Inclusion of People with Disabilities: Using Signs to Increase the Opportunity of Designated Van Accessible Parking Spaces

Designated van accessible parking spaces are often occupied by non-ramp or lift equipped vehicles (NRLEV) with accessible parking permits. This causes inconvenience, safety concerns, and reduced opportunity of parking spaces for ramp or lift equipped vehicles (RLEV).  The researcher conducted a focus group study with RLEV users and a brief interview study with NRLEV users to validate if this was a problem worth addressing. The researchers then conducted a multiple baseline across settings single subject design to examine a differential comparison between the standard van sign versus intervention signs (pictorial representation of a ramp-equipped van plus messages) to determine which is more effective to signal NRLEV users not to park in designated van accessible spaces.  The study was composed of two phases, a single subject design to compare the effects of the different intervention signs during phase 1, and a reversal design to test and validate the most effective intervention sign effects during phase 2.  The results based on observations showed that the interventions signs could moderately reduce the chances of NRLEV users parking in the designated van accessible parking spaces. The researchers also discussed implications of these research findings and recommended changes in state and national accessible parking policies based on the discussion with the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns and with KU law school.