Handicapp experience

Have you ever been in a rush while running errands and used the handicap parking spot? Maybe you didn't feel like taking the stairs and used the elevator instead. At sometime or another everyone is probably guilty of taking advantage of available handicapp services. For the past seven weeks I have had the displeasure of using crutches, due to a lingering foot injury. Experiencing the other side has been an eye opening experience.

As an interior designer, I use ADA codes on a daily basis, but applying codes to building is defiantley different than actually being the handicapp person! Being put in this position has realized I take my health for granted. The past few weeks, I can't tell you how many time I have almost tripped on a rug or struggled to open the door that felt like weighed as much as I do! Thank you to Old Navy in Murfreesboro, TN for automatic door openers!

Parking is another issue with itself! Can you imagine crutching half a mile one way? I had to do just that a few weeks ago, while at a doctors office, because a spot wasn't available. Last week when I dropped by the McDonalds to return a Redbox movie, someone pulled into the handicap spot without a permanent or temporary tag, left the car running and went inside. What if someone else really needed that spot? Its impossible to travel a long distance or much of anything while using crutches.

Sharing a few of my frustrations while being temporarily disabled still doesn't compare to being permanently handicapp. The next time the handicap stall is avaiable in the bathroom be courteous, continue waiting line because you never know when someone will be there that actually needs it. Show everyone how much you respect your good health by not using handicap services!