To the editor:

My name is Deryl Pace. I am a physical therapist and own Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy in the Barrington Shopping Center, two doors down from the new Starbucks. I am writing to ask for help from the community regarding a lack of available parking for our mobility-impaired patients.

Currently, there are only two handicapped spaces in front of our clinic. These spaces are shared with other surrounding businesses and often occupied by legitimate users with handicapped placards, leaving our patients without accessible options when they need them most. To address this issue, I collaborated with Paolino Properties to secure two additional parking spaces next to the handicapped spaces, designated specifically for Ivy Rehab patients only. Many of our patients are temporarily injured and may have even had surgery. They may use mobility aid devices and may not have a handicapped placard yet. These two new parking spaces labeled “Ivy Rehab Patients Only” are for these individuals.

Here is where I am asking for everyone’s help. Both the handicapped spaces and the designated Ivy Rehab spaces are frequently being used by individuals without mobility impairments. This includes people picking up Starbucks mobile orders whether for themselves or as Uber Eats or Door Dash drivers. 

This is unacceptable without a placard and even if you think it’s only for a minute, that minute could be when someone is trying to park for an appointment or to go shopping. Parking in the white-lined area between the handicapped spaces, whether a car, motorcycle, or moped, is also problematic as it prevents individuals with disabilities from opening their doors or lowering ramps to exit their vehicles. Please be mindful of those that are less able than you and consider parking further away to allow these spaces to stay open for those that need them most.

In the short two weeks that these Ivy Rehab spaces were installed, we’ve spoken with individuals reminding them of their purpose. Many interactions have been positive as they simply did not notice the signs and are quite apologetic. As someone whose husband refers to her as “sign blind,” I understand that a new sign can go unnoticed! 

We’ve also encountered negative responses from individuals, including dismissive attitudes and outright hostility. Many say “I’ll only be a minute, my order is ready!” One individual shouted obscenities as he left after shopping and even gave his middle finger as he reversed out of the space.

If you have unknowingly parked in these new spaces, please know this is not directed at you. I ask: When did we become so self-centered and entitled as a society to not think of others that are less mobile than we are? It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives that we rush everywhere trying to get everything done. But rather than saving ourselves steps to park closer, move faster, get that Starbucks beverage, and accomplish our “to do” list... let’s be thankful for the mobility we currently have and use it to park further away while being mindful of those that cannot.

Thank you for reading and thank you in advance for parking further away,

Deryl Pace

Partner, Clinical Director, Physical Therapist Ivy Rehab Barrington