Handicapped Access Ramps

[Cobweb]

We have people who love to park in them. I don't mean the handicapped parking slots, I mean the actual ramps up to the sidewalk. Security has given me leave to put notes on the windshields of vehicles parked in these spots to make them aware of how difficult they are making life for those of us of the wheeled persuasion :) Some folks just really don't realize that. I was wondering if anybody had a sign like that, or could help me phrase one, because tact is not my best thing. My usual response would be, "Move it, moron!" and I feel that might not be helpful.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Less violent...have them buy a few rubber orange construction cones. Stick them in the hatched off spaces to discourage parking there.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Off-topic, but I just have to say....I LOVE wheeliesurfer's user ID!!

[amoLucia]

You guys are right about the ramps. I have found them blocked also. I use the ramps as I walk with a walker. My knees can't do the 'umph' up unless I have good support or the ramp. And yes, the morons are morons.

What I don't understand is how ramps (aka curb cuts) are mandated when constructed. I realize there is some construction building code that mandates so many curb cuts per distance, but that is NOT ever enough! What I have freq seen is ONLY ONE curb cut at ONLY ONE end of a strip mall's front curb. So the user must park by the curb cut end and hike it to the far end of the strip to get to the desired store at the other end. Or the user can park by the desired store and hope to grab on to a cart, a column or an assistant's hand for steadying. Building codes really do need to be closely scrutinized and revised for true handicapped accessibility.

[wheeliesurfer]

RNsRWe, thanks for your kind words re my username. Living by the beach (about an hours drive) I have an affinity for adaptive surfing and love to hit the waves with friends any chance I get!

As for people who forget (or "forget") to put up their handicap placard, if they are parked in a HC space and I SEE them get out of or into their car without the placard up I will *kindly* tell them that they forgot to put their placard up. If they are truly HC they usually thank me profusely and go back to their car to hang the tag. If they are NOT HC they *usually* get a shamed look on their face and go back and move their car to a regular spot. Sometimes they will say something like "I will only be a minute" and stay parked there anyways. Not my fault if they get ticketed or towed (even if I'm the one that calls the PD) since they don't have the valid credentials to park there in the first place!