WILC Advocates Secure Improved Enforcement of Disability Parking Codes

It happens every day. You pull into a private parking lot at a mall, movie theater or supermarket and you can't park, because the "blue spots" that require a disability permit are taken by drivers with no such permits. It is more than aggravating, especially since state and local police have had the authority to issue tickets for blue spot violations since 1999.

WILC's Systems Advocacy Team decided to take action - sending letters to Westchester precincts urging better enforcement efforts by local authorities. The City of White Plains responded first, promising increased vigilance and enforcement on the part of its officers. They also provided a phone number at the Police Desk for property owners or the public to call with parking violation complaints. The telephone number is (914) 422-6111.

New York State Passes Stricter Disability Parking Law

Effective January 1, 2004, New York State expanded its disability parking regulations to include the access aisle. It is now illegal to park in the access aisle of a disability parking space if you do not have a permit to park in the "blue spot" itself. Individuals who park in the access aisle, intended to provide adequate space for people with disabilities to enter or exit vehicles or to extend ramps from their vehicles, will be fined the same as they would if they had parked in the "blue spot" itself. The fines are $50 to $75 for the first offense and $75 to $150 for a second offense within two (2) years in the same municipality. In addition, the new law requires that vehicles parked illegally in either the "blue spot" or the access aisle can be towed.

Educational Rights and Responsibilities
for Children with Special Needs

is a
4-day workshop series presented by
WILC and its satellite office Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS)
for Parents and Professionals
at
Fat Tyler's Restaurant, Route 6, Baldwin Place, NY

Tuesday, April 20 - Overview of Part 200 Regulations & the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504
Presenter: Catherine McHugh, Advocacy Trainer, NYS Commission on Quality of Care

Wednesday, April 21 - Available Options for Resolving Concerns & Conflicts
Presenters: Robin Stiebel, Esq. & Mary Grace Ferrone, Esq., Legal Services of Hudson Valley

Tuesday, April 27 - Resolving Difficult Situations Between School Districts & Parents
Presenter: Barbara Ebenstein, Esq.

Wednesday, April 28 - Positive Personal Stories of Obtaining Services for Our Children
Presenters: Parent Presenters

Workshops will be held from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
There is a non-refundable fee of $25 for the 4-day series, which can be reduced or waived if necessary.
Advance Registration is required. For more info, call Joy Drummond or Lisa Ricci at:
1-888-788-6268 (toll free), 845-228-7457 (Voice), or 845-228-7459 (TTY)