In my previous blog, I wrote about the lack of disabled parking spots in public places like grocery stores and strip malls. So, when a new condo complex was being built about 1 mile down the road from where I live, I was curious. Nobody really knew anything about it or how many units were going to be in it. It looked like a pretty big operation, so I decided to check it out. When I arrived, I spoke to one of the workers from the local construction company that had the contract on the condos. They were building five separate buildings, 4 stories tall and 15 units a floor.
Demonstrating iLevel Technology
While we were talking, the worker commented on my power wheelchair and how he thought it was cool that it can elevate. So, I explained how I can drive while elevated and all the benefits that iLevel® technology offers me in my daily life. Then, he asked me about my wheelchair accessible van. So, I showed him how I get in and out of the vehicle with my wheelchair ramp.
Van-Only Disabled Parking Spaces
He told me that they had just painted the handicap stripes in the parking lot for the condos the day before. They even have spots designated for wheelchair-accessible vans! Sure enough, there were designated handicap spots not only with stripes but stripes that had the word “van” written across them. Due to my previous experiences with a lack of disabled parking spots, especially for people like me who drive wheelchair accessible vans, this was exciting. What a game changer!
Educating Others
Now that these condos have these van-only spots, the challenge will be educating individuals who have disabled parking tags. If there are three disabled parking spots available, they need to leave the van spot empty. Still, I was impressed that somebody had thought about people with disabilities when planning this condo construction, specifically those of us who drive wheelchair accessible vans!
About Josh McDermott: Josh is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.
For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!
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