FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 29, 2009

County Office on Disabilities host
statewide conference on handicap parking

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Recently, the Monmouth County Office on Disabilities hosted a statewide, half-day conference to discuss issues and concerns related to handicap parking in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Association of County Disability Services put together the “Accessible Parking Conference” in response to growing concerns in throughout the state related to the fraud, theft and misuse of handicap parking placards. This includes illegal parking in handicap parking spaces, enforcement issues, difficulty with using parking pay stations, and ADA and New Jersey Barrier Free Subcode Requirements for handicap parking.

“The shortage of adequate parking and the abuse of parking placards is a major problem for individuals with disabilities and our aging population,” said Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow who attended the conference. “The information gathered today has identified specific problems and increased awareness to handicap parking issues. With this knowledge we can work toward meaningful solutions.”

“The county is happy to host meetings such as this,” said Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the county’s Department of Human Services, which includes the Office on Disabilities. “Getting various stakeholders together to discuss common challenges lets us moved toward united solutions.  In this case, Monmouth County is an active part of the dialogue to tackle parking issues for individuals with special needs.”

The meeting was held at the Monmouth County Agriculture Building off Kozloski Road.

You can find out more about handicap parking laws and requirements in New Jersey by logging onto the state Web site at www.state.nj.us/mvc/Vehicle/HandicappedPlates.htm

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