Don't add to burden of handicapped people

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Have you ever parked your vehicle in a space designated "handicapped" although neither you nor anyone in your automobile was physically impaired? If you are guilty of this misuse, consider the magnitude of difficulties borne by disabled individuals:

n A loss of mobility.

n Increased time required to perform acts of daily living.

n Endurance of discomfort or pain on a daily basis.

I believe that most people who abuse the intent of these allocated spots are merely thoughtless. They are unaware of the additional load they have just added to an already-oppressive burden shouldered by persons suffering from a physical disorder. This insensitive act is a type of theft. You have just robbed someone of his or her right of access to a store, a doctor's office, the post office or a movie theater -- an accessibility most of us take for granted.

Since most parking lots are privately owned, law enforcement agencies enforce parking rules at these places only if they receive a specific complaint. Therefore, it is up to us to police ourselves.

Respect those who are handicapped. Park only in those spaces intended for general use.

Donna-Mae Bean

Sidney