Handicap Accessible Frustrations

Everytime I hang out with my friend who is in a wheelchair I come away so frustrated and SAD.  As if it isn't hard enough for her -- The Public is so "Glib" when it comes to "Handicap Accessible."

We drive around a parking lot until we find a handicap parking place large enough for her van and the ramp.   There are few places that give you enough space for a Van.  They are usually marked "Van Accessable".  The stripped area beside these parking places give you plenty of room to let the ramp down and roll down safely.  

If the driver parks over the diagonal stripes -- there is not enough room for the van ramp to fold out and for the wheelchair to get back into the van.

Parking on diagonal stripes

 We have stood in the parking lot waiting for the other driver to return -- we have gone back into the store and reported the problem -- the manager has requested that the driver of Ford Truck License #blablabla to please move their vehicle.  Recently our groceries were melting in the Texas heat while we waited  and when the Truck owner finally showed up they were just "rude" and uncaring about the problem that they had caused.

Resturants who have handicap parking places do not maintain their lot and the ramps.  While traveling last year the resturant did have a handicap space,

however, there was a pot hole at the entrance of the ramp.  Is there someone who inspects these ramps for needed repairs?  Have Called 311 ADA.

Another parking lot had a handicap space but the ramp left the wheelchair into gravel which can be a big problem.  What in the world do people think -- or do they just NOT Think?

This Post will be on-going.  I will update when I hear back from ADA.