Access Empowerment — Accessible Parking Awareness Campaign

Statewide Need
Accessible parking violations make communities less accessible to people with DD. Violations can make it so that those with valid parking placards and license plates aren’t able to access businesses or services because accessible parking spaces aren’t available. Texas law provides that a vehicle may be parked for an unlimited time in a parking space that is designated for persons with disabilities if the vehicle is being operated by or for a person with a disability, and if the vehicle has an appropriate accessible license or placard. Despite the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and efforts to increase enforcement of state accessible parking statutes, violations continue to be as prevalent as ever. More people are using placards that do not belong to them, and placards are altered or illegally sold.

Project Goal
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to educate the community about the significance of accessible parking and the impact when people who do not need accessible parking use these spaces illegally.

Project Summary
Through its Parking Mobility program, Access Empowerment developed a comprehensive marketing strategy to educate the community about the significance of accessible parking and the impact when people who do not need accessible parking use these spaces illegally. The project implemented a sustainable marketing model that leveraged fines from accessible parking violations to create broad community support. This strategic approach has the potential to educate the community at all levels and created long-term sustainability. The marketing plan was planned to be submitted for TCDD to consider awarding additional funds for implementation.