Follow-up to non-handicapped person parking in a handicapped space?

Posted: May 22nd, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , , | 6 Comments »

It has been confirmed through law enforcement officials that we may tow a car parked in a handicapped space on private property, even if the car is parked with handicapped plates, and with a hanging placard. We have very limited guest parking, 8 spots, with 1 reserved for handicapped GUESTS. All owners have their own individual space, as well as outside parking on the side of the building, but they may not park in the guest lot. One owner, whose husband is handicapped, parks in the handicapped lot 7 days/week, even when she does not have him in the car. She goes to work, comes home, parks there. Her husband is never seen exiting the vehicle. The board members and association have told her not to park there as a) she is not a guest, and b) she is not using it for his benefit. Our property is marked with signs that say vehicles may be towed. She even went so far as to go on vacation with him for a month, and leave her car parked there. The police say if we sign a complaint, they will ticket the car ($100 fine). We also think we will have the vehicle towed.There are a number of other owners who have handicapped plates, and they don’t park there – not in my 13 years here has anyone so flagrantly taken advantage of the handicapped space. Should we a). Put one of those nice stickers on the drivers side or front window that take 5 hours to get off stating the vehicle is illegally parked (this is legal to do so), b), have the car ticketed, c) have the car towed, or d), all of the above. Note, this is not a one time offense, and they have been given several warnings.


can you use a florida handicapped sticker in another state?

Posted: April 7th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , | 4 Comments »

Well I know someone who is going on vacation and their father is handicapped. They’re goin in vaca and they were just wondering if you can use a florida handicapped sticker for your car in another state. Thank you for all your thoughtful answers, and please provide sources ! :)
thankss


Will my CA issued temporarily handicapped placard be legal for use on vacation in hawaii?

Posted: April 2nd, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Any hints on planning a vacation with someone who is handicapped?

Posted: March 28th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment »

My husband was born with spina bifida, but can walk part of the time, for long distances he would need a wheelchair. Any ideas on some vacation spots that are handicapped accessible?


What vans are suitable for handicapped conversions?

Posted: January 21st, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Transportation | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments »

I want to buy a van that is suitable to carry an Invacare chair. I will need a ramp and hopefully can use the chair as the driver’s seat. Need to keep the costs down, but would like a fairly new vehicle. Is it better to get one already converted or buy new and have it converted?


Disabled Can Enjoy Visit With Manatees In Southwest Florida

Posted: January 13th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Disabled Traveler Experiences, Travel For Disabled | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

BRRR…Winter has arrived with all of its arctic fury.  Frigid temperatures, ice and snow, and gusty winds have wreaked havoc over much of our country.  Even beautiful southwest Florida has not been immune to winter’s wrath.  Although the cold temperatures can be a hazard to the agricultural industry and an inconvenience for the beach-goers, it allows us the opportunity to observe one of nature’s gentlest creatures up close and personal.  What creature is this, you ask?    Manatees, of course.

Manatees are huge, slow-moving, aquatic mammals which resemble underwater blimps with flippers and rounded, paddle-like tails.  Also known as sea cows, they continuously graze on sea grasses and algae in order to maintain their 800- to 1200-pound size.  Their snouts are usually the only part of their body visible above the waterline, as they breathe air.  However, their forms are easy to see underwater as they swim or are suspended in shallow waters…especially in clear water and when the sun shines.

Because manatees cannot survive temperatures below 60 degrees, cold weather is one of the biggest factors in the migration of manatees from chilly Gulf waters to the warmer inland bodies of water.  Rivers are the thoroughfare which allow manatees to travel inland…often for miles…amazingly, sometimes through locks…and from saltwater to brackish to freshwater.

Manatee Park is one popular area in which to view manatees in their natural habitat.  Located in southwest Florida along the Orange River, this peaceful setting attracts the manatees because an electrical plant is nearby, which warms the waters making a desirable and comfortable haven for manatees which seek refuge from motorboats as well as the cold.  Locals and tourists, alike, flock to Manatee Park to study these gentle giants of the sea.  Often, to our delight, herds of manatee gather here, including mothers and their calves.

The Welcome Center features drawings, displays and charts depicting interesting facts about these mysterious creatures.  A chalkboard is updated frequently with the population count of manatees spotted and viewed.  The volunteer hosts are more than happy to answer your questions and educate you as best they can.  Parking is ample with volunteers directing you to your spots.

Manatee Park can be enjoyed by those who are disabled.  Viewing areas are located along the river by way of a fenced, paved walkway which is wide enough to handle pedestrians as well as those with motorized wheelchairs.  Although there are some stairs to some of the viewing areas, there are also plenty of places without.

This is also a pretty park for families and friends to gather for picnicking and strolling along the grassy, shaded grounds. Additionally, a butterfly garden is located along the grounds, as there are a variety of beautiful plants which attract various butterflies.  Names of the plants and different species of butterflies are identified by labeled signs.

The Manatee Park is a peaceful refuge for humans and manatees, alike.  It offers an educational experience as well as the opportunity to enjoy nature.  It is also an ideal location for kayaking, allowing you to get as close as you want to get to these gentle giants of the sea.