I was always taught to respect handicapped parking spaces and restrooms designed for those with disabilities; however, it seems respect in general is no longer taught, ignored or worse, blatantly disregarded.
I can remember a time long ago, when my grandmother and I witnessed someone zoom into handicapped spot at the K-Mart (Yes, she called it "The K-Mart"); anyway, they did not have handicapped tags on their vehicle, got out, grabbed a basket and walked into the store just fine. Grandma was furious and for those who knew my grandmother, you know she had to say something, although I begged her not to. From across the floor I heard her voice, "You should be ashamed. Instead of taking that parking space you should be on your knees thanking the Good Lord you can walk into this store!" As a teen, I was mortified, but her words stuck with me.
This brings me to today, and granted, aging has personalized this issue for me. When my knees began to make it impossible for me to walk any distances, my doctor wrote out an order for handicapped tags. For a long time, I still wouldn't park in a spot marked "handicapped", because I felt like there were folks who needed it more than I did. However, pain has a way of forcing you to succumb to reality and I am very grateful for handicapped parking.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. While this legislation was a major advancement in disability rights and required accessible parking spaces in public and private parking lots, enforcement is still limited. Technically you can report it, call the police and file with the DMV, but the effort is usually for naught.
At first, I thought confronting offenders with a taste of good old fashion embarrassment, humiliation, and a photo post on social media would be a good idea, but then I had second thoughts. When you have trouble walking, let alone running, this might not be the best course of action. So, I decided to vent how I vent best, through writing!
Handicapped Parking Spot
Handicapped parking spots are clearly marked; therefore, please do not park without tags. Also, as a side note, some spots are marked Van accessible; therefore, even if you do have tags, please do not use these spaces unless you are in a wheelchair. Show some respect!
Handicapped Bathroom Stalls
Handicapped bathroom stalls are NOT, I repeat NOT, designed as a personal lavatory cubicle for one's personal pooping pleasure. (Yeah, I went there.) Handicapped stalls are bigger by design. Those who use wheelchairs and walkers along with those who need handrails do not have the luxury of using another stall.
I realize most people don't really think about it, but then that's why I'm here...to enlighten you. (You can thank me later). Handicapped bathroom stalls are large, inviting, and typically located in the back of the room. Handicapped stalls give a false perception of invisibility. (Please note, I use the term "perception" loosely, invisible is not the accurate term.
Before getting your bowels in an uproar and scrunching up the potty paper, please hear me out. Barring an uncontrollable emergency (sometimes you just can't help it), the reasons for non-handicapped use vary from walking into a full house to simply wanting more space. None of these reasons are acceptable.
Bringing the truth to the forefront can give the appearance of rude, and unnecessary. In fact, the truth teller is often ridiculed and lambasted; so be it, I am willing to take that risk. The take-a-way from today's rant is simple. If you do not need to park in a handicapped parking space or use a handicapped stall, please don't! In fact, take the advice of my grandmother and "thank the Good Lord you do not have use the handicapped facilities." Again, can we all just show some respect!
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