Handicapped Parking space dispute leads to charges (hold mah beer in mah wheelchair alert)

Ithaca Journal ^ | 12/5/02

[airborne]

I guess after 20+ years in a wheelchair, it just doesn't occur to me to mention that I am a paraplegic. I severed my spinal cord (T-4 complete) while a member of the 82nd Airborne. In order to pull my head out of my ass, I would have to get out of my wheelchair first. Also, not all HP spaces have the extra unloading zone you refer to. The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, A group I am a life member of, is currently active in trying to get the Pennsylvania disabled parking situation reformed through legislative action.
I don't use a van or a lift. I have a strong upper body (I work hard to keep it that way) and drive a 1996 Buick Riviera. I put the front seat up as far as it goes, and pull my wheelchair in behind me. It's not easy but I'm just not ready for an electric chair.

[airborne]

"If a person has a physical handicap they should not be allowed to drive at all"
I have been driving for over 20 years using hand controls, and have a perfect driving record.
I must say, your comments are not only ignorant but personally insulting.

[Spyder]

When I see this, it's usually women who've parked their SUVs carelessly. Most commonly, in my observation, this occurs in crowded school parking lots where space is at a premium. My theory is they're flaunting their self-anointed entitlement. Either that, or they're crappy drivers.

Here in Hawaii the malls have a ton of "compact" spaces, painted and designated as such. Usually the only type of car that can fit in these spaces is an old VW bug. I've parked in them with either an Escort or a Saturn and had only about 4 inches on either side of the car to spare. Nonetheless, it's not at all uncommon to see SUVs parked in them. Needless to say they're over the line on both sides, essentially taking up 3 spaces.

[fivetoes]

There needs to be stricter regulations for handicapped placards (at least here in PA). Doctors here will give anyone a placard, and that's all it takes is a doctor to sign for one.

I agree with you. It is the same here in Colorado as I am sure it is everywhere else.

I am old enough to remember when the paper used to be filled with human-interest stories about people who overcame their difficulties and faced life challenges, despite their physical liabilities. The stories were inspiring indeed. However, I don't believe I ever thought to myself that I wanted to run out and become crippled. There was no reward in it.

Ah, but enter the government and bingo! Now there is a reward for declaring yourself handicapped. You get to park in privileged spaces near the front of the stores. All you need is to find a doctor that will sign a form and you are on your way to enjoying a new privilege.

The way I see it is that in a moral society we would not need government intervention. We would only have to put designate certain parking spots that would say something like 'Please leave these spaces for those who really need them. Please also be grateful that you need them.' I know this is really naïve, but this a subtle difference between a moral society based on God given rights and a 14th amendment society whereby your civil rights are granted by government in an attempt to create equality. The only way government can create equality is to grant privilege to those it deems not equal. The unintended consequence is that others feel that someone is getting special treatment, whether it is race, creed, sex, or handicapped. I ask myself a lot "Why dies everyone want to be handicapped?" Because there is a perceived privilege in it

I work in at rather large company and one of my pet peeves is just about everyone uses the handicapped buttons on the doors that were designed for people in wheel chairs. I, with my sometimes (well most times) cynical, caustic thought patterns, mentally wonder if we as a nation are becoming weaker because we choose to not even push or pull a door open.

I do believe that we should all be thankful that we can still function at whatever our ability allows. BTW, I am a leg amputee that gets around pretty well with prosthesis. I enjoy antelope, deer and elk hunting. Someday I may need to use one of those spaces because I too will probably be confined to a wheel chair later on, but until then…

[nothandicapped]

I've got a simple way to ATTACK BACK !!!

We're all sick and tied of those deadbeat losers parking in Handicapped Parking Spots.
We all see them, hopping out of cars with the hanging "handicapped rearview mirror card" and of course they're in better shape than we are!
I see it every week, and 75% of the time it seems that it's a perfectly healthy person, probably using a family members Handicapped Card. They arrogantly stroll to the mall, restaurant, grocery, and cinema and just about anywhere they can.
They figure SCREW THE WORLD, I got the card I'll use it when ever and where ever I want... And don't you dare question me about it!

 

Finally, Justice is being served!

You could maybe introduce "Mr or Ms Screw Everybody Else - Rules Aren't For ME" to a sweet little bumper sticker.
The whole world can see this loser is simply a lazy pig!

They are basically a static cling bumper sticker. Understand that they are not made to stay on the car while driving. We are mainly looking for the IMPACT in parking lots! We do not want to damage the person’s vehicle by using a traditional bumper sticker.
We all just want to MAKE A POINT!

