The handicap parking spot is open. But every single other parking spot in the entire parking lot is taken. Could you park there? Should you park there? Will you park there?
If those joggers in California would have just taken a moment to think, and consider the inconvenience they cause by illegally and unethically occupying the designated handicap parking area, they would never have done it! Each offender knew someone with a disability.
You and I know individuals with disabilities, too. You and I know the difficulties faced by individuals and families who have mobility issues. When I think of Esther, who would have to maneuver little Sammy’s heavy wheelchair in a tight parking spot halfway across the parking lot, I would never park there! When you remember Delroy, who became a quadriplegic in a devastating accident, it would never cross your mind to take his space!
All it takes is a little bit of awareness. Not out of maliciousness did the joggers misuse the handicap tags. It was convenient. And they simply did not stop to think, to put themselves in the place of the wheelchair user, or arthritis sufferer.
Think twice! It’s not only the expensive fine. Those with mobility challenges have it hard enough. Let’s ease their difficulties, instead of adding to them. Share this blog with a friend, so everyone will leave the handicapped parking available for those who really need it. I’m grateful that I don’t!