- We need more accessible parking spaces, especially for vans.
- We must ensure the stringent enforcement of accessible parking laws.
- Join our Working Group on Accessible Parking
To this day, “handicapped” parking persists as an incomplete victory for our community.
Even the name makes me cringe. We must eliminate what’s antiquated and poorly conceived about our parking — beginning with the word “handicapped.” That, sadly, is the easiest part of this endeavor.
For many of us with disabilities, owning an adapted van or car is an absolute godsend. However, once we reach our destination, we may not be able to get in or out of our vehicle. There may not be enough accessible parking spaces. Or, if we’re lucky enough to find one, we may not be able to leave because someone illegally parked on the stripes.
Nondisabled Drivers Must be Made to Obey the law
Everyone understands what the iconic universal sign posted at each accessible parking space means. So then, how do you explain the Uber Eats driver who squatted in the mall’s only remaining accessible spot?
I waited, my engine idling, while they finished their business that would, no doubt, “only take five minutes.” Meanwhile, cars piled up behind me. One enraged driver honked and cursed at me — as if the situation was my fault.
Another time, a Porsche slid into the lone van spot’s stripe right in front of me! That wasn’t the first or last time I asked a stranger to move so that I could.
Van parking is difficult because developers usually only provide the bare minimum of required spaces. That’s two per every 300 spots. Also, too many nondisabled drivers ignore the extra 60 inches of clearance beside a van parking spot. But without those stripes, a ramp user is trapped inside or outside their vehicle.
We must fight to ensure that nobody becomes a prisoner of their car. And we must demand more abundant accessible spaces and stringent enforcement of parking requirements. If nondisabled drivers refuse to obey the law, they should face stiff punishments. We also need doctors to be scrupulous about who gets a permit for the precious accessible spaces we do have. And we should work together with people who have the power to create initiatives that serve our community in this realm.
I felt our member Anthony Sanchez’s frustration in this Instagram reel. He couldn’t access his vehicle because someone broke the law and parked on the stripes.
View this post on Instagram
We Demand Respect
I will never forget how The Coca-Cola Company set aside an accessible parking space just for me following my injury. It was safeguarded — and respected. I can’t say enough about how much that meant to me and how much I would love this for everyone in our community.
Unfortunately, employees with disabilities are not guaranteed a dedicated parking spot. When an employer is not enlightened enough to do the right thing, the employee with a disability must negotiate for it as a reasonable accommodation. Like with so many things, the burden is often placed on us to fight for our rights.
I hope more businesses follow the example of my former employer rather than doing the bare minimum.
Looking ahead, we have new fights looming. A recent presentation by the Access Board ended with a discussion of accessible electric vehicle chargers. Stone age attitudes about disability can’t inform hypermodern developments like the mass adoption of electric vehicles — we must stay vigilant. As someone who would love to have an EV one day, I pledge to be part of this fight.
You can join the fight for accessible parking by signing up for our Advocacy Network’s Working Group on Accessible Parking. We can make a difference for all motorists with disabilities, but only if we work together.
The image at the top of the page comes from a Reddit post by u/Colonel-Cheese.
