This British overseas territory and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) have started a grassroots public education and awareness campaign to promote equal rights and legal protection for those with disabilities, notably access to parking or ‘blue spots’
“Save my spot, nope!” encourages compassion and advocacy for those with visible and invisible disabilities who use the spots.
It also tries to raise awareness about accessible parking places and their laws.
NCPD Chairwoman Magda Embury urged the public not to judge appearances or make judgments about people utilising accessible parking but to be aware of vehicles parking in these areas without permits or licence plates.
“Well-meaning spectators may condemn people for utilising blue spots without understanding they have an invisible condition,” she said.
“It’s also crucial to note that the extra space next to the blue spots, known as the ‘crosshatch area,’ is not an extra parking place but an essential exit-entry space for disabled motorists who use wheelchairs or other devices. Unfortunately, able-bodied drivers commonly obstruct these crosshatched gaps.
Physical, mental, or neurological conditions that impede a person’s motions or senses are considered disabilities. A disability-parking permit or licence plate is permitted without a visible wheelchair, scooter, or cane. Chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiac issues, asthma, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis qualify as invisible conditions.
According to the WHO, one in seven people has a serious impairment. As people age, the number with disabilities rises, and 80% of those with chronic illness have an invisible disability.
Acting Cabinet Secretary Jason Webster said, “We want to protect the most vulnerable in our society and encourage a new wave of champions to protect ‘blue spots’ for those who need them.” As the holidays approach, we encourage the community to be “Blue Spot Heroes” and leave accessible parking spots for people who need them.
