Many people with disabilities say accessible parking is often abused
Often referred to as "handicapped parking," the community of people with disabilities wants others to know the proper terminology is "accessible parking." For those who qualify, it provides a needed service, but like many government services it can also be abused.
Knoxville ADA Coordinator Stephanie Cook, who uses a wheelchair herself, says many disabilities are not immediately obvious.
"It might be somebody like myself, who is a wheelchair user, might be somebody who has had a broken leg, had a stroke, maybe one side of their body is partially paralyzed. Maybe it's somebody who is blind and is using or depending on services of a service animal," she said.
While there are many who do qualify and use accessible parking, there are others who do not.
That issue stirs a fire in Kimberly Stapleton, who has a young daughter with a disability.
Stapleton has an accessible parking tag, but says she only uses it when her daughter is in the vehicle. It angers her when others park illegally.
"Its just frustrating not to be able to get her out comfortably and get her in her wheelchair because other people are abusing it," she said.
She says it's common to see someone pull into an accessible space without the proper tags or license, and wonders if convenience is the motivation.
"I know its not always convenient to park further down but you're able to walk. And there are a lot of people out there who aren't. So, I know your time is valuable, but so is being able to get in and out comfortably for someone."
Then there are some who have accessible tags, who maybe shouldn't.
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Hal Cates says sometimes people try to "game the system."
"People want a handicapped sticker because you can park closer to ball games, you can park closer to the store. They may have a little bit of a problem, but compared to the rest of the folks that are really good candidates, they don't have that bad of a problem," said. "And you have to politely say, 'you're not quite ready yet, and that's not an indication for you.'
Most of Dr. Cates' patients suffer from hip and knee arthritis, and usually qualify for an accessible tag.
He explains anyone who applies must get a doctor's signature and approval at the DMV. According to the application, anyone caught falsely representing themselves to get a tag could face misdemeanor charges.
Dr. Cates isn't afraid to tell people no.
"If you're not a candidate, you're not a candidate."
Stephanie Cook says the ability to park is important to everyone, and wants people to understand the rules.
"Hopefully I can convey the use of those spaces, and that the use be proper, and that it not be used by somebody who doesn't have the legal right to use that space."