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Wisdom > Spoiler

PWD parking slots are for those with obvious mobility issues

These should not be abused by people who can move effortlessly

Clear enough? A parking slot at the CCF Center wants to teach the entitled. PHOTO BY VERNON B. SARNE

In the many years I’ve helped manage motoring-related social media pages, I’ve encountered countless people who insist that they are entitled to use parking slots that are supposed to be for persons with disabilities (PWDs)—yes, even if they are not mobility-challenged.

The usual excuse is that “not all disabilities are visible.” I’m not making this up. What they’re saying is that just because they can walk like normal individuals do, it doesn’t mean they don’t have “special needs.” So, even a BMW bike-riding dude should be allowed to take advantage of a PWD parking slot because…he has an anxiety disorder or he cannot stand big crowds or his mental state is extremely vulnerable.

While I agree that not all disabilities are obvious, I firmly believe that PWD parking slots should exclusively be given to those with self-evident mobility issues. Or those in wheelchairs. Andyan na nga sa logo ng International Symbol of Access ’yung wheelchair. Hello? Anong kinalaman ng parking slot sa mental state ng mga entitled? You need to be near the entrance because you fear crowds? Then don’t go malling.

Enough with the drama. Only the mobility-challenged deserve to use PWD parking slots. PHOTO BY MARLON SANTOS

Let me share something with you, as this topic is dear to me. Technically speaking, as friends repeatedly tell me, I qualify as a PWD. I had brain surgery for aneurysm in 2020, and then I had a stroke which paralyzed the right half of my body in 2021. In fact, I couldn’t drive for almost two years.

Some colleagues try to convince me to get a PWD card for its many benefits—one of which is the right to use PWD parking slots. Maybe I will consider it one of these days, but not to enjoy convenient parking. Honestly, I just want some discount for my medication. But never in this life—as long as my God allows me to walk without difficulty—will I misappropriate something that rightfully belongs to mobility-challenged PWDs.

Last Sunday, I saw a PWD parking slot at the Christ’s Commission Fellowship Center in Tiendesitas. It had this bold message to complement the PWD logo:

PEOPLE ON WHEELCHAIRS ONLY

If you still don’t get it, I have no idea how else to explain to you. Maybe an actual wheelchair could enlighten you.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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