Dear Akua,
I am sorry you have had to go through all that you have. A cyber-friend
of mine who is from the
UK told me that this kind of thing doesn't happen there. There is
apparently a much more civil
and moral treatment of those with disabilities there. Your car is in
your own driveway and you
are being hassled? As long as it isn't a danger to anyone, or blocking
anyone's access, I don't
understand this. Is it a fire issue? I mean if heaven forbid a fire
engine had to get to your house?
I have contacted several agencies already, and it is amazing just how
little help there is out there,
in my state anyway. The one exception has been the Fair Housing
Association. They have at
least helped me get my car into an off-street space, and are continuing
to help me.
I will take this to court if that's what it takes.
All the best,
Kevin
Akua wrote:
Dear Kevin.
I empathize!
In an attempt to economize, I gave up paying auto insurance as i
haven't driven my car since November 2005. I am living in another
city away from home, hoping to get my home made wheelchair accessible.
My friends removed my license plates - a reqquirement when you cancel
auto insurance.
The next week they called and said that the police had put a warning
on my car. My car is in my driveway. My driveway is part of my yard,
off the street.....
I had to BEG the police for time to find a solution. My carport was
not considered sufficient for an unplated car. So long story short, I
have had to reinsure the car I can't drive, since i couldn't find
anyplace to "hide" it.
Telling them that I am a paraplegic in a wheelchair only yeilded
another week's grace. I called my alderman to assist --- his advice
was call the police again. My frineds had also visited the police in
this town of 10,000, but they wouldn't promise to extend the time.
Two weeks later, i got a clipping from the local newspaper saying the
alderman was cited in court for not obeying this ordinance--- that
all visible cars must have plates.
This is just another of the 1,000 cuts, losses and disappointments
sufffered since gettting TM.
I rail at the endless negotiating, begging, pleading,
wheedling,documentation--- the loss not only of freedom of movement
but the burden of having to explain and negotiate when i used to get
up and go.
I am so grateful for the good grace of friends there to intervene and
assist,but I so wish I didn't need it.
Light and healing,
Akua
