So,
I've never had this problem before at the Osceola Campus of Valencia College. But, this semester I'm over at the West Campus. As most of you know I'm disabled and with my heart problem walking long distances with text books is hard on me. I have a state issued permanent disabled license plate on Flick.
I went in to security to get my parking permit and was told I was not allowed to park in handicapped that I had to park in MC parking which is a good distance from my class. After, a couple of hours the consented to let me park next to one building. But, if I needed to go to the library, cafeteria, or main office I would not be allowed to park in disabled parking. Also, if more disabled cars started parking in that area I would lose that privilege as well because cars had the priority. When I asked how could that even be fair I was told if I wanted to park in handicapped I should drive my car in!
I'm not sure what my recourse is! Any help would be appreciated.
mary
Wow - I must say that is quite a predicament.
They must be thinking: "It's not fair to let someone who is obviously capable of riding a motorcycle park in a handicapped spot when someone with a real disability might need it."
Now, that's not really fair in my opinion because you could be like Dr. House and need a cane to walk at all, yet he still rides a motorcycle. Granted, that's a fictitious situation but I've known people like that.
I would go to the main office, or whatever it is that they have, and ask to speak to someone about it.
What's the consequence if you do park where you're not allowed? If the police are called in, I doubt they would issue any kind of citation (could very well be wrong though). If it's campus security, then I would talk to somebody higher up than whomever told you that.
What did they say when you mentioned you are handicapped regardless of your transportation?
Anyone you can go to for some free legal advice? Definitely sounds like a violation of just about any discrimination laws I have heard of.
handicap plate = handicap parking space.
Isn't that Federal Law?
What kind of ticket could they give you for parking in a handicap place with handicap plates?
The law does not state what type of vehicles can park in a handicap designated parking space.
I saw a story about a guy who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident. Now rides his bike (modified) with only one leg. Hard to say he's not disabled!
There is some law companies here in Australia, I don't know if they're in the States but they have a "no win no fee" policy and they don't charge you for the first consultation.
I wouldn't have even hesitated to park in the handicapped spot. I would've pulled in the spot, waved to the security guard as I pointed to my plate, and walked in the building. The amount of shaZam! that would have ensued if they had towed my vehicle with a handicapped plate out of a handicapped parking spot would have been astounding! I'm not sue-happy, but I feel like the that would've been a situation worthy of calling a news company, and then calling the police, and letting the security guard explain on camera why he feels his 1 hour security guard orientation makes him better qualified to diagnose a disability than a doctor with 8 years of med school under his belt.
I believe that is a violation of the ADA act and you could sue them for discrimination. Don't let them get away with that crap. Run it up their chain of command until you run into someone that has a clue. You shouldn't have to go up more than two levels. Discrimination, ADA act, and law suit are your buzz words. :thumb:
Is there a school newspaper? See if they'll do a story or submit an editorial piece. Bad publicity tends to elicit quick corrective action
-Jessie
Sounds like what we would call "A Jobsworth" of a security bloke. Clearly it's a stupid interpretation of what he or she sees as the rules.
I work for a state university as a Graduate Student. Always communicate with university staff, campus police, public safety and, administration by email. Email is official. It's over-the-table. It gets things done. The inbox and outbox prove that communication was sent and received.
If you call them, or go to them in person, they can play dumb later and say "I can't recall him ever saying that."
Also, use your university email when trying to get things done. Be polite. Don't be snarky. Say please and thank you. Don't say that you're going to sue. Thank them for your time. Always follow up.
Well, this answer came from the security supervisor of Valencia. I spoke with UCF ( I'm a UCF student taking regional classes) SDS and they said they had nothing to do with it not their campus and they referred me to Valencia's and they said they couldn't help since I'm not a Valencia student :dunno_black:. I had sent an e-mail but it went unanswered.
As far as the ticket they can fine you. If you don't pay the fine you get holds on your record which means you can't register, get your final grades or get official transcripts.
I dunno I feel like krap today and the fact that I have to fight for everything even a stupid parking spot! Shouldn't stage 3 heart failure be enough?
Mary
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on January 27, 2012, 09:57:09 AM
.......they referred me to Valencia's and they said they couldn't help since I'm not a Valencia student :dunno_black:. I had sent an e-mail but it went unanswered.
So their best answer is "we only promise not to discriminate against our own students"??
They could also have your bike towed...that wouldn't be fun.
It is discrimination and I would see if someone of legal background could help.
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/UCF
That's pretty messed up, go n get hard copy, current affair, 60 minutes. Shows like that to knock on some doors and see what happens.