Even if you don't feel as strongly about this as the rest of us do, buy some as gag gifts and support the people who have the nerve to stand up and say "Enough is Enough".

Be sure to view the Gallery section of their website to see candid photos of offenders. A Submissions link is also available to upload your own picture, location and any comments. 

 

Price for 10 StaticCling BumperStickers is $14.99 with USPS Priority Mail included!

THE ACTUAL     PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HOLIDAY SHOPPERS BEWARE, Handicapped Parkers are being watched this season.

Cincinnati, Ohio November 17, 2004 –

Finally someone has stood up and said, “Enough is Enough”. Abusers of Handicapped Parking Spots, BEWARE! Just in time for the holidays, when violators are at their peak, a new static cling bumper sticker might find its way onto your vehicle if you’re discovered as a cheater. Citizens are being armed with these “non-damaging bumper stickers” that will expose you with a dirty little message; “This Person Is NOT HANDICAPPED Just Lazy!!! “.

The brainchild of Dianna King a minority business owner of two successful businesses. She stated that, “So many people lack any hint of respect for those who these parking spaces have been set aside for”. It has become common place for family members to share a “handicapped rearview mirror card” whenever they go shopping to allow them to park in the front row and not have to walk like the rest of us. Dianna commented, “It is absolutely offensive and also quite illegal”. She described the icing on the cake for her was when three healthy young girls in their twenties hopped out of their Escalade dancing and laughing at a local restaurant after taking the final reserved handicapped space. Of course they had the handicapped sign hanging from their rearview mirror. They were all in good health just a bit overweight (probably from never walking more than 15 steps to enter a restaurant). Before my party entered the restaurant after parking (legally, of course), an elderly couple was forced to find parking elsewhere due to no handicapped spots being available. The gentleman was a handicapped war veteran based off of his license plate. We held the door for the couple and let them be served prior to us and offered to them in a loud manner how disrespectful and how rude people had become in using the reserved spaces when they were in no way disabled. The three girls were unfazed and arrogantly laughed. When they left the restaurant, I must admit they were not laughing as they discovered my handwritten sign stating, “This Person Is NOT HANDICAPPED Just Lazy !!!” and a police officer awaiting them to discuss the illegal use of a state handicapped card. I guess someone had tipped off the police about the incident (hummm). After sharing the story with co-workers and friends the concept for www.NotHandicapped.com website and the “static cling” bumper stickers were born.

Ms King’s goal for this business should be applauded; “My true hope is that the message thru the bumper stickers goes out rapidly and has so much impact that it puts me out-of-business and I never have to sell another bumper sticker”. She further stated; “when that occurs we will all be doing the right thing and the people who need and deserve those spaces will have them available”.

Be sure to view the Gallery section of their website to see candid photos of offenders. A Submissions link is also available to upload your own picture, location and any comments.

To order the “This Person Is NOT HANDICAPPED Just Lazy !!!” static cling bumper stickers visit their website at www.NotHandicapped.com or call and order them at 513.729.8260.

About www.NotHandicapped.com
Owner: Dianna King
Ms King is a minority business owner of two successful businesses. One company is a 17-year software-consulting firm and the other is a pre-school learning center focusing on early education. King was born in Singapore where education and respect are two of the key elements of a strong value system.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dianna King
www.NotHandicapped.com
PO Box 14147
Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0147
513-729-8260 phone
513-521-2081 fax

 

[AppyPappy]

A lot of people get their grandmothers to get one and then they use it instead. You see lots of young women with handicap hangtags at the mall.

[Protagoras]

WOW! This thread is from 2002!

But I still see that ethically challenged lady a few times a week.

[nothandicapped]

I'm sorry about the post, I can't find an edit post button to change my post so it's not an ad...
I'm very sorry, I'm new at this!

Thank you for the welcome.
This is a huge problem and I want people to know that there is an option to the big comfrontation. Simply leave a bumper sticker on the car and it spells out in simple words, "This person is NOT HANDICAPPED... JUST LAZY!".
The person will feel better and not get into a big fight. Also it becomes a trigger for the police to check up on this person!

Sorry for the problem,
NotHandicapped.com

[Hatteras]

Due to a short-term vehicle shortage in the Hatteras household, I borrowed my 83 year-old Dad's vehicle complete with his handicapped tags (His driving days just ended recently with a stroke and other related, significant ailments).

Anyhow, though tempted on occasions, I never used a handicapped parking space. I did however get some lip from an irate driver in an overcrowded parking lot who saw me pull into a regular spot next to a handicapped space. You just can't win...

[nothandicapped]

My hat off to you for being honest!
Wow that's rare, someone mad that you didn't park in the handicapped spaces! Take care, NotHandicapped.com