Bill May Give Blind Handicapped Parking

Yahoo ^ | 1/16/04

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Blind people would be allowed to get handicapped parking permits — even though they can't drive — under a bill introduced Friday by Rep. Chuck Martin.

The Alpharetta Republican defended the bill. Martin said the caretakers of blind people need to be allowed handicapped parking when escorting the blind. Parking lots are dangerous places for people who can't see cars coming, Martin said, so they should have the right to park closer to the buildings.

"It is possible that a blind person would have a car driven by their spouse or caregiver," the lawmaker said, adding that one of his constituents has just that problem.

The bill now heads to a House committee for consideration.

[MineralMan]

"I don't mind walking at all, but I do mind the COSTS and the INTRUSION of all those extra MANDATED spaces. In many parts, those spaces have become a joke, because any idiot can get a handicapped parking sticker with a simple note from a doctor. "

Then work to get that fixed. In the meantime, every time someone with a handicap comes up and parks, the spaces are doing their job. My mom's not a hag, either. She has a bad knee, and can't walk well. You'll see her, with a cane. When she gets into the store, she grabs one of those motorized carts. And then, guess what? She goes around the store and spends money there. I doubt that the store minds all that much that she comes in and buys things.

But, she's going to have a knee replacement soon. Once that's over, she'll be parking in the regular spaces again.

When I'm in town there, I sometimes go to the store with her. She still parks in the handicapped space, even if I'm driving. Why? Because she can't walk very far right now. The blind person's in the same boat.

Again, if you're healthy and free of disabilities, you can park out in the lot with me.

[Sloth]

In many parts, those spaces have become a joke, because any idiot can get a handicapped parking sticker with a simple note from a doctor.

You need to lay down the crack pipe & figure out whether you are claiming that handicapped spaces go unused or are mis-used. You have said both. You cannot simultaneously claim that the 1.) the spaces sit empty and useless, and 2.) everybody and his dog has a unwarranted parking permit. Well, you CAN, but it reveals you to be an imbecile.

[Darnright]

>Now if you use the tag without the designated person actually with you, then it is a $250.00 parking ticket. No court, just administrative review and they have zip authority for mercy. (iow: if you had to go to the bathroom, tough luck. You should have parke anywhere else.)<

A couple of years back, I had surgery on my feet. I could not walk without severe pain. I also could not get the a$$ of a doctor to give me a handicrapped permit. His argument was these privileges were for people who would be handicapped more than 6 weeks, or some such foolishness. Within that 6 weeks, I was as unable to walk for long distances as any other person with a medical problem, if not more so. And, I know people with these permits who have no problem gallavanting all over creation, but they lose that ability as soon as they get into the smallest parking lot. I finally got a permit from my chiropractor, who is a human and has a heart.

[Protagoras]

The whole thing (even as it is right now) is a huge scam.

[MineralMan]

"You cannot simultaneously claim that the 1.) the spaces sit empty and useless, and 2.) everybody and his dog has a unwarranted parking permit. "

Bingo! I suspect this is just some guy who gets annoyed when he can't park right in front of the store. I'd guess he's in his 30's and parks straddling the line, taking up two spaces anyhow. That's just a guess, of course, but I sure see a lot of folks doing that in parking lots around my area.

Sometimes I wish I was a vindictive sort of person. Nothing ticks me off as much as some dumbhead taking up two spaces so his precious truck won't get scratched. Some folks take that as a challenge and help promote business for the local body shops with their car keys.

[Guillermo]

I never said that. I said for every one I see used, I see 4 or 5 that aren't.

Reading comprehension is a learned skill.

[Protagoras]

You obviously don't live in my area, then. Around here, the handicapped spaces are always in use.

The question is, are they used by real handicaped people?

[BlackbirdSST]

More empty spaces in an otherwise crowded lot! Yeah, we need a Law. Blackbird.

[MineralMan]

"The question is, are they used by real handicaped people?"

I couldn't say in every case. We have a large elderly population in my area, though, and there are sure a lot of handicapped people in the stores when I visit.

In any case, it doesn't inconvenience me to park in the lot. I've got two good legs, a strong back, and have no trouble pushing a shopping cart. I have no doubt there are people who abuse the handicapped permits. I don't really care, though. Those who are handicapped need the spaces so they can continue to lead independent lives.

Someday, I'm sure you'll understand. Age comes to us all.

[BlackbirdSST]

Drive-up ATM's have Braille characters on the keypad.

You noticed that too? Blackbird.

[Protagoras]

Many people who are not handicapped use these vehicles with these permits for the convenience they afford.

Not to mention the FREE parking they receive some places. I have seen several at my train stop who aren't even close to being handicaped. They save $40 per month. I watched one RUN for the train last summer.

[BlackbirdSST]

That's because drive-up ATMs and walk-up ATMs are usually the exact same model, installed differently..

That does nothing to make it less surreal when you're sitting there in your car looking at the thing. LOL! Blackbird.

[Protagoras]

I have an 88 yr old mother in a wheelchair, and I have the tag for the parking. Half the time I forget it.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Those guide dogs are getting more talented all the time!

[Protagoras]

How about this; $5000 fine for fraud for those using it who aren't handicaped? And $10000 for any doctor who hands em out to those undeserving?

I know older folks who pull right up front and park in the spaces, TO GO MALL WALKING. They laugh when they tell the story.

It's a typical government boondoggle. Best intentions gone astray.

[Dionysius]

This is fine, caring, feel-good legislation, but, damn my cynical heart, the abuses of it will be legion.

[ErnBatavia]

with tons of Q-Tip drivers I've never heard this expression before -- what does it mean?

I was hoping someone would ask! :)
Picture two white headed old ladies in the car in front of you; hence the term "Q Tip"...

[plain talk]

That's my experience as well. Whoever devised the allocation formulas needs to be fired.

[openotherend]

Drive-up ATM's have Braille characters on the keypad. You noticed that too? Blackbird.

The reason there is Braille on the ATM machines is that ATM machines are not necessarily used by the driver of the car. They can be used by the passenger as well who may be blind. The Braille gives the blind person the opportunity to do their banking in as much privacy as possible.

[MineralMan]

"How about this; $5000 fine for fraud for those using it who aren't handicaped? And $10000 for any doctor who hands em out to those undeserving? "

Sounds fine to me. I'm as opposed to fraudulent handicapped placards as I am to people who aren't handicapped parking in a handicapped space. I think all the fines should be the same, though, since they have the same effect on the genuine handicapped.