The truth about Accessible Parking

This webpage is dedicated to help raise awareness about the truth about accessible parking. Unfortunately we are facing a major crisis across the globe of people who are simply ignorant to the facts surrounding the use of accessible parking spaces. All too often those of us with hidden disabilities run into those who seem to still have a stereotypical view of individuals living with a disability. They make the mistake of automatically assuming that the only people allowed to use these spaces are those who use wheelchairs. This couldn't be further from the truth as in reality there are many different forms of disability. It must be known that disabilities can affect anyone young or old including those who use wheelchairs and those who don't. It may even come as a surprise to some but even those who still have the ability to walk can have a disability just one that you might not be able to see. We call these hidden disabilities and it seems that the general public is clueless when it comes to this type of a disability. 

You can help us raise awareness 

Our main goal it to help educate the general public on the use of accessible parking by those with a wide range of disabilities. That is why we ask you to join us one Facebook & Twitter to help get the word out as we believe education is key. The time is now for us all to join together so that those who have every right to use accessible parking can without the fear of being harassed.

Tips for the general public

  -Not all forms of disability are clearly visible

-Accessible Parking spaces are not strictly reserved for wheelchair users or seniors citizens.

-There are a wide range of disabilities and even those who have the ability to walk use Accessible Parking

-If you see an Accessible Parking Permit you need to leave that person alone

-It is completely rude to ask anyone parked in an Accessible Parking Space if they have a permit, it's really none of your business

-Leaving rude notes on the windshield of anyone vehicle is completely rude, especially when this is done to someone who may have a hidden disability

-Think before you react as that person may have every right to park there

Join is on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking

Brought to you by The My Becker's Story blog!

An epidemic of stupidity that needs to STOP!

Accessible Parking Fail - Parked between two accessible parking spaces

There is currently an epidemic of idiots who are abusing their right to use accessible parking. If you visit any parking lot across any city you will see what we label as jerks using accessible parking incorrectly. The sure sign of someone who is inconsiderate to the needs of other's is those who make the idiot move of parking between two accessible parking spaces. What they end up doing is making each spot on either side unusable. This is when the word jerk comes into mind. After all many of us already know that the area between two accessible parking spaces were created to give those with limited mobility a safe place to access their vehicles. Many refer to this as the cross hatching area between accessible parking spaces. I like to refer to this a the no go zone as the cross hatching is meant to signify that you are not allowed to park there.

Parking Fail - Parked Between two accessible parking spaces

 When ever someone parks between two accessible parking spaces they end up removing people's ability to access their vehicles in a safe manor. After all what do you think accessible parking permits were created for? It really shouldn't come as a surprise that these spaces are not just about getting a closer parking space. Even worse think about the affect parking over the cross hatching has on those who use wheelchairs. What you are doing is removing the one place that is very useful for those of us who require that extra room. You also have to think about people who drive fully accessible vehicles, they need this area simply to put their ramps down. It is complete stupidity to block anyone's access to their own vehicles. So please THINK and if you are in the habit of parking in this way it needs to STOP! As the police can ticket anyone even permit holders for using these spaces incorrectly. 

Related Posts:

Accessible Parking: Some people just don't get it!

Accessible parking and the harassment those with less recognizable disabilities face,

Why I have no choice but to use accessible parking,

Sometimes you have to give people the finger &

Is the entire purpose of accessible parking being forgotten?

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking

Accessible Parking: Some people just don't get it!

When it comes to accessible parking I am always surprised by the amount of people who use these spaces incorrectly. In today's post you will find a few examples of those who seem to be having a bit of difficulty understanding how to use accessible parking spaces. The one thing that bothers me the most is those who seem to think their accessible parking permit gives them the right to park their vehicle any way they choose. The Ford Escape pictured above is the perfect example of someone who parks their vehicle however they please without a concern for other’s.

Then there are those who seem to think it is ok to park on the crosshatch/grid lines between two accessible parking spaces as if this area has no purpose. I can’t believe they don’t understand that this area was created to provide drivers and passengers with disabilities the room they need to exit their vehicles safely. Those who do this either don’t care or just don’t get it. Maybe part of the problem is a lack of enforcement. I really believe it is time to start cracking down on those who park illegally in these spaces along with those with accessible parking permits who are not using them properly. No one should be parking their vehicle like this in any accessible parking space.

Here's a few more examples of how not to park in accessible parking spaces.

Related Posts:
Accessible Parking & the harassment people with hidden disabilities face,
Is it time for an all-new type of accessible parking space?,
Is the entire purpose of accessible parking being forgotten?,
Accessible Parking some people just don't get it &
Accessibility and the need for improvement in my community

Join us on Facebook to join in the conversation 

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking

Accessible Parking: The harassment those with Hidden Disabilities face

Through out the years growing up as a young with a hidden disability I have faced many challenges, but there is one I just can’t seem to over come. This has to be some peoples ignorance when it comes to the use of accessible parking spaces. To say I’ve had it rough would be an under statement, you could ask my friends and family members about the stories I could tell you about being harassed by total strangers. Some will go out of there way to see if I have a accessible parking permit, some just start cursing me out, some even threaten me with violence, or say their going to call the police, there’s even been times when I have found notes attached to my windshield saying “You need to save these spots for the people who really need it. To be honest I am truly amazed at the ignorance some people have in society concerning these accessible parking spaces, but whose to blame?

