Handicapped Parking Spaces: Unfair or Illegal Discrimination?
Handicapped parking spaces, like affirmative action, ladies' night, student discounts, and senior discounts, are often seen as forms of discrimination. Just because these forms of discrimination are legal, it doesn't mean they are right. However, the context and intention behind these policies can make a significant difference.
The Context of Handicapped Parking
In today's society, handicap parking spaces are designed to provide easier access to places of business for individuals with disabilities. This accommodation ensures that people with walking difficulties can still participate in various activities such as shopping, dining, entertainment, and haircuts. For some, these spaces mean the difference between being able to access these activities and facing insurmountable physical challenges.
The Perspective of the Disabled Individual
Imagine the struggles faced by someone who is unable to walk all the way from the other side of a parking lot. What if they couldn't find a spot near the entrance, forcing them to unload their wheelchair? Or if they were in excruciating pain from walking to where they could get a store scooter? Or if their heart or lungs were not functioning properly, leaving them out of breath or suffering from chest pain upon arrival? These are all far worse consequences than just being a minute or two longer in the heat or having to run their errand slightly longer.
Handicapped parking spaces allow people with disabilities that affect their walking to still participate in the same activities as everyone else. For my mother, having guaranteed spots near the entrance significantly improved her quality of life, especially given her heart and lung problems and mobility issues.
Perception of Discrimination
It's important to consider who feels discriminated against. The individuals in cars who have 60 other parking places to choose from might feel resentful of these spaces. However, the true question is whether the people who are able-bodied and use these spaces illegally are being unfairly treated.
At our local grocery store, there are only two handicap spaces in each of the six aisles, yet these spaces are frequently taken by individuals without the right to use them. This highlights the issue of misuse of the designated spaces. The policy of requiring a permit and a special plate or sign prevents these spaces from being given away for free, yet the misuse remains a problem. Who is being discriminated against?
Policies are put in place to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public spaces. If these individuals feel that life is unfair, it's not accurate to label this as discrimination against them. Many people find life unfair without experiencing pain or trauma. The real issue lies in the enforcement of these policies to ensure that everyone respects the designated spaces.