by Don Johnston
For those of us who rely on accessible parking spaces, disabled parking is not a convenience—it’s a necessity. The extra space beside these designated spots allows us to safely load and unload wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility equipment. Unfortunately, finding an available accessible parking space has become an increasingly common challenge, one that too often goes unnoticed by the broader community.
Every time an accessible parking space is occupied by someone without a valid disability placard or license plate, or when the striped access aisle is blocked, it limits our independence. For people living with spinal cord injuries and other mobility disabilities, these spaces provide the freedom to work, attend medical appointments, shop, and participate in everyday life. When they are unavailable or improperly used, that freedom is taken away.
Stephen Lieberman, Senior Director of Advocacy and Policy for the United Spinal Association, summarized the issue well:
“In Ohio and across America, people with disabilities have been experiencing a long-term crisis of access to accessible parking spaces. For years, wheelchair users have continually reported serious issues with the availability and usage of accessible parking spaces.”
In Ohio, disability parking placards are issued based on the duration of a person’s disability:
- Temporary (Red): For disabilities expected to last six months or less.
- Standard (Blue): For disabilities expected to last more than six months and up to ten years.
While these permits help identify who is authorized to use accessible parking, many of the frustrations experienced by our disability community stem from people who ignore parking laws altogether.
Recently, I encountered a driver who parked in the striped access aisle—the hashed area next to an accessible parking space—and blocked the curb cut. Although the vehicle wasn’t occupying the marked parking space itself, it prevented wheelchair users from safely entering or exiting their vehicles. After I took a few photos, the driver responded, “I was only going to park here for a few minutes.” Unfortunately, those “few minutes” turned into more than 15 minutes, making the space unusable for anyone who needed it.
Our members experience similar frustrations every day.
Richard R. from Northeast Ohio, who is transported in a lowered-floor van with a passenger-side ramp, often struggles to find enough space to safely deploy his ramp. He shared, “The community at large is just not prepared for people with disabilities.” When accessible parking isn’t available, he is often forced to park farther from his destination, creating additional safety concerns in busy parking lots where drivers may not see him.
Brian C. faces different challenges as a manual wheelchair user. “I need enough space beside my driver’s door to unload and assemble my wheelchair,” he explained. “This is how I was taught to stay independent. During emergencies or medical appointments, there should be more accessible spaces available for those of us who truly need them.”
These experiences highlight why accessible parking is about much more than convenience—it’s about safety, independence, and equal access.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes minimum requirements for the number of accessible parking spaces based on the total number of parking spaces in a lot. However, as communities continue to grow and vehicle sizes increase, many people with disabilities believe these minimum standards no longer meet today’s needs. The chart below outlines the current ADA requirements for accessible parking.
Ohio law currently makes unauthorized parking in an accessible space a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of $250 to $500. Although offenders do not face jail time or receive a criminal record, improper use of accessible parking remains a significant issue.
House Bill 712 seeks to strengthen enforcement by shifting most accessible parking violations from criminal offenses to civil violations while creating a tiered penalty system. Under the proposal:
- A first offense would result in a $250 fine.
- A second offense would carry a fine of $250 to $500.
- A third or subsequent offense would result in a fine of $500 to $750.
The legislation would also allow law enforcement officers to issue citations based on photographic evidence, with tickets mailed directly to the registered vehicle owner. The owner could either pay the fine or request a hearing to contest the citation.
Real change will only happen when accessibility becomes a priority for our communities, businesses, and lawmakers. By supporting legislation like House Bill 712, reporting parking violations when appropriate, and educating others about the importance of accessible parking, we can help protect the independence and safety of people with disabilities.
Accessible parking isn’t a privilege—it’s an essential part of creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully. It’s time we demand the access we deserve.