You have a Handicapped tag-and a parking permit- Park in the handicapped spot. What are they going to sit there and wait for someone else that wants the spot to pull up...then call a tow company to move your bike so they can have the spot.
You're legit- call the local news and papers if they give you any hassle....
Did you specifically ask about this or just go in for your permit and they saw your helmet and volunteered this info to you?
This sounds illegal and downright discriminatory. Mary, you have have a vehicle that has a valid tag! Like Brian said, try to get this in writing as proof and then take it to the next step.
I want to see this play out BIG TIME and on national media.
Park there! Have surveillance cameras going. Record what happens. Politely confront them when they ticket or attempt to tow you. Be sure others are there with cameras in t heir face.
I will personally pay your ticket and towing to be sure you can make your case.
Go get 'em girl. Stand up for your rights!
In my experience when involved in any sort of dispute the best approach is to firstly ask in a nice way. Write to the principal who will not want to be involved with a parking issue but will see a rising spectre of discrimination, human rights violation etc etc. I think that should do the trick. If things escalate later you will be able to show that you acted reasonably.
If not as others have said the media is all powerful also the law. English common law which forms the basis of US law is simply built on the premis
"Are these the actions of a reasonable person?"
Clearly this situation is not reasonable and has to be overturned, I would hope that someone with a broader mind and a little more authority than a security guard would be able to see that there is no profit, only loss for them in fighting you and roll over. If not the first letter from a smartass lawyer will do it but I doubt it would come to that.
California is one state where this sorta crap never happens. Till I moved to charlotte I never saw the signs @ parking lots that said "no motorcycles" with a picture of the arm falling on a guy.
Cool.
Buddha.
Yeah,
I spoke with the department of education and they stated if they are discriminating against me then it is illegal and to park in the spot and wait for the ticket then file a formal complaint. But, they did say if they were discriminating against the "bike" and not me then it is not their area but some other gov't department.
I work in security myself and have always been told not to ticket unless there was no tag or hang tag.
I'm just sick again and all of the stress from a new job, full-time school, and health issues is really affecting me adversely. I cannot tolerate stress at all anymore. Spent all day Saturday in the ER. Part of me says fight but another part says "is it really worth it". I just can't believe I have to fight for a stinking parking spot!
Mary
Ask for the rule book.
Where in their rules does it specifically state what types of vehicles may not use the handicapped space even when they have the sticker or plate?
Have them cite the specific rule. If the rule are available on-line, search for "motorcycle" or "motorbike" or "2 wheel".
Response from UCF from another forum I belong to:
Good afternoon Jamon,
Thanks for sending your feedback through the UCF website. I assure you that accommodating students with disabilities is a priority for both UCF and Valencia College. The student who posted the message certainly can park in any handicapped space on Valencia's campus, and if no parking is available there, she can park in the faculty/staff parking lot and contact the Security Office to ensure that she doesn't receive a ticket.
Chad
Chad Binette
Associate Director
UCF News & Information
(o) 407-823-6312
(f) 407-823-2567
Twitter: @UCFNewsroom
UCF Stands for Opportunity
@SAFE-T
Thats awesome! I was just about to suggest we all start emailing UCF and posting on their facebook asking why a disabled student was denied parking. Nothing lights a fire under an institutions ass like BAD publicity
I figured anything they put in writing would be positive. Having been a former vice-president of a homeowners association, I know that anything that even smells like your not being sensitive to a disabled persons needs will open you up for some serious legal trouble. It's not even a discussion. :cheers:
Funny,
How some one other than a student can actually get someone to do something is amazing. I just got bounced around and emails and phone calls unanswered. I will print this out though and take it over to the Valencia security office. Last night I didn't want to start arguments so I parked in MC parking and went to the library. I parked in handicapped next to my class room (where I am allowed) but the fatigue of walking with all of my books on top of all day school was just too much. I was pale and didn't look so hot due to chest pain and low BP. My professor was really awesome and ended up driving me home!
Thanks for doing the leg work for me!
Mary
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: and a :cheers: to whomever did this
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on February 08, 2012, 11:58:21 PM
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: and a :cheers: to whomever did this
I totall agree!! :flipoff: to security
Quote from: codajastal on February 09, 2012, 12:08:55 AM
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on February 08, 2012, 11:58:21 PM
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: and a :cheers: to whomever did this
I totall agree!! :flipoff: to security
Ehh marys a guard as well. i only dislike those that think they are cops.
