After becoming disabled in November of 2020 and acquiring a handicap parking tag last year, I have become aware of the scope of issues surrounding how we protect and equip individuals who are disabled in our community and hold those who break handicap parking laws accountable consistently.

When I go somewhere (I still value my independence and don’t want to have people go with me everywhere when there isn’t a good reason for me to not be able to go on my own) and there are no available handicapped parking spots, I either have to wait for one to become available or go home and try again another day. Just pushing myself to walk further is not a safe option and isn’t for many. Wheelchairs are heavy and I cannot unload mine on my own (and it’s the same for the majority of others). Not to mention the fact that I am not strong enough to self-propel my wheelchair which rings true for many others as well.

I have seen post after post about able-bodied people in Tippecanoe County parking illegally in spots intended for those who NEED them. Reports have been made, but no action is taken by ticket or towing. So, why wouldn’t people park in these spaces when they are not supposed to? There are no repercussions for their actions. As soon as we start selectively enforcing laws, our whole legal system becomes irrelevant to criminals.

Another issue that I have found is that places of business tend to have very few accessible spaces available, even when people are using them appropriately. Many businesses have turned accessible parking spaces into online ordering pick-up spots and either put the handicap spaces further away or not even replaced the ones that were there previously. This is not okay. I understand that employees have to walk the distance to and from pick-up parking, but accommodating your able-bodied employees should never supersede being mindful and caring for some of our most vulnerable elderly and disabled neighbors. And it should not result in forcing disabled individuals to push well past their limits or be completely unable to have their freedom and independence. 

I understand that law enforcement is completely overwhelmed with violent crimes, major drug crimes, child predators, and domestic violence. So, this is my petition to LPD, the Sheriff’s Department, WLPD, and Battle Ground Police, and Purdue University Police to step up and take on these issues so that we allow for the rights of everybody, not just some people.

First, tackling the issue of citizens illegally parking in desperately needed accessible spaces. I propose that we hire a minimum of five individuals, one per department. There are many people who want to be police officers, but for one minor reason or another they do not qualify. They still want to make a difference in their community, though. This would be a perfect opportunity for them. 

I propose each makes a minimum of $15 a hour for 40 hours a week (so, yes they would be eligible for benefits). The only thing they are responsible for is scoping out handicapped parking spaces in their jurisdiction and writing tickets for the maximum fine ($500) and towing the vehicle on top of the ticket if it is a second, third, or so on offense. It would not take long for people to take their parking habits seriously. And no warnings. The sign warns them. Basic human decency should be a sufficient deterrent from this behavior. This program would pay for itself easily. Those who sign are standing by me, saying, “Enough is enough.” We are going to stand up for people who can’t always stand up for themselves. 

Now, as for the second issue, new laws and statutes need to be put in place outlining a requirement for more accessible parking spaces (based on their average occupancy at their busiest times and the number of parking spaces they have total) in our community. These statutes should be based on current statistics on the number of physically disabled individuals in the county (simply getting an accurate count from the DMV on the number of individuals that have been issued this accommodation). Using this information to mandate a percentage of handicap spaces any place of business or any location that caters to individuals outside of a residence (excluding rentals, which should also be held up to the same standards) would help resolve the issue with a lack of available parking for those who depend on it to go places independently. Handicap parking should be closer to the entrance than pick-up order parking. There also needs to be a mandated maximum distance from the main entrance from any place of business or institution to handicapped parking. There are many places where it is pointless to have any handicapped parking as the distance is unattainable for most disabled (and lacking average mobility) individuals. Even the hospitals do not have sufficient parking for people with disabilities. 

So, starting a program that will employ individuals who want to serve their community and will pay for itself would be my first step. And simultaneously passing new laws and statutes that hold businesses open to the public or rental property managers accountable to catering to our differently-abled friends and family is critical. 

Please take a minute to sign this petition so we can get the attention of law enforcement and political figures who have more power to initiate significant change. Today, you have the power to be a voice for anybody who is disabled, whether it’s you grandma or your son or your best friend and even an acquaintance or stranger. You are needed and can help make a real difference in our community. After all, isn’t life all about standing up for what we believe in, our convictions, and taking real action to make sustainable changes for the better?

Thank you for your time!  

Photo credit to Tippecanoe County Indiana Scanner Freaks

https://www.facebook.com/Tippyscannerfreaks?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Below you can review the laws surrounding handicapped parking for the individual parking and the person responsible for the property that is available to the public. Continue clicking on “next” until you finish reading the page, titled, Section 11. Clearly many of these statutes are being violated from both sides of the fence. I was informed that many accessible parking spots do not meet the requirements outlined in the below link as well, so law enforcement can’t ticket or tow since the spot isn’t even legally considered a handicapped parking spot.  

Indiana Code Title 5. State and Local Administration § 5-16-9-1