Navigating Legal and Moral Quandaries: A Disability Parking Spot Encounter
Have you ever been ticketed for parking in a disabled spot even if you were disabled? This is a situation that many people with disabilities encounter, often leading to a battle with both city laws and personal biases.
Encountering Legal Obstacles
During one peculiar incident, I received tickets for leaving my severely damaged vehicle in a handicapped parking spot for two days. Despite the total fine being zero dollars, the experience highlighted the complexities of enforcing laws related to disability.
I appealed the tickets, providing detailed evidence including an accident report and repair bills. The vehicles steering component was completely damaged, making it impossible to drive. The tow truck could not move the vehicle until I submitted the required paperwork, which took time. This proof demonstrated that I couldn’t move the car due to the extent of the damage.
The judge reviewed my appeal, and after considering the extensive documentation and honesty, my case was upheld. No fines were imposed, although the worst-case scenario could have resulted in a $500 fine.
Dealing with Workplace Based Discrimination
Another encounter with bias took place at a place where I worked. On this occasion, I was confronted by a colleague who questioned my right to park in a disabled spot, stating, "You don’t look disabled to me." This comment not only violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also exposed a deep-seated personal bias.
As I responded, I challenged my colleague's knowledge and asked, "Are you a doctor? Can you read medical documentation? Look at an MRI and see bones with no disc material between them. Just tell me have you ever lain in the streets with blood in your mouth and on your face, unable to stand up, needing a spine board, and having to look at the doctor while he sutures your leg and hand? Have you ever spent weeks in a hospital going into further debt every day?"
My next question addressed the ADA: "You cannot force, intimidate, or threaten someone to do or not do something based on their job." I asked to see their documentation and found that they were all 'just' jealous. I benefited from military retirement, VA disability, and additional income that allowed me to travel and enjoy experiences that others could only dream of. My ability to survive overseas, where my disability was more challenging, made them even more envious.
Exploring the Broader Implications
The job where I previously worked closed down because the company refused to work unless on overtime. From my disability retirement with both civil service and VA benefits, I continued to earn over six figures in non-taxable income. However, last year, a heart attack limited my ability to travel, even balancing against a similar restriction for most people. This year, I avoided such activities due to health reasons, making us somewhat balanced.
Closing Thoughts
These encounters highlight the ongoing struggle for equal rights and understanding in our society. It is crucial to understand the laws like the ADA and recognize the contributions and rights of individuals with disabilities. Whether it's navigating legal battles or addressing workplace discrimination, standing up for one's rights is a fundamental step in creating a more equitable environment.