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on February 09, 2012, 12:11:16 AM
Quote from: codajastal on February 09, 2012, 12:08:55 AM
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on February 08, 2012, 11:58:21 PM
:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: and a :cheers: to whomever did this
I totall agree!! :flipoff: to security
Ehh marys a guard as well. i only dislike those that think they are cops.
Let me explain better I totall agree!! :flipoff: to that particular security
I have a few friends that are also security guards. :)
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on January 27, 2012, 12:02:19 AM
So,
I've never had this problem before at the Osceola Campus of Valencia College. But, this semester I'm over at the West Campus. As most of you know I'm disabled and with my heart problem walking long distances with text books is hard on me. I have a state issued permanent disabled license plate on Flick.
I went in to security to get my parking permit and was told I was not allowed to park in handicapped that I had to park in MC parking which is a good distance from my class. After, a couple of hours the consented to let me park next to one building. But, if I needed to go to the library, cafeteria, or main office I would not be allowed to park in disabled parking. Also, if more disabled cars started parking in that area I would lose that privilege as well because cars had the priority. When I asked how could that even be fair I was told if I wanted to park in handicapped I should drive my car in!
I'm not sure what my recourse is! Any help would be appreciated.
mary
Whoa, Mary! The Americans With Disabilities Act is federal law. They have to accomodate you in a reasonable fashion. You deserve a disabled parking spot no matter what you drive, as long as space isn't a concern, which it clearly isn't. That would be discrimination. You have a strong case, but I hope you haven't made it public yet, i.e, call the media. That is your last resort, not the first. Hope I'm not too late.
Have your lawyer send a letter to the school and don't be surprised if they let you park your bike in the Dean's office. They DON'T want to be embarrassed. Privacy works in your favor in the early stages to get the right thing done before it turns into a circus.
Sorry, I haven't updated 3 days in the hospital :sad: But between here and the HCMA (my heart contion) forum UCF and Valencia wanted no part in the potential mess this could have become. On that site I actually got a personal message from the head of PR profusely apologizing to me. The security supervisor back peddled quickly and now if there isn't a spot available for me I can park in faculty parking. I'm amazed at how quickly just posting this on a forum got things done!
Thanks guys :bowdown: What would I do without my gstwins guys :cheers:
Mary
Jamon and I used to work together. Not sure how many saw/responded to it but I posted a link to this thread on Facebook and another local sportbike forum, plus emailed the link to the general mailbox of all 10 regional campuses.
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/high5.gif)
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on February 10, 2012, 08:44:18 AM
Sorry, I haven't updated 3 days in the hospital :sad: But between here and the HCMA (my heart contion) forum UCF and Valencia wanted no part in the potential mess this could have become. On that site I actually got a personal message from the head of PR profusely apologizing to me. The security supervisor back peddled quickly and now if there isn't a spot available for me I can park in faculty parking. I'm amazed at how quickly just posting this on a forum got things done!
Thanks guys :bowdown: What would I do without my gstwins guys :cheers:
Mary
awesome sauce. just like in my disability case. i emailed a whole assload of senators. things seem to be moving my way. hopefully in time. anyhoo i digress, you werent in teh wrong at any time whatsoever. and they realised this. it doesnt bother me to see a disabled person on a moto. i ride a goped scooter. i do drive on occasion but slightly illegally . but what im saying is. if youve earned the placard as you clearly have. who cares what you drive. could be a maserati gransport fwiw.
Quote from: SAFE-T on February 10, 2012, 12:03:26 PM
Jamon and I used to work together. Not sure how many saw/responded to it but I posted a link to this thread on Facebook and another local sportbike forum, plus emailed the link to the general mailbox of all 10 regional campuses.
You ruffled some feathers that's apparent!It is good seeing social media being put to good use :thumb: I knew you guys would be the one to help me out! :kiss3:
Mary
:whisper:BTW I am still pi$$ed about the patriot stuff. Don't think ya'll are off the hook with that one! :nono:
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on February 10, 2012, 10:55:05 PM
Quote from: SAFE-T on February 10, 2012, 12:03:26 PM
Jamon and I used to work together. Not sure how many saw/responded to it but I posted a link to this thread on Facebook and another local sportbike forum, plus emailed the link to the general mailbox of all 10 regional campuses.
You ruffled some feathers that's apparent!It is good seeing social media being put to good use :thumb: I knew you guys would be the one to help me out! :kiss3:
Mary
:whisper:BTW I am still pi$$ed about the patriot stuff. Don't think ya'll are off the hook with that one! :nono:
we know you jus LOVE the pats Eh?