I would like to bring a very important situation to the public's eye: parking for the disabled. Due to an accident about two years ago, I am a paraplegic and must use the handicap parking spaces. Most of the time, I am unable to find an empty space because the spaces are being used by people who are not disabled.

I understand that sometimes a person does not have an obvious disability. However, many people taking up the preferred parking spaces are using a permit issued for a disabled person who is not with them.

When the disabled person's parking system was first created, the spaces were designed to be wider to accommodate a person such as myself in a wheelchair or a person with a walker who needs the wider space to enter and exit her vehicle. A person who can walk does not need the extra space. We do.

I notice normal, everyday people are using these spaces. It seems that they are using a friend or relative's handicap sign so they can park close to the front of a store. I sometimes have to park in two spaces just to get out of my car or I am dropped off in front, stopping traffic, and my driver parks the car.

I feel that doctors give out disabled parking permits to just about anyone. There needs to be a change in the system, such as one or two spaces for wheelchairs only. Those who need a parking permit for a bad heart or a temporary broken foot could use the regular-width spaces close to the front door.

Here is an example of a situation I encounter when I go out to a large store, such as Costco, Home Depot or a medical facility. I notice people who have parked in the disabled person's parking spaces are very capable of walking through the store and then loading their vehicle with many items, including heavy objects, without any problem. I am left unable to find a disabled person's parking space.

I am at such a loss and do not know what to do, so I am writing to see who else out there has experienced what I have.

How do we change the system that seems to be so unfair because, just looking at the sign, it clearly shows a wheelchair? The very people the system was designed for are unable to use it.

There needs to be a change, and I am hoping that if the public is made aware, people will think before parking in the disabled person's parking spaces if they do not really need it.

— Barbara Handt lives in Simi Valley.