About Handicapped Parking Requirements
The word "handicapped" actually originated from a negative stereotype of disabled people. It comes from a combination of the words "hand" and "cap," which refers to street beggars who asked for money by holding out their cap. While the politically correct term is now "disabled," parking for the disabled retains the "handicapped" handle. Handicapped parking in the United States is government regulated by very specific laws.
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History
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In years past, there were no rules or regulations requiring public facilities to provide special parking spots for the disabled. This meant that some people were unable to patronize these facilities. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, public facilities, including schools, businesses, libraries, hospitals and government buildings are required to have special parking spaces for disabled people. Also, the Fair Housing Act requires landlords to provide accessible parking for disabled individuals at their homes.
Identification
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Handicapped parking spaces must be marked with a sign featuring the international symbol for accessibility. The sign must be tall enough that it can be seen even when the space is in use. While there are no ADA rules for painting the symbol on the ground, many businesses choose to do so. These spaces must be as close to the entrance as possible, and a handicapped accessible route into the business or facility must be provided and clearly marked if necessary.
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Types
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Van accessible spaces must allow at least 8 feet for unloading and require a "van accessible" sign in addition to the standard sign. It should be on a level site and should allow at least 98 inches of head room. Each business must have a minimum of one van space for every eight car spaces. Eligible cars may park in van accessible spaces. Car spaces must allow 5 feet for unloading and don't have a height requirement.
Prevention/Solution
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Some people disregard the importance of reserving handicapped spots for the disabled. As a result, many are taking a stand by creating citizen patrol units, which attempt to help enforce the laws regarding handicapped parking. They unite with law enforcement agencies and receive special training. Volunteers are usually required to meet age and residency requirements, in addition to completing training. They are then entrusted to follow specific procedures to handle handicapped parking space violations.
Misconceptions
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One common misconception about handicapped parking spaces is that they're only for people who are mobility challenged. In reality, several other disabilities qualify. Blindness, for example, can qualify a person for a handicapped spot. Even though the blind person is likely being guided (since they don't drive), there are many dangers in busy parking lots for these people. The safest route, then, is the shortest---which explains why blind people qualify for these spaces.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Image Credit: sxc.hu
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Comments
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CaseyCarlton
Feb 11, 2009
Good article on needed information. 5 stars and a recommend
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JulieAnnLanz
Nov 30, 2008
Very interesting article. I never knew how the word "Handicapped" originated from. Now I do. I didn't know, either, that volunteers could go through special training to look violations.
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JulieAnnLanz
Nov 30, 2008
Very interesting article. I never knew how the word "Handicapped" originated from. Now I do. I didn't know, either, that volunteers could go through special training to look violations.
