Call Jack at (866) 725-3164 in Jacksonville, Florida, for ADA Consulting Services

 Service Area:
Florida and the Southeast United States

Available Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

DISABLED PARKING (a.k.a. Access For All)

Few things are more frustrating than not being able to find a place to park that’s close enough to walk or roll to and from. That’s why you applied for a Disabled Parking Permit in the first place, right? Whether an old time user or a first time applicant, there are some definite rules of the road that you should know about to get the most benefit from your little blue placard with the least amount of hassle:

Do's and Don'ts of Disabled Parking

DO'S… Correct use of a Disabled parking permit:

1. Hang permit on rear-view mirror so expiration date can be seen
2. Have permit registration with you at all times.
3. Make sure permit is not expired.
4. Park properly in disabled space.
5. Remove permit before driving.
6. Get permit replaced immediately if you lose it.
7. Return permit to DMV if person permitted has passed away.
8. Always use YOUR OWN PERMIT ONLY.
9. Be courteous to police or parking officer.

DON'TS …Incorrect use/abuse of a disabled parking permit:

1. Don't use someone else's permit, (including relatives).
2. Don't park in Access Aisle (striped area). Fine for parking in Access Aisle is $250, even with a permit.
3. Don't drive with permit on rear-view mirror.
4. Don't use expired permit.
5. Don't put permit on dash with expiration date covered up.
6. Don't let anyone else use your permit, including close family members and relatives.
(Permits are registered one permit per name. Permit registered to person, not vehicle.)


THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 
(How to Make It Work for You)

It needs enforcement…

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act you President George H. W. Bush.

A watershed moment in the lives of millions of American… its promise and potential have been diluted by a lack of enforcement.

No other civil rights violations are so overlooked or ignored.  Lawyers are not interested in pursuing justice, since federal regulations prohibit awarding of damages.

State and local ordinances seldom have the teeth to demand compliance and warnings of daily fines are often ignored.  Generally, until this year, even the Supreme Court has consistently issued ruling after ruling that limited protection under the law.

Many people with disabilities are still unable to use the bathroom in local restaurants; many water coolers are still segregated because of their height; many lunch counters are, as well.

Air and bus travel?  Forget it, unless you never need rest rooms.  So what’s a person to do when faced with illegal barriers?First, don’t be discouraged.  One person can make a difference. Next, put your courteous complaint in writing and keep copies of everything and follow-up by phone or in person whenever possible.

If you feel you need a little assistance, don’t hesitate to get help and advice from your local experts such as:  Center For Independent Living, Human Rights Commission, or Disabled Services or Advocacy Office. If none of these resources are available where you live, call the ADA Information Center at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0380 (TTY).

If we all help make just one business more accessible by the act’s 21th anniversary next year, that would be change we would all welcome.

JACK GILLRUP
Disability Consultant
Jacksonville, Fl.

               Contact Jack in Jacksonville, Florida, for specifics
about ADA requirements for your building.