INDIANAPOLIS — A mother uses a handicap accessible van to take her 15-year-old son, Jonathan, everywhere - including his doctor appointments at Riley Hospital several times a month.
Samantha Carpenter's son, Jonathan, has cerebral palsy and is predominantly blind and deaf. Carpenter said every time they try to park in the Simon Tower Parking Garage - where they're instructed to go - it's a guessing game.
"When we come in, we are like praying that there is going to be a spot for us," Carpenter said. "It's even more frustrating that when we do get inside, we find that vehicles that are not as tall as this one have taken one of the spaces."
There are only two designated handicap spots for vehicles taller than seven feet and six inches, and another two spaces adjacent to them that has enough room for large handicap vans like theirs.
But today, the mother saw a vehicle just like her's that was turned away. When she went inside, a regular-sized vehicle was parked in that space.
"We are just one patient, and they're a big company, and they don't have to go through what we have to go through," Carpenter said. "It's frustrating enough to have to get around but then again to go to a place that's supposed to cater to us and take very good care of us. They are fantastic in the hospital. They ask us, can we do anything else for you? But when we get outside the hospital, just getting in, that makes me feel like I'm going up against a big corporation and that's not fair."
Carpenter wants more enforcement and more spaces available for vehicles that cater to wheelchairs.
Riley Children's Health told RTV6 they're working to make this family's visit easier. They've included this feedback into their parking assessment of all garages, and it will be considered when improvements are made to serve Riley patients better.
Last month, the Carpenter's van was damaged because of the raised gate at the front of the accessible parking spot. The hospital said they are willing to pay to fix the damage to the car bumper.
RTV6 will provide an update to make sure that happens, and additional parking is added.
