Does An Employer Need To Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Parking?

For those with a physical disability, having wheelchair-accessible parking is a game-changer. Ensuring you can get in and out of your car safely and easily is so important. Having wheelchair-accessible parking at the workplace can have a huge impact on your commute. This is particularly the case for drivers who are already nervous behind the wheel.

Getting a disabled parking permit helps you to access wheelchair-accessible parking. Applying for a permit is a simple process for those with a qualifying condition. While these conditions vary from state to state, they typically include those such as:

  • Loss of mobility
  • Loss of limb
  • Limited vision
  • Lung illness
  • Cardiac conditions

Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to navigate the world of disabled parking, as rules surrounding parking permits vary from state, and regional laws may differ. Many people are unsure as to what they are entitled to as part of their employment, and knowing employer parking laws can be confusing. That’s where the ADA comes in.

wheelchair user
Image by stevepb on Pixabay: What accommodations does an employer have to provide to employees with disabilities?

What Are The ADA Disabled Parking Rules?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was designed to protect the rights of Americans living with disabilities and offer standardized guidelines for employers to follow. The ADA sets the standards for what disabled parking spaces should look like. They should have a minimum size (eight feet wide, plus five feet of aisle space on either side) to allow for easy access to and from the vehicle, and they should also be clearly marked or signposted with the International Symbol of Access. They must be situated near the most accessible entrance of the building they serve, and must provide an accessible route to and from this entrance.

Does An Employer Need To Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Parking?

Any company with more than 15 employees has to abide by the ADA guidelines. Your employer must make every reasonable accommodation for you as a disabled employee. If an employer provides their own parking lot for employees, this must have a certain number of disabled parking spaces. If you have a physical disability and use a wheelchair, your employer must make a wheelchair-accessible parking space available to you if parking in a private lot is a perk that they provide.

However, some employers do not provide parking for their employees. This is not a legal requirement, so your employer does not need to provide it. If employee parking is not offered at your place of work (if your employer does not own their own parking lot, for example), it is not the employer’s responsibility to provide wheelchair-accessible parking. In this case, it is the responsibility of whichever parking lot the employee generally uses.

How Many Disabled Parking Spaces Should There Be In A Parking Lot?

The ADA sets standards when it comes to how many disabled parking spaces should be allocated to each parking lot. The amount of wheelchair-accessible and disabled parking places per lot depends on its total capacity. Under current standards, this means that for every 25 parking spaces there must be one accessible van space. For a lot that has 300 spaces, at least seven must be accessible. There must also be an access aisle provided to enable wheelchair users to easily enter and exit the parking lot without obstruction.

employee parking lot
Image by JayMantri on Pixabay: Do employers have to accommodate people with disabilities?

The Bottom Line: Do Employers Have To Provide Parking For Disabled Employees

While you have rights as a disabled parking permit holder, simply owning a permit does not mean your employer is required to provide wheelchair-accessible parking. The ADA states that employers must make all reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. However, if the employer cannot reasonably provide disabled parking, and if it places undue hardship on them, they are not obliged to do so.

Some employers may provide wheelchair-accessible parking, but there may be not be enough disabled parking spaces for each employee who needs one. Situations like this can be stressful and difficult to manage, but the best way to sort them out is to have a conversation with your employer to see what can be done to accommodate both your needs and theirs.

It is important that you can access wheelchair-accessible parking, and it is your right to do so. However, it can be complicated to negotiate what must be provided by your employer, and what constitutes reasonable grounds for the provision of disabled parking places. Fortunately, the ADA is there to help those with disabilities live life as easily as possible, and most employers are willing to make the necessary accommodations for their employees.

Featured image by overjupiter on Pixabay

What Is The Best Car For A Wheelchair User?

Wheelchairs help many people to remain independent – but a big part of that independence comes from accessing transportation that can accommodate your wheelchair. That’s why it’s so important for wheelchair users to find a vehicle that you not only like, but that’s accessible too.

The good news is that there are many cars on the market today that are accessible to those in wheelchairs. Here are some of the best cars for wheelchair users that you might want to consider.

The Benefits Of Each Car Type For Wheelchair Users

If you’ve already started your new car search, you know that there are many choices out there. With all of the things wheelchair users have to take into consideration, there are definitely benefits to each car type on the market today. Here’s a breakdown:

Minivans

These are a great all-around vehicle for wheelchair users since they have so much room. You can find them at a variety of price points, and they provide quick access and have high safety ratings. You can get a minivan with either a side or rear entry, too, which is a definite bonus for ease of use when out and about with your wheelchair. A minivan is one of the best cars for wheelchair transfers, too.

Full-size vans

Most full-size vans will come with a lift instead of a ramp. These systems can be a lot more expensive than other types of cars, but they have a lot of room, which some people need not only to accommodate their wheelchair but their family as well.

SUVs

This type of car is very popular since it is great for off-road driving and driving in inclement weather. An SUV can be more expensive than other options, but does tend to be much roomier than a minivan, with a lot of cargo space.

