Handicapped parking spaces have a purpose for people with disabilities. I’m not sure why handicap parking spaces are very controversial, but they are. In the news recently, a man in a wheelchair found himself physically assaulted because he simply asked someone not to park in a handicapped space. I never thought a problem could happen asking someone to pull out of a parking space that they didn’t need. It is scary to believe that people would ever hurt someone over a reasonable request.
I firmly believe that people with disabilities should support one another. If they really need to park in the space, then they can politely tell them that they need the space. I know that not everyone uses a wheelchair that needs a handicapped spot. Some people just can’t walk long distances or have some other disability that make them need the spot.
If you use a wheelchair, a bigger spot is needed. I have a van with a ramp that comes out the side when you open it. If I don’t have a bigger spot by my van, I cannot let my ramp lower down so my wheelchair can’t go in or out. Imagine how frustrating it is when I can’t go in or out of my own vehicle.
If you see someone parked illegally or not correctly in a spot, try one of these cards to put on someone’s wind shield. They might think the next time they park there, hopefully.
Handicapped Spaces Conflict
According to the article, Phillip Kinstler, of Pleasant Hill California went to Target to return a shirt. He pulled in a handicapped space to let down his ramp so he could get out of his SUV. Kinstler noticed that across from him sat a truck without a handicapped tag and a woman inside. Like many people do, he asked her to move the vehicle because someone with a disability might need the spot. I, personally, have done the same or a person that I’m with have asked them to move on my behalf.
Unfortunately, her boyfriend found him inside the store. He demanded that he apologize to his girlfriend immediately. Then, forcibly pushed his wheelchair and when Kinstler tried to stop it, the guy knocked him right out of his chair. Kinstler ended up with a broken wrist on the hand that helps him be the most independent. The police arrested the man responsible.
The reactions after me asking someone to move out of an accessible spot has been mixed. People sometimes act nice and caring about it or they act rude to me. My personal care attendant asked someone to move because they were blocking my ramp coming down. The woman told her that she parks there so her car door doesn’t get scratched. After we explained to her why people with disabilities need the space, the moment we pulled away, she parked there again anyway.
I also had people speak to me very condescending when I would ask them to move. It’s hard to believe people act this way simply because others seek the freedom to get out of their van. Kindness matters, and if you really need it, just say so nicely. And, if you ask someone to move, please be careful.
Check out signs you can pass out to people who do not park correctly. Signs.
