Not where we live! Most places in our area dedicate double of what is ever used. Target, Meijer and larger stores dedicate about 1/3 of their parking which is typcally 6 spaces in and 8 rows across. Hope your surgery goes well.

At our orthopedic center there are lots of handicap spaces, but the door is not automatic! Coming up to the door with a walker, or arm in a sling, or just poor mobility, you have to pull it open or walk waaaaay over to the side to press the button, then halfwaaaay back to enter the automatic door. This is a newer building built for this purpose!

One of our hospitals has handicap parking but it is a ways from the door. Fortunately, they have valet parking.

Oddly, we were at the medical supply store today to look at walkers etc, and the handicap spaces were an aisle away...on the far side of the aisle.

It is rare I see cars with proper tagging in "handicapped" zones. I have a good frined who has been a wheeler for 18 years. I often wonder how she feels when she cannot find a spot for her van becasue someone with a passing issue decides the "Van accessible" sign means they are free to park there too. Truth is Docs give those tags out too liberally.

In my area it depends on how large the parking lot is. Isn't it like that in most places?

I hear ya! Rehab location was the worst, even though they had the most spaces. When I had a temporary one, I never had a problem at the grocery store (Publix), Target or most places except a few times, and it would depend on the time of day to some extent.

With my left knee ACL reconstruction I was able to drive myself after a few weeks. I saw drivers parking in the handicap spaces with their passengers with a shoulder injury, for example, hopping out and walking into the rehab center. Those with hip or knee injuries/surgeries on crutches were walking from way down the row in a non-handicap space. Another thing is that (in this state anyway) people with 'Disabled Veteran' tags are allowed to park in handicap spaces at work. I fully support our veterans. But when there are truly not enough spaces for those in need of one at work, I get angry when I see some chick in 4" heels hopping out of her big SUV and briskly walking into the building.

My doctor's practice built a fancy new palace a couple of years ago, and there is the opposite problem. If you don't have a handicap plate of placard, you park in the boonies. And mind you, most of the people coming in are sick, just don't have the necessary authorization!

I don't think my state give them out easily. My SIL applied for a temp tag when she had her knee replacement and had to resubmit the documentation twice. The pass didn't arrive until 2 1/2 weeks after the surgery, although she applied early. While I was driving her to rehab I noticed they had a decent amount of special spaces (which we DID NOT use, I dropped her off and parked in the back of the lot) but they weren't really that close to the door. The building is situated oddly on that lot so the closest spots are still far from the door. I'm a very good aide, I provide drop off and door pick up for my patients (my SIL, my Mum).

Not having an automatic door is funny, but also sad and poorly planned.

To be fair to the shoulder people, they may also have heart or breathing problems that aren't visible so who are we to say they shouldn't park there? If they don't have other disabilities, then maybe karma will visit them.

I am conflicted when I drop one my parents off at the door, then park in a handicap spot with their placard. I know that I am not supposed to do that, but...I can't leave them for long by the door, especially if there is no place to sit, and when we come out, if they feel up to walking to the car, then they want to. If there is a regular spot nearby I will take it, and for myself I typically park further away (good exercise and maybe someone else needs a closer spot). So the woman walking briskly in (oh, she's in heels? It's not me lol) may be trying to reach her dad.

I hear what you are saying Joanie. Bpathome, all you can do is follow your heart. You can't leave them standing at the door for too long, end of story.

It's true though. There is major abuse when it comes to who gets the stickers. Others might have sever issues, just not noticable to the rest of us.

The number of parking spaces reserved for the handicapped depends on the total number of parking places in the lot. That's why you see lots of marked spaces at WalMart. There's a chart on This site that give you the numbers.

ML

OTOH, It can be frustrating when someone without a placard who has a temporary illness or injury cannot find a close spot especially when there are loads of empty handicap spots. But I can sure understand the annoyance of being at a medical center without adequate accommodating parking.

Joanie, that sure doesn't make any sense. There's valet parking at the med center where I go so I've not noticed how many Handicap spaces there are.
Maybe this is something you can bring to their attention?
Also wishing you well with your surgery.

I read the chart but I think each business should use common sense. I take my mother shopping so I have a parking permit to use with her. There is never enough handicap parking spaces at Wegmans or other stores.

A pet peeve for BJs wholesale club. We used to be members and my mom enjoyed going there BUT they would not allow the motorized shopping carts to leave the store. It was ridiculous what she and I had to go through every time we shopped there. All other stores we know with motorized shopping carts allow them in the parking lot.

When I take my mom out, I park in the spot and either she walks into the place with her walker or I go get one of those motorized scooters and bring it to the car for her to use.

bpathome, you are doing nothing wrong.

Apparently, debrak, I can be ticketed for doing just what I've been doing. I haven't been, but a police office stopped me in a parking lot after I dropped mom off, then parked in a handicap spot...without putting up the placard. I grabbed the placard...but it had expired; then I hung a current one but it was dad's. Yes, all that matters. I had the officer come in with me to explain to mom the issue. He didn't ticket me, but said I can absolutely be ticketed depending on the officer who sees it.

It took another few weeks to get a new placard.

I often do what you do, but...don't laugh, because it's true...if it's really windy out, mom can get blown over! She's really petite.

bpathome, Never knew that. I should check the date on our placard! My mom can get blown over too so whether she is with her walker or on the scooter I walk with her on windy or stormy days : )