Question from Elliot In Owego:

Why are there so many handicapped parking spaces? Everywhere I go there are like 10 handicapped parking spaces! Do we even have that many handicapped people in the Southern Tier?

My Answer:

Well, leaving insensitivity aside for another conversation Elliot, I will answer your two part question. There are so many handicapped parking spaces because according to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), parking lots with fewer than 25 spaces require one accessible parking space. For every 25 to 50 total spaces, you need to include an additional accessible spot. If parking lots you are visiting have less spots with more handicapped parking I would only guess that the business has had more than the "minimum" handicapped customers frequenting the business. They've added the spots to accommodate their business needs.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2011 there are 36 million people who have a disability in the United States. They represent 12 percent of the civilian non institutionalized population - Disabled World News (2011-07-26) Which means we have thousands of handicapped people living in and participating in everyday life in the Southern Tier. Spending money, helping to support our local economy.

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