Handicap parking reform celebrated

A group that helped push state lawmakers to crack down on abuse of handicapped parking spaces celebrated the victory Thursday.

About 175 people attended the disAbility Resource Center's first appreciation dinner at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

The Handicap Parking Reform of Act of 2009 was a prominent theme.

The new law takes effect in December and includes stricter medical exams to get a handicapped placard, which will include a photo ID and harsher penalties for abusing handicapped spaces.

A series of Watchdog articles in The Post and Courier helped galvanize support to get the bill passed, Center Executive Director Gwen Gillenwater said.

Board member Ruth Jones said the stories prompted her to form the Accessible Parking Coalition to lobby for the bill last spring.

Susan Newman, a rehabilitation nurse at the Medical University of South Carolina, included two of the stories in a presentation she took to lawmakers.

The presentation centered on photos taken by disabled people showing how lack of access hurt them.

Newman was cited as an Unsung Hero during the dinner.

The main goal of advocacy is to help more disabled people find meaningful employment, according to the evening's keynote speaker, Bart Brophy of Hardeeville, a longtime disabilities advocate. He's pushing for a statewide director to monitor compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed in 1990.

Several other groups and individuals were recognized for their work for the disabled. They included Trident Area Agency on Aging for donating materials for ramps and Stono Baptist Church for building the most ramps.

Other churches that also built ramps were Harbor View Presbyterian Church, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Summerville Presbyterian Church, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and St. Andrews Parish United Methodist Church.

JW Aluminum was recognized for building four ramps during the United Way Day of Caring.

Other recognitions went to Trident United Way's 211 Hotline, the North Charleston Hurricanes basketball team, city of Charleston ADA Coordinator Janet Schumacher and former Resource Center worker Nia Green.

Gene Reese, who renovates donated equipment, was recognized as the center's outstanding volunteer and Tyrone Singletary as the outstanding board member.

Gilbert Smith, who started the Hurricanes and was a key player in founding the center, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reach Dave Munday at 937-5553 or dmunday@post andcourier.com.