Accessible Parking Sign

 When I really start to think about it I do understand where these people are coming from, you see part of the problem is most of us grow up thinking that people who have a disability are either people in wheelchairs or seniors who use walkers or canes. But for me growing up with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy I found out pretty quick that these accessible parking spaces are for people who suffer from any number of disabilities out there. Sadly some people never realize this and that is where the whole problem begins. You see a large majority of people in society believe that if they don’t see a wheel chair or a cane or some sort of obvious sign of a disability, that you must be perfectly fine. They jump to the conclusion that you would then have no legitimate reason for parking in an accessible parking space. Thankfully though, I have met a few people over the years who understand that this way of thinking is wrong, but I do wonder how can we change people's attitudes towards those of us with less recognizable disabilities? Hopefully through "The Truth about Accessible Parking" webpage - I don't know.

And sure there might be those out there who would believe that part of the problem is the international symbol for those of us with disabilities being someone sitting in a wheelchair. Sure I agree it isn’t helping but I myself don’t believe that needs to change. I believe that people need to be better educated concerning those of us with less recognizable disabilities parking in accessible parking spaces. To me it is truly sad that some people have no clue about what a disability is or what it looks like, what people need to learn is that a disability can affect anyone, even those who still have the ability to walk.

Related Posts:

Is the entire purpose of accessible parking being forgotten? ,
Is it time for an all-new kind of accessible parking space? ,
Accessible Parking: Some people just don't get it! ,
 My personal story growing up with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy &
My Childhood & living with Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Join us on Facebook to join in the conversation 

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking

Is it time for an all-new kind of accessible parking space?

When it comes to accessible parking sadly way too many people take on the role of a vigilante when it comes to protecting these kind of parking spaces. These are the type of people who believe if you park in these spaces and don't appear to have a disability that it is their duty to jump into action like some kind of an accessible parking space super hero. When called into action the first thing most accessible parking space vigilantes do is give you a dirty look then they wait patiently for you to exit your vehicle. It's at that point when they might start yelling at you using every insult in the book while saying things like; "Laziness is not a disability" or "Why don't you save those spaces for the people who really need them". Some will even curse you out all in an effort to belittle you in public to make you feel as if you are doing something wrong when your not.

Unfortunately way too many of us are having to deal with this kind of ignorance on a daily basis. It has happened to me so many times that I am always a little apprehensive when it comes to using accessible parking spaces. Like most people I don't appreciate being cursed at or being told off for doing something I have every right to do. My biggest concern is that one day someone is going to take it too far which could result in my car being vandalized or even me being assaulted simply for not having a recognizable disability.

I wonder could there be a solution to this problem? 

Maybe it is time to introduce an all-new type of accessible parking space strictly for people with hidden disabilities. Quite possibly the simplest thing we could do is look into updating the accessible parking space symbol? Sure it was recently updated with what I like to call the accessibility in motion symbol. But would the addition of someone walking with a line through their leg symbolizing some with walking difficulties, along with a cane help to send the message that people with a wide range of mobility issue's use these spaces?

Updated symbol to include people with walking difficulties 

All too often it seems as if people are still getting confused by the international symbol for accessibility being a person using a wheelchair. The mistake some people are making is believing that if they don't see us using a wheelchair or a cane that we must be perfectly fine. What many of these people seem to be unable to learn is that a disability can affect anyone young or old even those who still have the ability to walk. I do hope one day that every one thinks twice before judging people who may not look disabled who use accessible parking. The best thing for everyone to do is they see an accessible parking permit it's might be best to just mind your business. After all no one wins when it comes to Parking Spot Rage. Most of us are just trying to enjoy our day and we don't need you ruining it. 

Related Posts:

Accessible Parking: Some people just don't get it!

Accessible parking and the harassment those with less recognizable disabilities face,

Why I have no choice but to use accessible parking,

Sometimes you have to give people the finger &

Is the entire purpose of accessible parking being forgotten?

Join us on Facebook to join in the conversation 

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking

Ignorance when it comes to hidden disabilities & accessible parking

Over the last few years I have expressed my frustration with some people's ignorance when it comes to the use of accessible parking. Still to this day I really don't understand why there is so much confusion around there use. Now I am pretty sure that most people are not surprised when they see someone in need of a wheelchair, walker or even a cane parking in these spaces. But the second they see a much younger person who might still have the ability to walk parking there they feel the need to stop and stare, they may even send and insult or two your way. Simply because they are ignorant to the fact that disabilities affect those young and old even someone like me who still has the ability to walk. Over the last few years I have become all too familiar with this type of ignorance. So here is a list to help educate the public on why someone like me has every right to park my vehicle in accessible parking spaces.  

