Handicapped parking stalls

[Pkelley]

I do not use handycap parking I leave it for people less-able than I. I like to think of it as my contubusion from a generous and caring society. John if you need it use it, else leave it for the next guy kind of like the change cup at the cash stand. Ps I got my Segway in Oct and made my first trip to Sam Club last week who new there was that much stuff in one store.

[KSagal]

Originally Posted by Pkelley

I do not use handycap parking I leave it for people less-able than I. I like to think of it as my contubusion from a generous and caring society. John if you need it use it, else leave it for the next guy kind of like the change cup at the cash stand. Ps I got my Segway in Oct and made my first trip to Sam Club last week who new there was that much stuff in one store.

I'm with you. Take it if you need it, don't if you don't.


My first couple trips to those warehouse stores were eye-openers. I know that restaurant supplies exist, but the first time you find a 5 gallon jug of pickles, or a 25 pound sack of raisins, and consider taking them home, you do have to wonder…

[Tarkus]

Originally Posted by Pkelley

Okay, I will bite. I am a 30 year spinal cord injury (C6) walking quad. I have seen over the years everyone from people with restless leg syndrome to bunions on their big toe using handicapped parking. The symbol on handicap parking stalls is a person in a chair. Handicap parking is meant to give them someplace to unload their chair, and I can assure you, these folks do not care where in the lot the handicap parking is; they're just glad there is a place they can get out of their car and into a chair. My advice to you is to forget the law and keep in mind that what you don't use you will lose and to be thankful (no matter how much it hurts) of every step you can make on your own legs. Just an old gimps opinion.

While I agree with how you feel, as a walking para I to understand the "use it or lose it" deal, there are a couple of things we differ on.

First as a person that "looks" AB I have learned not to judge a persons limitations by just looking at them. People have attemped to stare me down on the days I do need to use a handicap spot but can get by with my cane.

Is there rampant abuse of the whole placard system, of course but we cant throw away the baby with the bathwater. I spent a year in a chair , and have one in my future, so I understand as you do.

As far as the International Handicap Symbol , it's just that a symbol. It's no different than the World Wildlife Foundations use of the Panda. They protect all animals not just the Panda.

Now if we talk "Van Accesable" spots that's another story, not legally but morally.
It's also important to remember that most who use a Segway unload from the rear not the side like most chairs need to.

I'm lucky I can still hump it around on my feet and when I use my Segway it dosent matter how far away I park.

Happy to hear that you can get around I'm always impressed and amazed at the differences in function when we talk about incomplete injuries.

Also glad you took a ride around the "Big Box Store". Yep it's unbelievable all the stuff in those places !

All the best and keep on keepn on.

Be Big,
AMAC

[Pkelley]

Thank you Tarkus. You have stated far more elegantly than I have my feeling on the use of handicap parking. I had a good friend that has passed, so I can talk about him now. (I will chance his chastising later). He used a gurney. He could not use a chair; (no body structure below the navel). He drove an old beat up side-loader van with a home made ramp and winch. Bob would park at the back of the lot because he did not want to deal with the apologies from the AB people who blocked him from getting back in his van. Bob expected nothing and appreciated honest humanity. In one word, an inspiration.

PS: Bob did not like two words (handicap or invalid). As he would say, I have never held my cap out for charity and I am valid.

[Gihgehls]

"Handicapped" does have stigma, and from this thread I see that it can carry some strong emotions with it as well, but the word only means "to have a disability" and so for the purposes of discussion, wouldn't it make sense to say that it means to "possess a disability" rather than "to show signs of a disability"?

[Tarkus]

Interesting point.

First some of the "rants" are based on a little secret that those of us with disabilities know of but never say. There is a hierarchy in the world of the disabled and we are our own worst enemy. It's a game called "who's more disabled".

Being able to stand puts you way down on the list !
Doesn't matter if you can't walk 5 feet, end of the line please !

The first time I saw it up close and personal was at a National ADA Symposium. What an eye opener to find the most resistance from our own not the AB's.

To follow the politically correct the term would be "Person with a disability", never ever say "disabled person".......people first. I learned the hard way !

I personally have no problem with the term Handicapped, I guess it's a personal thing, we all dance to a different drummer.

Of course I don't mind Gimp, Crip etal either so I'm easy !

Be Big,
AMAC

[Pkelley]

Me to just don't call me late for lunch.

[rwoynaro]

For me, it was an awakening to people's response to a "disabled person".. in this case me. I have no problem with my condition, capabilities, lack of capabilities, whatever. I am long over it. I do what I can, I find a way around things that I need to do differently or can't do. Its just who I am. But "ordinary" people behave differently to me now that I frequently display a handicapped placard or walk with a cane when I can.

Most are very good natured and want to help, I find most often they get in the way. Some are very offended if you don't let them mingle in your life and "help" you. But I very quickly learned this is just the way people are and its not going to change, so I use it to my advantage. I play into the handicapped stereotype when its to my advantage to do so.

As a result, I have never been denied access anywhere yet on my Segway, knock on wood. I take advantage of the various accomodations out there, my most recent is a lifetime special pass to the National Park System for myself and anyone in my car. I figure I work hard, I pay lots of taxes, so why not ? I have a "handicapped hunter" license that lets me use a vehicle, ATV, even my segway to help me hunt. I have "valet parking" right up front most places. Its just plain nice. And it helps me just live a good life and keep working.

I figure people are gonna be the way they are; they are trying to be nice and helpful, so I use it whenever I feel like it. I didn't seek it out and I have long since given up trying to tell them I don't need help nor actually don't want it either. I try and turn it to an advantage and just enjoy every day that I have here.

[rickb]

People being nice, polite and helpful.................how is that a problem? What's to take advantage of in that senario? If you don't want the courtesy those folks probably afford everybody................be courteous back with a kind no thanks. I walk with a cane and people tend to open/hold doors.............nice.................. when I get to the second door in the airlock entry I open that door for them..........and say we are even on doors for the day.

[Gihgehls]

That is cute. We have a lot of good members in this thread I hadn't really seen before.