Cars

Cars are normally the most affordable option but offer the least amount of extra space. However, they’re low to the ground, which is good for transferring. They’re easy to handle, too, which makes them a great option for new drivers.

Trucks

Trucks are powerful and great for towing, but may not be the best option for wheelchair users since they’re high off the ground. The wheelchair, once stored in the back, can also be exposed to the elements.

Dr Handicap - disabled drivers
Image by Why Kei on Unsplash: Wondering what cars can take a wheelchair? Let’s investigate.

What is the best car for wheelchairs?

Let’s take a look at some specific models of the best wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the market right now.

Ford C-Max

This car has plenty of room for both passengers and drivers. It features high, wide doors to give wheelchair users plenty of space to transfer and a lot of room in the back for mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

The C-Max can also be adapted for wheelchair users by adding seat lifts, wheelchair hoists, pedals, and hand controls. Plus, it’s relatively affordable, which is always a bonus!

Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you like to have a little oomph in your engine, you can’t go wrong with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This small SUV can be fitted with power seats, tie-downs, running boards, and lifts for wheelchair users thanks to Chrysler’s Automobility Program. Conversions under this program qualify the owner for a reimbursement for up to $1,000, which is a nice bonus.

Subaru Forester

This small SUV is one of the most popular cars on the market, for both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. But for those in a wheelchair in particular, this SUV offers a lot of safety and comfort. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, and is one of the most dependable SUVs you can find year after year.

Every Subaru can undergo modifications from the factory to make it more accessible, such as foot or hand control and pedal extensions. The hatchback also makes it easy to store your wheelchair.

Hyundai Sonata

This is a simple but dependable car for wheelchair users. It’s a midsize car that is reliable and comes with a great warranty. It’s easy to access since it’s low to the ground, and comes with features such as a smart system so you’ll never have to ask for direction again.

Dr Handicap - Toyota
Image by Dima Fedorov on Unsplash: What is the best car for wheelchairs? That comes down to your personal needs as a wheelchair user.

Honda Odyssey

If you’re in the market for a minivan, the Odyssey is one of the most reliable you can find. It gets great fuel economy and is easy to handle. Even though it’s a minivan, the floors are low for ease of entry and it can be modified easily for wheelchair users.

Kia Soul

If you’re looking for a car that’s a little quirky, then the boxy Kia Soul fits the bill. It looks compact from the outside but is actually quite roomy on the inside, with high ceilings and low floors. It also has wide doors for easy entry and exit. Plus, the low price makes it affordable for almost anyone.

If you’re looking for a new car, this list should get you off to a good start to finding the best car for a wheelchair user!

Featured image by Marianne Bos on Unsplash

Is Disabled Parking Free At Six Flags?

Six Flags has parks all across the United States that many families enjoy year after year. If you are disabled or have someone in your party who is, then it’s important to understand what to expect from a visit to one of Six Flags’ many parks.

So is disabled parking free at Six Flags? From parking to enjoying attractions, here’s what you need to know about services for the disabled at Six Flags.

Is Disabled Parking Free At Six Flags?

Six Flags does have accessible parking available. The parking is available to those who need it on a first-come, first-served basis. Six Flags asks that when those in need of disabled parking arrive at the park, they talk to a team member about where to find accessible parking spots.

You must have a valid disabled parking placard or plate to park in the accessible parking area and it must be visible at all times while you are parked. If you find that the parking lot is full upon arrival, you can ask for additional parking areas or drop off those who need it in the designated drop-off zones. Those with disabled parking plates must pay the same parking fees as those without disabled parking placards or plates.

Dr Handicap - Six Flags park map
Image by Art of Hoping on Unsplash: The park maps are a great way to locate Six Flags’ ADA guideline-compliant features.

Facilities In The Park: Is Six Flags Handicap Accessible?

For people with disabilities, accessibility is important. Six Flags recognizes this, which is why they have accessible restaurants and restrooms available throughout the park.

Every restroom you find throughout Six Flags parks are accessible to wheelchairs. You can find the location of restrooms on the visitor’s maps available throughout the park.

In restaurants, hosts will provide assistance to any person who cannot navigate through the line. They can assist you in ordering food and can also help those with hearing and visual impairments to consult the menus and order.

Theaters

If you want to take advantage of one of the many shows in a Six Flags park, simply arrive at any show facility about 15 minutes before the show is to begin and speak with a host. There is seating specifically for those who cannot transfer from a wheelchair.

Guest Services: Following Six Flags ADA Guidelines

If you have a question at any point during your visit, you can contact any team member at the Guest Services locations throughout the park. They can help resolve any issues you may have or provide more information for specific park services for those with disabilities.

Six Flags Ride Requirements

The rides at every Six Flags theme park require a guest to transfer from a wheelchair with the assistance of someone in their party or by themselves. No employee of the park can help you transfer, as they are not trained in proper carrying or lifting procedures.

Safety may also dictate that not all rides are available to guests who can’t maintain a proper position in the ride at all times. The safety restraints are designed to be used throughout a ride. If someone is not able to properly utilize a safety restraint, then they will be unable to ride. This means that if a restrictive device such as a cast or brace is in use and cannot safely be accommodated on the ride, then you may not be able to take part.

