permit parking opinion piece in our paper today

[TLC_31]

Some of you may want to comment at the end of the linked article.

http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/30795917-78/handicapped-parking-spaces-disabled-park.html.csp

"Let me be blunt here: If you can walk more than 50 feet, you do not need a handicapped parking spot. If you can run on a treadmill for 30 minutes or longer, you do not need a handicapped parking spot. If you can stroll around a shopping mall, grocery store or any type of business without a wheelchair, crutches or other type of assistance without falling down, you do not deserve to park in a handicapped space.If you can stand for several hours at your place of employment without falling down, or if you can take leisurely walks during your day, you do not deserve to park in a handicapped parking space."

[immisceo]

Thanks for following up on this.

I'm pleased they published a letter that responded and am equally pleased the individual who wrote it did such a fantastic job of stating the case whilst expressing understanding for the original individual's frustration. That will likely do far more to raise consciousness on this issue than a letter that is a tad more pointed and defensive would.

[calamfred]

Well said!
C

[TLC_31]

I apologize, I read this paper online and comment frequently, so I forget others aren't used to the hurdles. The paper will only let you read five articles before you have to clear cookies, and it will warn you after one. Comments require a social media account, I use Disqus in this case.

Today a letter to the editor appeared on the subject. I do not know the writer, who has MS.

Not all disabilities are visible ones

In response to Steve Brooks’ Nov. 30 column, I understand his frustration with finding accessible parking for his disabled father (“Leave designated parking spots for the truly disabled”). However, there are disabilities such as my own that are not apparent to others.

I have multiple sclerosis and I didn’t demand a disabled parking permit from my doctor when I was diagnosed. Like many others, I continued to try going about my activities as long as possible, until I finally realized I needed to make some accommodations.

Being able to park near my destination can be the difference between going in, or passing by and leaving to try again later. If I’m having a good day I won’t even bother looking for a designated disabled spot but when I need one, I’ll take it.

MS sufferers are used to people not understanding our needs, and perhaps giving us dirty looks. I’m sure it’s the same for others with neurologic or cardiac diseases, among other conditions.

I propose that a good solution would be to make more wheelchair-only spots available. Our community does seem to have more than its share of people with physical disabilities.

Sue Schroder

Eugene

[SarahL2491]

Strange, when I went to leave a comment, it offered me a subscription offer and would not return me to the page.

I know that wearing a brace, such that I have, entitles me to a handicap parking spot and I too, often have to walk further than I wish, because they are taken up.   I can't walk any further than the store and have to have a cart to lean on.  I don't trust the store riding carts because they stop halfway thru the store because no one plugged them in and repowered them.

I stopped getting upset at these stupid editorials because unless they, as the writers, are handicapped, who cares what they think.  I had to go thru a doctor to get my handicapped parking ability and its what he thinks and what I think that is important.

I notice the person writing this editorial didn't bother to wonder why there were no buttons for us to push to have the store bring us a cart to ride in when we can't find a designated spot………which I would have probably said had it given me the opportunity to leave a comment.

There are many invisible chronic diseases that they never taken into account and if they would write the check for $1,500, I would bring my own power chair…….Alex also has a good point.  

So let's just let them vent, just as we vent, and go on with our daily fight with our bff, MS, and ignore them!

Sarah

[HVAC]

I can do all those things in the paragraph until I can't. Yesterday I walked fine today not so good.

Alex

[doublevision1]

Meh. So he doesn't get it. Like, I suspect, the vast majority of those not living with invisible chronic disease. Oh well.