Have you ever got into your car, driven to where you wanted only to drive around multiple times with not one spot close enough for you to manage the walk?
Have you ever used a parking stall and have people stare at you as if you aren’t deserving to park where you just did? (I have yet to have someone actually say something)
Ever have someone completely block the sidewalk ramp in which this prevents you from being able to access the building you’re trying to go into?
Ever drive around and need a disabled spot but the few that are provided are all taken and you’re forced to wait for that disabled person to come out or park in a regular spot..?
I have. 🙋🏻♀️ Not saying that excitingly either.
The other day I tried to go to the store. Upon arrival I can see that the 2 (only TWO are provided) Disabled stalls were taken and I immediately became frustrated. When this happens which is often I am forced to figure out if I can manage the walk from a longer distance, forced to try another store or just go home and try again another day all together.
As I’m trying to manage getting off my car from a standard spot I can see this pick up truck parked over the blue lines where the ramp was in front of the store. I can see they parked there on purpose. Someone was in the store and someone was in the truck waiting. As I walk up with my walker I’m forced to stand there in the parking lot waiting for them to back out of the stall because they were actually leaving. They have their windows down and I politely say ”It is illegal to park here blocking the ramp sir, this makes things harder for others who are disabled.” He just looked the other way and didn’t care as he continued to leave. 😒
It’s moments like these that trigger me. How can someone who is also possibly disabled be so inconsiderate of others. Either that or he was not disabled and just straight up inconsiderate. Also, how can a business not tell the man he needed to move his vehicle or they will be towed or refused of service as the employee stands there at the door guiding costumers in? How is it that it in those moments not one other person said anything? Mind you there was a line entering the store. So they all see how he is parked illegally and they all see me trying to walk up the sidewalk.
That’s because people don’t care about the disabled and Ill.
They provide 1-2 spots at an average store and that’s it. 1-2 spots while everyone else gets hundreds to choose from. Seems pretty ridiculous to me. We are not given the same opportunities to shop and get essentials as the average person. Sure we get an extra hour at the beginning of the day for shopping but when there aren’t enough stalls and/or you have people using/blocking them, how are we supposed to get our stuff done safely and deservingly like everyone else.
These Parking Lot Struggles are something I have to deal with each time I want to leave my home and go somewhere. It sucks being put last and being told “eh, who cares” when it comes to having enough stalls and having them properly managed for people like me.
Sucks.
So while you are out and about I encourage you to say something, like I did. Yes it’s awkward. Yes people can be rude but I encourage you to stand up for your rights and the rights of others by simply making people aware that these things are wrong. Even if he turned the other way and ignored me, it will be something he may think about in the future because of me. So you never know who needs to here “We Are Important Too!” The world needs reminding and it is our job to do it. Otherwise they will never care.
Keep being amazing my peeps and keep advocating for yourself and others! We are deserving!!! You are deserving!
Until next time. -Belinda😘
@thechronicallyillqueen