Parking Spaces Designated for Handicapped Patrons at La Serina, Puerto Plata

judypdr

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Hello all, don't laugh! I noticed that the parking lot at La Serina in Puerto Plata has now several parking spaces with signs indicating the space is reserved for people with handicaps. (The sign has a wheelchair maybe? Can't remember exactly.) My question: Do I need some sort of placard or sticker on my car that says I have permission to park in these designated spots? I asked someone at the store and they laughed...said, 'Be serious. This is the DR?' Anyone actually know? Thanks!
 

dv8

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Sep 27, 2006
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it's la sirena.

don't know about this particular store but once i needed a handicapped parking at the airport. i explained i came to pick up someone in the wheelchair and the security guards removed traffic cones to let me park in front of the pick up area. it may be the same in la sirena.
 

judypdr

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it's la sirena.

don't know about this particular store but once i needed a handicapped parking at the airport. i explained i came to pick up someone in the wheelchair and the security guards removed traffic cones to let me park in front of the pick up area. it may be the same in la sirena.

Thanks for the reply. I always get La Sirena wrong..I spell it like I say it, which is, of course, backwards...the i's sounding like e's to me. I'll try harder!

Yes, that happened to me at the airport too. I was very pleased not to have to walk up and down the hill just to pick up a friend who arrived within seconds. I asked and the security was very polite... I carry a cane but really can walk ok most of the time but with Parkinson's I never know when I might "freeze" or start feeling like I'm going to fall.
 

cobraboy

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it's la sirena.

don't know about this particular store but once i needed a handicapped parking at the airport. i explained i came to pick up someone in the wheelchair and the security guards removed traffic cones to let me park in front of the pick up area. it may be the same in la sirena.
This.

We park in handicapped spaces when Mom CB is with us. Often gurads try to help her walk to the store (unaware that she wants to walk without any help, if possible, as exerciser.)

Today some young tiguere concho and his punk friend tried to park in the first handicapped space at Bellon in Santiago. It happened right in front of me as we were walking into the store. I made him leave saying "estas embarazada?", with a parking lot guard and another guy equally pi$$ed---but both laughing---as backup.
 
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Hello all, don't laugh! I noticed that the parking lot at La Serina in Puerto Plata has now several parking spaces with signs indicating the space is reserved for people with handicaps. (The sign has a wheelchair maybe? Can't remember exactly.) My question: Do I need some sort of placard or sticker on my car that says I have permission to park in these designated spots? I asked someone at the store and they laughed...said, 'Be serious. This is the DR?' Anyone actually know? Thanks!

Law 42-2000 covers the penalty to be paid for/by individuals who park on handicapped parking lots. Yes, its unlawful to do so if not handicapped.
 

AlterEgo

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All the supermarkets have handicapped parking, also used for pregnant women. In almost all cases, they have some sort of barrier to the spots, a chain or lightweight 'fence'. Always a guard nearby who moves them when someone wants to park. I do see some people with handicap placards from the USA, but not all.
 

Hillbilly

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Jan 1, 2002
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At the PUCMM, we have handicapped parking in most areas near classrooms.
However, when I had my bursitis attack and I parked in one of these spots, the area "wachi" started to tweet his whistle. I explained and he said that the spot was for people that can't walk (I was hobbling)...I asked him, if they can't walk, how are they going to drive. And if they can't walk, how are they going to get to their classrooms.?? Then I just walked away.

There are time I am feeling really old and will use one of these spots at Bravo...and hobble into the store.

Like CB, I love asking guys parking in spots reserved for pregnant women, "Hey! How the F*** did you get pregnant?"....

Have a good day folks.

HB

And to answer the OP's question: I have not seen, here, any stickers or badges such are are issued upon medical certification in most US states, being available here. It is a shame.
 

cobraboy

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At the PUCMM, we have handicapped parking in most areas near classrooms.
However, when I had my bursitis attack and I parked in one of these spots, the area "wachi" started to tweet his whistle. I explained and he said that the spot was for people that can't walk (I was hobbling)...I asked him, if they can't walk, how are they going to drive. And if they can't walk, how are they going to get to their classrooms.?? Then I just walked away.

There are time I am feeling really old and will use one of these spots at Bravo...and hobble into the store.

Like CB, I love asking guys parking in spots reserved for pregnant women, "Hey! How the F*** did you get pregnant?"....

