Finding An Accessible Parking Space is Hard. Here Are 10 Ideas to Make It Easier

Every wheelchair user, and many others with disabilities, share a common frustration when it comes to finding accessible parking spaces: Too often, there are not enough.

Whether because a nondisabled person illegally took an accessible space or because the venue didn't offer adequate options, nothing is more frustrating than having someplace to be, getting there, and not being able to leave your vehicle.

It doesn't have to be this way. Here are the Top 10 Accessible Parking Asks from our advocates:

1. Proper enforcement for violations of the State Disabled Parking Permit Statutes on public property, private property, and parking garages
2. Educate the public, including new placard users, law enforcement, and the medical community, about the proper use of accessible parking spaces, access aisles, and the harm caused by misuse.
3. Crack down on placard fraud and the ability to "purchase" a placard online
4. Protect our accessible parking spaces from encroachment by electric vehicle chargers, curbside pickup, construction, snow piles and the like.
5. Oppose increasing eligibility without increased minimum accessible spaces
6. Encourage volunteer enforcement programs within the police departments
7. Ask the judicial system to become stricter in imposing penalties or diversion/education programs
8. Be mindful of people with hidden disabilities who may need to use accessible parking spaces
9. Educate and penalize doctors for improperly providing fraudulent statements on certifications that allow the acquisition of accessible parking permits
10. Ensure accessible parking spaces are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access (ISA) and have clearly designated access aisles.

To learn more about accessible parking for wheelchair users, visit our Accessible Parking page and download our Complete Guide to Accessible Parking.