NAMPA, Idaho -- It's hard enough to get around in the snow and ice, but for the disabled, it can be impossible.
Homeowners and businesses in the Treasure Valley are required to clear sidewalks when a snowstorm hits. Parking lots are up to the property owner to clear, and that doesn't always happen.
"There were times we weren't even able to go inside because I couldn't get the wheelchair up onto the sidewalk," said RuthAnn, who is married to a disabled veteran. "We need access on the right hand side of the car because we need to be able to get Lance out with the wheelchair and right now it's covered with snow."
We pulled up to the parking spot with the couple in Nampa. RuthAnn, had a difficult time getting the wheelchair out of the car and bringing it around to Lance. She couldn't get the wheelchair past the tail end of the car and had to help Lance walk to the wheelchair on ice and snow.
"I think people just don't think about it," said RuthAnn.
The space was not plowed and is a no parking zone meant for handicapped accessibility.
"They're losing business from people with disabilities," said RuthAnn.
She says she just wants to bring awareness to the issue, because parking is a year round problem.
"It's already hard enough living with a disability," said RuthAnn. "I think business owners need to enforce the reserved parking areas."
RuthAnn and Lance tell us people park in handicapped spots that are not handicapped, regularly.
"Too many people abuse that and they're taking away a space for someone who really needs it," she said. "Don't block those areas."
RuthAnn and Lance live in Nampa and come to Meridian and Boise often. They say the problem of handicapped parking being blocked by snow or someone who isn't disabled happens everywhere.
Police will not respond to a problem with handicapped accessibility unless the business owner contacts them. If an accident happens because a business was negligent, such as not plowing snow and someone slips and breaks a bone, the property owner would be liable for any damages.