Have a good day folks.

HB
Carry a cane, just in case.

I do notice that Dominicans seem to go out of their way to help the infirm and elderly. Mom CB is fairly healthy at almost 90, but she has peripheral neuropathy and can't feel her feet. This causes her to be imbalanced and walk slowly, so she has a quad cane. But we have a deal that she knows how important it is to do absolutely as much physically as she can, so I rarely help her (although keep a sharp eye out for her.) She needs my help on uneven surfaces. But when we pull in to a handicapped space and she gets out of the SUV on her own, often several abled body people rush to help. It makes me look like an uncaring cad for not helping her, and is difficult to explain to the helpers to please, don't help.
 

mofongoloco

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That rule of elders, pregnant ladies and moms with young ones to the front of the line is among the most charming aspects of Dominican society. 

I'm convinced it's why one often sees grandma tagging along. Kinda like hiring a wheelchair user to accompany rich New Yorkers visiting Disney world.  
 

cobraboy

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That rule of elders, pregnant ladies and moms with young ones to the front of the line is among the most charming aspects of Dominican society.
'Tis true. 

mofongoloco said:
I'm convinced it's why one often sees grandma tagging along. Kinda like hiring a wheelchair user to accompany rich New Yorkers visiting Disney world.
I don't know about Disney World fraud, but Dominicans do respect their elders, and do all they can to help "abuelo" enjoy her life as much as possible, even on outings. I don't think it's because they get a better parking space or front of the line.
 

AlterEgo

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That rule of elders, pregnant ladies and moms with young ones to the front of the line is among the most charming aspects of Dominican society. 
 

I remember the first time I went into BHD in San Cristobal, it's inside La Sirena. I was recovering from a hip replacement and had a cane, but was really okay, just a precaution that I still used it. The guard jumped up and escorted me to the front of one of the lines. I was puzzled at the attention [and glad, it was a very long line, ha!] On my way out I noticed a sign with pictures of those who get preferential treatment. Handicapped [showed wheelchair], Ancianos [Elderly, showed a bent old man with a cane] and pregnant woman [typical image]. I guess the guard figured I was two of the three, lol
 

Derfish

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That rule of elders, pregnant ladies and moms with young ones to the front of the line is among the most charming aspects of Dominican society. 
.  

The last time i went thru immigration here in Panama they sent me to the short line. Reentering the USA Americans go to the short line, but here it is the older people, pregnant girls and mommies with small kids. Love it!
Der Fish
 

Chirimoya

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There's no formal ID system for people with disabilities as far as I know - if a security guard or parking attendant is controlling the spaces/queues it's up to their discretion.

I don't agree with automatic privilege for pregnant women unless it's in the final weeks or when there are complications - again, she should be able to explain her situation to the guard if challenged. Pregnancy is not an illness and exercise is beneficial unless a doctor has ordered bedrest. If anything, parents with babies and small children could be given preference along with people with disabilities.

I have a neighbour in his 80s who is in better shape than most under 60s - he was annoyed when the guard at the bank instructed him to select the preferential client option in the new automated queuing system, by pressing the symbol of a bent figure with a cane!
 

mofongoloco

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'Tis true. 

I don't know about Disney World fraud, but Dominicans do respect their elders, and do all they can to help "abuelo" enjoy her life as much as possible, even on outings. I don't think it's because they get a better parking space or front of the line.



Yeah.  I guess I gotta learn smiley winky face emojis to indicate humor or irony. Lemme try. ??????????????????????????????. 

Oh.  That's kinda fun. 

It does help to make the conversational tone of posts more in tune. 
 

dv8

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Sep 27, 2006
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i think dominicans do not park on handicapped spots because they are blocked by traffic cones and getting out of the car to remove them is too much work. i have seen some buttwipes in jeepetas try to push the cones with the car itself but that attracts attention of security and parking staff.
 

judypdr

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I do find that Dominicans are very deferential to me when I have my cane (plus my white hair). At the bank, I almost always go to the head of the line per the security guard, but if there are only a few people and it's a good day, I'll just wait in line like everyone else. Motoconchos are most helpful is when I have to cross a busy street. I try to avoid it but sometimes I just must. Frequently, they will stop traffic both ways for me. It's a good thing, too, because sometimes I get stuck half way across. It's really frustrating and embarrassing but not as bad as being run over!