The Attraction Access Program: Six Flags Disability Pass

Six Flags has a program for those with disabilities called the Attraction Access Program. It is meant to help patrons with disabilities enjoy the park to its fullest.

Each attraction at Six Flags has been evaluated to understand if it can be ridden safely by those with disabilities. The Attraction Access Program has measures in place to help disabled individuals with accommodations that help them enjoy equal access to the fun.

Individuals with disabilities can obtain a pass from Guest Services upon arrival at the park. You will need to present a doctor’s note to get the pass. For the note to be valid it must contain your name, the doctor’s name, address, and telephone number, be on official letterhead, and state that that you have a disability qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Dr Handicap - Six Flags restaurant
Image by Jacob Blanck on Unsplash: Six Flags is handicap accessible for most people – so go have fun! And don’t forget your Six Flags disability pass.

Six Flags wants everyone to have a great experience. If you have questions about your visit, be sure to contact them ahead of time so you’re well prepared for a great day.

Featured image by Gabriel Valdez on Unsplash

Is Disabled Parking Free In Disney World?

Disney World in Orlando, Florida is one America’s most famous tourist attractions. The iconic and much-loved resort holds a wide variety of magical attractions, including an enormous theme park, several themed hotels, restaurants, theatres, and events venues. In Disney World, there is something for all the family, with attractions that will appeal to infants, young children, teens, adults, and even grandparents.

Disney World has infrastructure and policies in place that are designed to make the resort as disability-friendly as possible. Lots of Disney World’s customers have some type of mobility issue or disability and the resort holds accessibility as a very high priority. It also has a legal obligation to adhere to the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Dr Handicap - disney
Image by Brian McGowan on Unsplash: Disney World is accessible to disabled guests.

Visiting Disney World With Mobility Issues

While having certain disabilities may mean that some restrictions and limitations are inevitable, being disabled need not curtail your fun at Disney World. The resort has a well-thought-out set of measures in place that are designed to make its attractions and amenities as accessible as possible.

Every effort is made by the resort and its staff to make as many of Disney World’s attractions accessible to disabled visitors and their families.

Disabled Parking At Disney World

Disney World has plenty of disabled parking. Handicap parking spaces are located throughout the resort, placed as close to entrances and amenities as possible. You must have a valid disabled parking permit to park in disabled spaces at Disney World.

If you do not have a valid disabled parking permit, you can request to park at the end of a lot, nearer to entrances, and staff will attempt to accommodate your request.

Is Disabled Parking Free In Disney World?

Disabled parking is not free throughout Disney World. However, in certain areas of the resort, disabled permit-holders may avail of free parking.

In the main resort car parks, disabled drivers must pay the standard fee to park. The standard fees are:

  • Value Resorts – $15 per night
  • Moderate Resorts – $20 per night
  • Deluxe Resorts – $25 per night

Valet parking, which is only available at Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, is free for disabled parking permit-holders.

Do You Need A Special Disabled Parking Pass At Disney World?

Unlike at many major outdoor attractions such as the main National Parks, there is no Disney World disabled parking pass that you need to apply for. A standard disabled parking placard or license plate is all you need to be able to use disabled parking spaces in Disney World.

What Kinds Of Disabled Parking Are Available At Disney World?

Disney World has three types of disabled parking spaces:

  • Accessible parking spaces for cars
  • Accessible parking spaces for vans (one-sided entry)
  • Accessible parking spaces for vans (two-sided entry)

Parking lots at Disney World supply wheelchairs for guests with mobility issues to use if they need to.

Where Is Disabled Parking Located At Disney World?

In all of Disney World’s parking lots, disabled parking spaces are located closest to the entrance of the amenity that the lot serves.

Do Out-Of-State Disabled Parking Permits Work In Disney World?

Disabled parking permits from any US state, as well as the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and any EU country, are valid at Disney World.

Is There Handicap Parking At Magic Kingdom?

Magic Kingdom is one of the most famous attractions at Disney World. Good news: there is handicap parking at Magic Kingdom! It is situated near the front of the Ticket and Transportation parking lot and is available for holders of all types of disabled parking permits. A standard parking fee of $25 applies.

Does Disney World Have A Disability Pass?

Disney World has a Disability Access Service (DAS) card that is available to guests with disabilities. DAS cards help guests who are not able to wait in a queue environment due to a disability. DAS cards are available from Guest Relations offices at the main entrances to the resort. They enable the holder to be given a return time at attractions so they do not need to queue.

Dr Handicap - Disney theme park
Image by aliwigle on Pixabay: Disney World’s Disability Access Service card is available to disabled guests.

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

If you are planning to visit Disney World and you have a disability, but have not yet got a disabled parking permit, now is a good time to apply. The easiest way to apply for a disabled parking permit is to arrange an online consultation with a medical professional through Dr. Handicap.

Once your disability has been verified, the examining doctor will fill in the relevant sections of a disabled parking application form. You can then submit the form to the disabled parking authorities in your state and you will soon receive your permit.

Featured image by Brian McGowan on Unsplash