Handicapped parking spots - The Who, Why, & What of using these spots! 

So with that being a medical facility, they are required to have more than normal number of ADA spaces. Both the spots where your van is parked and the spot to your left look to be "Universal ADA Spaces". Universal spaces are required to be 132" in width with a 60" unloading zone (2 universal spaces can share 1 unloading zone) whereas a normal ADA space is required to be 96" in width with a 60" unloading zone. A typical Van Accessible space requirements are 96" in width with a a 96" unloading zone. There are so many lots across the US that are not in compliance or have been grandfathered in since the 2010 ADA requirements were updated. Every handicap spot (by federal law which can be downsized state to state or city to city) is now required to have an unloading zone next to it (2 spaces can share 1 unloading zone). If a company changes their lot layout or is a new build, they are supposed to update their ADA spaces. Now if the companies do that that is another thing. Just some extra facts for everyone. If you find a property out of regulation, you can call your city and file a complaint.

I've been parking to the right of that lined space for years, because I keep my rolling walker in the driver's side back seat, and it allows me more room to pull the walker out. It didn't occur to me that I'm helping others at the same time. Good to know. Now I'll be even more conscious of it.

I have an oversized walker and walk/drive solo most of the time. BEST store parking lot that I've seen so far is Winco on Country Club Rd. Lots of big spaces, walkways marked off for walking/rolling, easy transition with smooth large ramp at entrance that everyone uses. This grocery store is employee-owned and run by super helpful people. Store has wide aisles and bulk/organic food options in the back corner. Bring cash or debit. They don't take credit cards. OK to bring your own containers to stock up.

I'm in a wheelchair and I've had to deal with so many people parked in that handicapped hashmark space. like, wtf people.

There should be a separate van only sign so people don't get confused or have to go and read that tiny little sign. Not a hard fix.

Why can't people just back in if that's the only bay available 😂

Just a week and a half ago my wife and I went to the movies and we parked in the van slot, I have been in a chair for almost 20 years. When we came out and I got back into the car I said you know we should not park in this slot because it's for Van access only. So I am guilty of doing this exact thing your talking about.

Please don't use the "H" Word. Please call it ADA Access Parking or AAP for ASA Access Parking. This teaches the rest of the non-disabled community the right way to address and not shame the word Disabled/Disabilities. Disabled/Disability is not a dirty word and the "H" Word is a reminder of negative things that have been done and said to disabled people. Other than that it was a good video.

One important factor that you didn't discuss is, if a person with a handicap parking permit parks in a handicap parking spot and an abled body person get out of the vehicle and the handicap person remains in the car, they are also parked illegal. The permit is to allow the handicap person to park closer! The abled body person doesn't need to be closer.

well you're gonna need to articulate that on a sign right in front of the space cuz no one is gonna know and half of everyone is clueless to begin with and cant make out basic connections like this. Most dont care anyway. Their logic is if it isnt on a sign its fair game...

Nothing better to do?

you park in one and get out even with a placard and ar walking normally i make you a honest man on the spot you park in one without a placard imake you a honest man on the spot

That's all fine and dandy but I'm Disabled and I don't have a van with a lift of any kind, and I can walk but not far?. So it sounds like you want me not to park in those spots for Van's?. Please come to my State so I can have you arrested for Stupidity???????.

No shit

Understood, but sometimes the handicapped person may have to get a chair out from the driver's side of a car, so I park backward in the spot so the chair or rollator can be pulled out from the back seat. My friend/helper gets it out for me and places it next to my door - I am the driver, but I'm the disabled one too. So not everyone drives a van, but they may need the extra space

But in the REAL WORLD we cannot be so choosy and pick whatever is available. In Canada we don't have these ramp areas in most places.

The big yellow lined space, and the large distance between the parking spaces is for wheelchair accessibility. That’s why the spaces are so WIDE! The large crew cab truck to the left. Do you notice the distance between the trucks door and the yellow line? That same distance will be available if someone’s parked in the spot your talking about. That plenty to get a chair out of. I’ve had no problems doing that whatsoever. Did you notice the space to the left of your van? That gives plenty of space to get a chair out too.

but if the van spot is the only one available..its fine to use if you really can't use a regular spot. i only use a motorized chair for long trips....but i actually need the access aisle to pull myself out...i always need room to open the door fully and need room to balance myself after standing (i just use shopping carts as a mobility device). also, for the non van space, in that situation, you can back in and have the ramp open on to the aisle...