Handicap parking at CSB upper residential halls

A part of being a community is respect for all people in the community despite a person’s physical or mental capabilities. This is something that has been lacking in the upper residential halls of CSB, through the display of ableism by parking in disability parking spots without a clearly displayed disability parking certificate. Parking Lot 15 is on the north side of Luetmer and right in front of McDonald, and only has two disability parking spaces with only two disability parking spaces in the lot. With casual observation there is one or more wheelchair users who live in Luetmer, which requires that both disability parking spots in Lot 15 are open and accessible, including the parking spot itself and the accessibility area surrounding the parking spot. To long term park in a disability spot when the driver and passengers do not have a disability parking certificate is a blatant act of ableism and directly goes against the values of the CSB+SJU community.

Accessible parking spaces are provided for the purpose of supporting those with disabilities and allowing them to move through the world with ease. To park in an accessible parking space and the additional access aisle without a disability parking certificate shows a lack of respect, empathy, and ignorance in the violator. Unfortunately, I have seen this kind of behavior throughout the CSB+SJU community, and it must stop. Parking in an accessible parking spot is a direct violation of disability parking and a lack of respect for those who do need accessible parking not only for their mobility but also for their safety. There have been multiple instances of vehicles parking in not only the disability parking space but also the accessible space that is right next to the disability parking in Lot 15, on the north side of Luetmer. This kind of behavior must stop, as it is not only a violation of state law but also a direct violation of CSB+SJU’s community standards and expectations. It is particularly disturbing to know that the upper-class residential halls have members who have disabilities, who use a wheelchair, and live on the north side of Luetmer, therefore requiring disability parking to only be used by those who need the space. Wanting a good parking spot is not a good enough reason.

The process of getting a disability parking certificate is a process that requires counsel with a health professional who certifies that the applicant fits the criteria for a disability parking certificate, according to the Minnesota Council of Disability. Obtaining a disability parking certificate allows the holder to park in designated disability parking spaces, which are placed in areas that help reduce any obstacles for those with disabilities that able-bodied people may not encounter. Disability parking certificates are not given to anyone. It is important to remember that those with disabilities are just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities, and it is not their fault that ableism is so deeply rooted in society. Everyone must remember that no one is guaranteed to be able-bodied for the rest of their lives; we live in uncertainty, and life can change at any moment. To spend that time, insensitively taking space that has been purposefully set aside for the ease of others is a gross misuse of that time.