As we adjust to our new (disabled) life here in Meaford, I'm quickly learning all the things that are involved in living in a wheelchair. Virtually all the friends we run into say something like: "You're looking great!" It's nice to have such a positive reaction, but in fact it's all very difficult, challenging and demanding. I'll try not to sound too negative, but every now and then I'll point out a few of these challenges.
Disabled parking spaces are one issue, though a fairly minor one. Many of them are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and side-loading van, which requires about 8 feet of space beside the vehicle.
This is the truck beside us when we were out yesterday, about 3 feet short of the space I'd need to unload. We end up backing out and blocking the aisle while I get loaded. This says nothing about people who don't have the permits to use these spaces in the first place.
So next time you see one of these, think about those of us, like me, for whom it makes a difference. This one is in Collingwood, ski runs in the distant background.
We have a disabled friend who's a really tough lady and has confronted non-handicapped people who have parked in those blue marked spaces with the reserved signs. I don't know if it does any good, but it makes her feel better.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see people parked in Handicaps spots where they shoudn't, my common reaction is "Hmmm, doesn't look like a "physical" handicap...". They're just mentally challenged I guess. Gord.
ReplyDeleteIf they've got a permit, there are a lot of different reasons for that. If they don't, they deserve to be yelled at, as well as fined.
ReplyDeleteI have always gotten really upset when I see people who are definitely NOT handicapped parking in one of those designated spots.... Grrrrrrrrr.....
ReplyDeleteI had a good friend (died several years ago) who had MS --and was in a wheelchair... When we went on trips together, I quickly found out that there are so many things to consider... As you said, It isn't easy!!!!! Blessings to you...
Hugs,
Betsy
I know what you mean by the frustration of people abusing those handicap sites. When I drove a wheel chair van for Town & Country a few years ago I ran into this as well when having to get folks either into or out of the van. The vans I drove were rear entry for the chair. I also drove a mobility bus part time for the city of St. Marys and finding people downtown parked in the handicap spots was always a frustration. Drove a handicapped school bus for young children too but luckily didn't have any issues with parking areas there. My wife Kelly by the way was the monitor on the bus.
ReplyDeleteThere should be a special place in hell for able bodied people who park in or block disabled parking spaces! I would never in a million years even think of using one of those spots.
ReplyDeleteGood reminders. We are careful to not take those spaces, but we must also remember to leave room next to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm very familiar with the problems you point out. When we used to take my mother out and about my brother often elected to park in a distant and largely unused corner of a car park and walk from there, pushing mum in her chair, than use the disabled spaces. It is frustrating when you see people draw up into disabled spaces who have no obvious disability, however you have to beware of jumping to conclusions. I once worked with a young man with autism who would really freak out if he had to walk across a car park with cars coming and going, making it an extremely dangerous process. We therefore used the disabled spaces next to the shop entrance, as we were quite entitled to do, here he got out calmly and no one would have guessed that he had any problem at all.
ReplyDeleteOne would think people understand. I know our town, established in 1816, had no idea and they have had to adapt to change.
ReplyDeleteThe other issue, I've read about, are people with invisible disabilities who are disparaged by not-so-well-meaning people in public. Many have life-limiting issues, and they are unseen.
I guess it is education. You are doing good work in this area.
Absolutely ♥
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying some people just don't think. We have good friend with one leg and a scooter but he very seldom uses the handicap spots. Leaves them for people who really need them. He is also a full-time rv'er.
ReplyDeleteI saw a fancy Lexus without any handicapped sticker parked in one of those spots just yesterday. Probably felt he or she could just "run in" for a few things and nobody would notice. I hope you will help to educate these thoughtless people.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. When my daughter was in her wheelchair it was a constant battle. The handicap parking spots were in their infancy in those days and people sure DID NOT GET IT>
ReplyDeleteDisabled parking has been a problem for a long time. People don't seem to see the importance of these stalls.
ReplyDeleteA friend has a sign mounted on the side of his handicap van "DO NOT PARK WITHIN 8 FEET OF THIS SIGN".
ReplyDeleteI have watched our son confront folks in those parking spots. I have glared a some myself. Some of the spots are marked for the bans but get used by small cars. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI see people with cars in the van spots all the time...what are they thinking....especially at the Clinic.
ReplyDeleteThe Chef has a lung disease and can only walk short distances. Once upon a time his doctor could have issued a disabled parking badge. Now you have to fill in forms and get assessed and likely not get the badge. His disability is quite invisible so even with a badge people would assume he had no right to it. Having said that I agree it seems to be a universal problem that selfish people park where they shouldn’t.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the difficulty, and my handicap is very slight compared to what you are enduring, but sometimes it is nice to be able to park close to a store. If there is a space close to the handicapped one we will use that instead, if it is just a few more steps, leaving the handicap space for someone who might have greater need.
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