Types of Parking Lots For Differently-Abled People

A good parking lot should have space for differently-abled people. Just like abled people have their parking lots, differently-abled people also have theirs. It is usually recognized by its blue logo and striped white paint. They are usually at the entrance of large buildings. For people with disabilities and their caregivers, these spaces are extremely convenient, and these spaces must be available.  

Businesses should ensure that there is a parking lot for differently-abled people. It should be designed in a way that it is the shortest and most accessible route to the building’s entrance. When we talk about the accessibility of the parking lot, people who use wheelchairs shouldn't have to cross vehicular lanes to access the building. If designed properly, people with disabilities should be able to access the building without any altercation. 

As a result of this, most parking lots for differently-abled people are located close to buildings. When they are not, they are marked so its users can approach it easily. You can look out for a blue logo or white striped paint. If you look closely there are three types of parking lots for differently-abled people. Each of them has its distinct features. Keep reading so you can notice them the next time you're out. 

Accessible Parking Lots for Cars

These accessible parking spaces are for people with disabilities in a standard vehicle. Practically, it's for differently-abled people who arrive in the everyday vehicle. These spaces are easy to spot for the everyday driver.  

They usually have :

• A sign showing the location of the parking space. 

• A level groundwork for safe wheelchair paths and crutch landing

• They have at least a 60-inch aisle next to the parking space for extra room

These accessible parking spaces for cars gives a person using a wheelchair or other assistive technology sufficient room to enter or exit the vehicle. These parking spaces make the most sense for people recovering from injury, or anyone who may have crutches for a short period.

Accessible Parking Lots for Vans

When people with disabilities arrive in vans or larger cars, the space given is bigger. There are two types of parking spaces for vans.

•  One-Sided Entry

People with disabilities need much more room when they arrive in a wheelchair-accessible van. There are spaces set aside for these larger vehicles. What this means is that there is additional parking space at the side of the vehicle to let people with wheelchairs enter, exit, and lower a ramp or wheelchair lift.

These spaces have 

• a white-striped access aisle on the passenger side

• 96 inches wide aisle, this makes it easy for parking and even easier for van exits.

• The disabled parking sign for these spaces are marked as “Van Accessible”

• Two-Sided Entry

The two-sided-entry parking space has all of the specifications of a one-sided-entry space, however, it’s characterized by also including access aisles on both sides of the vehicle. This is the most convenient parking option of the three accessible parking space types. This allows for the disabled driver or passenger to easily enter and exit from either side of the van with enough space to navigate.

Have you ever wondered how many van accessible parking spaces exist in a parking lot? The basic rule is that one in every six parking spaces must be van accessible. This means that a parking lot with 400 total spaces needs eight accessible spaces, and two of those eight spaces must be van accessible.

Any disabled person can park in these spots, whether they arrive in a van or not. However, if you don’t have a van and there are other standard accessible parking spaces then it is better to park in a standard accessible parking space instead.