Handicapped parking spots - The Who, Why, & What of using these spots!

Hello, friends!
Here is a quick explanation of handicapped parking spaces, what those lines are for, and who should park where.
Until you need it, people don't respect and fully understand why selecting a particular spot is so important.
I hope this helps everyone better understand the process.

[@garrettgriffin4974]

I've been parking to the right of that lined space for years, because I keep my rolling walker in the driver's side back seat, and it allows me more room to pull the walker out. It didn't occur to me that I'm helping others at the same time. Good to know. Now I'll be even more conscious of it.

[@ecm8948]

Understood, but sometimes the handicapped person may have to get a chair out from the driver's side of a car, so I park backward in the spot so the chair or rollator can be pulled out from the back seat. My friend/helper gets it out for me and places it next to my door - I am the driver, but I'm the disabled one too. So not everyone drives a van, but they may need the extra space

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Yes, absolutely. In your case, parking to the right of those lines works perfect too, unless someone has their wheels over the line. It is so frustrating to see wheelchair users limited by the lack of adequate parking spaces.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Do you find your city to be very accessible? There's a few big cities I've been to that shocked me in terms of inaccessibility. If you have a moment, let us know what your home town has to offer. :)

[@ecm8948]

I agree parking to the right would be optimal except that spot is not always open ... I'm back into the van space only when there's no other option and believe me I've been to places where I have not been able to find any kind of parking anywhere suitable

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

@@ecm8948 yes, I frequently have to back in our side-entry van, too. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many spots this facility had. If only they could all be that way!

[@dls6625]

So with that being a medical facility, they are required to have more than normal number of ADA spaces. Both the spots where your van is parked and the spot to your left look to be "Universal ADA Spaces". Universal spaces are required to be 132" in width with a 60" unloading zone (2 universal spaces can share 1 unloading zone) whereas a normal ADA space is required to be 96" in width with a 60" unloading zone. A typical Van Accessible space requirements are 96" in width with a a 96" unloading zone. There are so many lots across the US that are not in compliance or have been grandfathered in since the 2010 ADA requirements were updated. Every handicap spot (by federal law which can be downsized state to state or city to city) is now required to have an unloading zone next to it (2 spaces can share 1 unloading zone). If a company changes their lot layout or is a new build, they are supposed to update their ADA spaces. Now if the companies do that that is another thing. Just some extra facts for everyone. If you find a property out of regulation, you can call your city and file a complaint.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I have often wondered how many businesses have been grandfathered in. That is a great point. In our downtown Phoenix area and adjacent older cities, I often find only one to two spaces, and it is in a terrible part of the lot. One office has such limited space you have to back all the way out to the entrance in order to get out again. (Unless there is an open spot to complete a 3-point turn. Thank you for your additional information!

[@lisamaczura3914]

I have an oversized walker and walk/drive solo most of the time. BEST store parking lot that I've seen so far is Winco on Country Club Rd. Lots of big spaces, walkways marked off for walking/rolling, easy transition with smooth large ramp at entrance that everyone uses. This grocery store is employee-owned and run by super helpful people. Store has wide aisles and bulk/organic food options in the back corner. Bring cash or debit. They don't take credit cards. OK to bring your own containers to stock up.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Glad to hear Winco is so accessible, Lisa!

[@paulredinger5830]

The big yellow lined space, and the large distance between the parking spaces is for wheelchair accessibility. That’s why the spaces are so WIDE! The large crew cab truck to the left. Do you notice the distance between the trucks door and the yellow line? That same distance will be available if someone’s parked in the spot your talking about. That plenty to get a chair out of. I’ve had no problems doing that whatsoever. Did you notice the space to the left of your van? That gives plenty of space to get a chair out too.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Hi there, Paul! This particular lot has amazing spaces. Unfortunately, a lot of the lots in our area do not afford this much space. I'll try to catch another video of the typical ones we see frequently in our area. Appreciate your feedback. :)

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

but if the van spot is the only one available..its fine to use if you really can't use a regular spot. i only use a motorized chair for long trips....but i actually need the access aisle to pull myself out...i always need room to open the door fully and need room to balance myself after standing (i just use shopping carts as a mobility device). also, for the non van space, in that situation, you can back in and have the ramp open on to the aisle...

[@godfireprime]

I'm in a wheelchair and I've had to deal with so many people parked in that handicapped hashmark space. like, wtf people.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Happens to us all the time. Or they park half on it, and I still have to move to give my husband enough clearance.

[@paulredinger5830]

The wide space and the yellow lined area creating that space is for wheelchair accessibility. I don’t understand what the drama is? If that’s not wide enough maybe you should stay home? Ive never had any problems getting my chair out. Edit: I just don’t get your concern. If you see the huge truck to the left and the space between the truck and the yellow like is quit a lot. More then enough to get a chair out. You’ll notice how much wider a handicapped parking spot is? There’s a reason for that.

[@UpnorthHere]

@@paulredinger5830 Uh, parking in the yellow hashmarks is NEVER legal and can get that vehicle towed, hence the "drama". "Maybe you should just stay home"?? Yeah, and maybe I shouldn't have had my legs amputated so I'd have to use a side-ramp van.

[@stratfordbaby]

But in the REAL WORLD we cannot be so choosy and pick whatever is available. In Canada we don't have these ramp areas in most places.

[@snapman218]

There should be a separate van only sign so people don't get confused or have to go and read that tiny little sign. Not a hard fix.

[@Ballme60]

One important factor that you didn't discuss is, if a person with a handicap parking permit parks in a handicap parking spot and an abled body person get out of the vehicle and the handicap person remains in the car, they are also parked illegal. The permit is to allow the handicap person to park closer! The abled body person doesn't need to be closer.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Yes! 100% agree. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@edbredin6406]

Why can't people just back in if that's the only bay available 😂

[@adamguymon7096]

Please don't use the "H" Word. Please call it ADA Access Parking or AAP for ASA Access Parking. This teaches the rest of the non-disabled community the right way to address and not shame the word Disabled/Disabilities. Disabled/Disability is not a dirty word and the "H" Word is a reminder of negative things that have been done and said to disabled people. Other than that it was a good video.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Great point and appreciate the feedback!

[@gloriawelch3603]

Nothing better to do?

[@jerrypatterson55]

you park in one and get out even with a placard and ar walking normally i make you a honest man on the spot you park in one without a placard imake you a honest man on the spot

[@John01GM40]

man?

[@UpnorthHere]

A walking disability is only one of MANY justifications for a placard. You simply randomly challenging someone about that could get you more trouble than you bargained for.

[@jerrypatterson55]

oh someones triggered my work is done here

[@ryanwyrick6947]

well you're gonna need to articulate that on a sign right in front of the space cuz no one is gonna know and half of everyone is clueless to begin with and cant make out basic connections like this. Most dont care anyway. Their logic is if it isnt on a sign its fair game...

[@johnlundgren5085]

That's all fine and dandy but I'm Disabled and I don't have a van with a lift of any kind, and I can walk but not far?. So it sounds like you want me not to park in those spots for Van's?. Please come to my State so I can have you arrested for Stupidity???????.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I'm glad you've got the ability to walk, John. You being disabled absolutely allows you the freedom to use whatever spot you want. However, I hope that knowing you are capable of utilizing any version, versus only requiring one with van access, would give you the choice to leave the van accessible open. I wish you the best and the longevity to remain an ambulating citizen. Let's chat more if and when you begin using a wheelchair, and/or realize the bigger statement here.

[@Orc-icide]

No shit

[@UpnorthHere]

"No one ever lost money underestimating the intellect of the American public."