Wheelchair accessible
van parking usually is somewhere between what ‘should be’ and the reality of
what is.
According to Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) Handicap Accessible Parking Regulations:
Van Accessible Spaces must provide an access aisle that is at least 8 feet wide next to the van parking space to permit a person using a wheelchair or scooter to exit or enter a van with a side-mounted lift.
That access space is
always clearly marked with boldly striped markings on the ground.
Yet too often we will
find another vehicle with a disability parking plate or placard squeezed into
that loading space.
While not a problem for
us, as I can always climb in and maneuver the van to deploy the ramp - however a
wheelchair user / driver is screwed having no choice but to wait for the
other driver to return and move their vehicle.
So I must give a
blogosphere shout out to Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course! I was stunned
to see such a completely sensitive, low tech, ingenious and effective solution
to the problem when we visited Friday evening.
By simply drilling a
couple holes in concrete and adding a plastic pole with reflectors they have
made that adjacent loading space impossible for cars to park in yet leaving it
completely functional for deploying a ramp or a lift.
It may be worth a pilgrimage
just to see what is possible when a facility actually ‘tries’ to be accessible rather
than ‘complies’. The ingenuity and simplicity leaves me in awe.
“don’t forget the
cannoli!” …
Fugetabout a MS
unfriendly forecast of hot and humid with showers. Instead we spent about 3
hours in a fun air conditioned environment with the freedom to choose to smoke
or not smoke. Appealing physical therapy for Patti alternating right and left
arms pulling slot machine handles. Watched horses race in the mud and people
whoop and holler playing dice. Enjoyed some cannoli and lost a total of $2.50 playing
slots. – What’s not to like when you can spend an evening out for under $10
anywhere anyhow?
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: caregivinglyyours.com