driver was not very nice in her wording to me, but then again I wasn't very nice as I pointed out her violations, and how much it would cost her if I decided to turn her in.

Oh well. My reputation has been as a "redheaded rabble rouser" for a lot of my life. Why would I stop now?
Ginger

@gingerw
You go girl! Keep it up!
Hope you turned her in.

@shmerdloff
This, 100%! The people who design parking lots for buildings need to understand that handicapped parking spots should be as close to the building as possible. I have seen so many buildings, designed and built recently(within the last 20 years) that have huge areas of grass, concrete, landscaping, etc. that serve no visible purpose, taking up yards, and yards and yards of space that could be used for parking, when those areas could be off to the side. One of these buildings is a hospital. Also, it needs to be kept in mind that there are many many people who do not have a handicapped tag and aren’t officially handicapped, but are in pain sometimes when they’re trying to walk and would really appreciate not having to walk an eighth of a mile when it’s not necessary. So many things in this world would be better if everybody was forced to and have the ability to walk in other people’s shoes in all kinds of ways. I know, a pipe dream.

@naturelyn

The placement of handicapped spaces across a lane used to enter or leave a shopping area seems to be more and more common. And so, with my walker, I am bravely ( and slowly and very much aware I am holding up traffic) crossing the route used constantly as cars enter and leave the parking lot.

Even my former church when it rebuilt, did this. I regretfully looked for another church with friendlier handicapped access.

@methel
As others have pointed out, people with EXPERIENCE being handicapped in all different ways are the ones who need to input what is needed for accessibility. So many things need to be taken into account. I still remember at age 56 after breaking my ankle, on crutches (that didn’t last long!) looking at a curb only 3 or 4 inches high and feeling like it was a foot!!
People who do not have experience being disabled trying to design buildings, entrances, parking lots, etc. are too often just giving lip service to the issue.

@methel
Yes. I had to use a walker for 6 months and it amazed me how many inconveniences there are. I now walk with a leg brace and still experience fun stuff. Revolving doors, turnstiles, stairs with one handrail put you on the wrong side and people look at you like , how inconsiderate you are. Find myself apologizing, excusing myself because I need a handrail for safety. People can't see my brace only a cane. I found people were more considerate when I had my walker than with a cane. They are both a pain in the butt.
Back to parking and ramps, exit your car and you have to walk into traffic to use the ramp. Even placement of handicap parking, my favorite restaurant built a new building and the handicap is the farthest from the door. That is where they built the ramp. ? Two sets of doors to negotiate, try some of those with a walker or wheelchair. No door opener on restrooms either. When I go anywhere that I find accommodations for access that were really thought out I really appreciate them. I need to find a way to say thank you for caring.