#ReservedForAReason Do’s & Don’ts of Disability Parking

Disability Rights & Legislation, Uncategorized

September is #ReservedForAReason parking awareness month here at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, and it is also national #SCIAwarenessMonth. Now is the perfect time to remind drivers of do’s and don’ts for dealing with disability parking (whether you’re permitted and doing the parking in a reserved space, or need to learn more about how to #HonorTheSpot).

Do’s & Don’ts

Photograph of young man sitting in wheelchair in front of open vehicle door about to transfer into driver seat, text next to photo reads “if I say cheese, will you stay out of this spot?“ The Paralyzed Veterans of America Michigan chapter logo is it in the bottom right corner
  • DO Park cleanly within the lines for your designated spot
  • DO Stay aware in parking lots that drivers/pedestrians moving about may be below your line of sight
  • DO Understand that some individuals parking in a reserved permit spot may have invisible disabilities. Many with autism, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain disorders, etc. may be eligible under Michigan law for a reserved parking permit
  • DO Keep the access aisle clear!! (The access aisle is the cross-hatched area attached to many reserved spaces to provide room for drivers with ramp equipped vehicles or those that need space for a wheelchair.)
Photograph of black SUV parked fully inside of access aisle between two reserved disability parking spaces.
Crosshatched sections belong to the reserved disability parking spaces as an “access aisle”.
Wheelchair in motion disability symbol next to text not all disabilities are visible.
  • DON’T block the access aisle in any way
  • DON’T assume someone with a permit may not need it simply because they don’t “look” it
  • DON’T leave a nasty note when seeing someone without a permit! Notify the proper authorities to report a suspected violation; never physically confront a driver! https://soapboxie.com/social-issues/Why-Nasty-Notes-on-the-Cars-of-Handicapped-Parking-Violators-Are-a-Bad-Idea
  • DON’T be in a hurry! Many drivers have experienced the temptation of “I will just be a second!”, however to #HonorTheSpot, please commit to taking the few extra moments to ensure your that all drivers and passengers can enjoy access that is often taken for granted.
Infographic with cartoon drawings of appropriate and inappropriate parking habits when parking next to disability spaces and access Aisles. Text throughout reads,  SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT RESPONSIBLE PARKING with photos of correct parking habit next to reserved disability spaces and 5 foot access aisle

Please follow the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/michiganpva for more tips on how to advocate, as well as Michigan news & event updates for veterans with spinal cord injuries, resources for the disability community, and more!

Published by mpvablogger

About MPVA The Michigan chapter is one of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), operating according to the standards and practices established by the PVA. The mission of the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) is to enhance the quality of life of veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease, as well as all citizens with disabilities, by: advocating for civil rights, assuring quality healthcare, supporting continued recreation, research, education, and healthy living. ———————— About the Author Robin Bennett has been the Development Coordinator at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America since 2019. As a person with a disability & full-time wheelchair user she knows firsthand the importance of MPVA’s mission. Ms. Bennett has dedicated much of the past decade to disability advocacy in Michigan through her service with the Statewide Independent Living Council, Michigan Council on Rehabilitation Services, and Centers for Independent Living. She is an accomplished writer and theatre teacher to youth with physical and cognitive disabilities.

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