Students may notice seemingly able-bodied people using handicapped parking spots and permits, but the person’s disability may not be readily evident.
Gary Graham, director of Parking, Traffic and Transportation, said handicaps are not always visible.
“It could be internal problems that are not really obvious, like heart problems or lung problems,” Graham said. “The problem is not always apparent.”
However, Graham said if students see people using handicapped spots or permits who do not appear to have a disability, they should contact the parking office.
“If they think they see someone using a handicapped permit illegally, they should let us know,” Graham said.
Graham said students who are found to be illegally parked in a handicapped spot or illegally using a handicapped permit can be ticketed and have their vehicles towed.
Benjamin Cornwell, associate director for Disability Services, said while all handicapped parking issues are handled by Parking, Traffic and Transportation, his office has heard complaints from disabled students.
“Some people just don’t care where they park,” Cornwell said. “Some people think that if they’re parking there in a hurry or whatever, it doesn’t matter.”
However, Cornwell said students with complaints often come to him too late.
“Usually, the phone calls come two hours or a day later,” Cornwell said. “At that point, there’s nothing I can do with that. All I can do is refer them to Parking, Traffic and Transportation.”
Some students said while they have not seen people illegally parked in handicapped spots, they think the idea of it is inconsiderate.
“I think they’re just lazy,” said Jacob Brooks, an anthropology freshman. “It’s really disrespectful.”
Kateryna Yakushina, an undecided sophomore, said while she has never seen someone illegally using a handicapped spot, it is important to keep in mind that some people may not appear handicapped at first glance.
“Some people don’t look like they have disabilities,” she said.
Cornwell also encouraged students who see people illegally parked in handicapped spots to report the issue to the parking office.
“The only way that it gets people’s attention is to call parking,” Cornwell said.