Reasons why we have every right to use accessible parking:

- Every time we park in regular old fashioned parking spaces, many of us always come back to find another vehicle in the space next to us parked so close that it becomes nearly impossible for us to get back into our vehicles. You see we need the extra space accessible parking provides as it allows us to open our car door all the way. Allowing us to get in and out of our vehicles with minimal physical effort. Something that is important for someone who is still walking who is living with a hidden disability. When people park close to our vehicles it helps to create challenges that many of us just shouldn't have to face. This is why many of us no longer park in regular old parking spaces. Thankfully having an accessible parking permit allows us to avoid these types of situations.

 - When it comes to living with what some people might call a hidden disability reality for me is I never know when one of my legs is going to give out. So the shorter the distance I have to walk the better as it lowers the risk of me falling. I am sure that no driver wants me falling behind there vehicle risking the possibility of being run over. Really if that happened how would it make you feel? This is why you shouldn't have a problem with me using accessible parking as it helps to make both our lives much easier. So you have to think the next time you see someone like me using accessible parking. Ask yourself first might this person have a hidden disability? Would it really benefit either of us if you first resort to giving me dirty looks and calling me names just because you see me walking? You have to remember that there is a huge possibility that I have every right to park there. Because when you stare or choose to call me names it only helps to show how truly ignorant you are.

Why you really have no right to judge us

-You have to realize that you really have no right to judge someone who you probably have never met and know nothing about. So how are you supposed to know if they have the right to park there or not.

-It is always best to think before you react as you don't really know that persons story or struggle. Some of us have been through a lot and your stares and rude comments only help to upset us and on many occasions even has the possibly of ruining our entire days.

-Think about it this way do you have a copy of our medical records? No, so please just leave us alone as we don't want to be reminded of some peoples ignorance on a daily basis. Many of us use these spaces several times throughout the day. Do you think we want to have to deal with this kind of stupidly every single time we park our cars?

-It must be known that it is not your job to instantly become an accessible parking space superhero every time you see some who doesn't fit your stereotypical view of someone with a disability. As you can see in the end the problem isn't with them its with you.

 The point I am trying to make with this posting is that when the next time comes and you are tempted to stare or make rude remarks it might be a better idea to just mind your business. 

Related Posts:
Accessible Parking & the harassment people with hidden disabilities face,
Is it time for an all-new type of accessible parking space?,
Is the entire purpose of accessible parking being forgotten?,
Accessible Parking some people just don't get it &
Accessibility and the need for improvement in my community 

Join us on Facebook to join in the conversation 

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking

Frustrations with other accessible parking space users

Well here we go again yet another posting about the issues of stupidity I face when ever I use accessible parking. Today I was parked in an accessible parking space which I am legally allowed to do with my parking permit. At the time I had my windows down and all of  a sudden a car passing behind me stopped. Next thing you know the driver starts yelling out do you have an accessible parking permit? At first I ignored them because I don't think stupid questions even deserve an answer. Then they yelled out another time so I gave them the finger, ok I really just gave them the thumbs up. This was to signify yes - I have an accessible parking permit. My response seemed to leave them confused so they asked again for the third time. Eventually they clued in and drove off and parked in another accessible parking space. 

Like many of you who may have faced this type of ignorance before I can no longer hold back when it comes to this kind of stupidity. You see these types of people see a young person and automatically assume that you can't possibly have a disability. The fact that they would even assume I would park illegally in an accessible parking space infuriates me. How nice of them to see me and automatically assume that I must be an inconsiderate jerk. To be honest there stupidity shocked me especially when I happened to be parked at a facility that police officer frequent on a regular basis. In fact at the time there were actually five police cars parked pretty much directly behind me. Each officer saw me parked there on their way into the building and they didn't say a word. Now I know what some of you might be thinking and no I wasn't at a doughnut shop. So after these people parked in another accessible space an older man exited the vehicle from the passenger side and walked briskly into building. So a few minutes later what do I see? A security guard walking towards my car, looking directly my way. I guess at one point he must have seen that I had a valid permit displayed so he quickly made his way back inside. It's obvious to me that the man who exited the car earlier must have complained. I have to tell you I am fed up with the stupidity of other accessible parking permit holders. The second some of them can't find an open space they seem to be surprised that their not the only one with some form of disability. Believe me there have been many times when I haven't been able to find a space and I dealt with it by parking somewhere else. Now sure when it comes to those in accessible vans that's not an option. But today that wasn't the case. They were driving a car just like me.

After today I think people like this need to understand that accessible parking permits don't give you the right to question and harass people who find accessible parking before you do. You have to understand there are only a limited number of spaces available. If you can't find one that is no one's problem but your own. In the end do us all a favor and mind your business and move along.

Related Posts:

Accessible Parking & The Harassment people with hidden disabilities face,

Reason why I have no choice but to use accessible parking,

Is the entire purpose of accessible parking being forgotten? &

Accessible Parking some people just don't get it

Join us on Facebook to join in the conversation 

www.facebook.com/accessibleparking