The Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) regulates the size and placement of accessible parking spaces. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is the state agency responsible for enforcing the TAS, which covers a wide range of accessible building components. The TAS has been certified as being equivalent to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, so parking spaces constructed using the TAS are also compliant with the federal ADA standards.

The Texas Accessibility Standards requires that:

• A minimum number of accessible parking spaces must be provided, consistent with the chart below. At least one out of every eight spaces, but no less than one, must be made van-accessible.
• Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible entrance. If there are multiple accessible entrances, the accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.
• Parallel parking is discouraged unless it can be situated so that persons entering and exiting vehicles will be out of the flow of traffic.
• Accessible parking spaces must be at least 96 inches (2440 millimeters) wide.
• Each accessible parking space must have either an access aisle at least 60 inches (1525 millimeters) wide or a van-accessible aisle at least 96 inches (2440 millimeters) wide. Parking spaces and access aisles must be level, with a maximum allowable slope of 2% in all directions. Each accessible parking space shall be designated as a reserved space with a sign showing the symbol of accessibility. Designated van-accessible parking spaces must have an additional “Van-Accessible” sign mounted below the symbol of accessibility.
• Signs shall be located 60 Inches (1525 millimeters) above the ground.
• Covered parking must provide a minimum vertical clearance of 114 inches (2895 millimeters) at ntrances, exits, passenger loading zones, and along at least one vehicle access route.
• Covered parking must provide a minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches (2490 millimeters) at all van-accessible spaces.
• Passenger loading zones shall provide an access aisle at least 60 inches (1525 millimeters) wide and 240 inches (6100 millimeters) long parallel to the vehicle pull-up space.
• Two parking spaces may share the same access aisle.

The Department of Justice Restriping Parking Lots Technical Assistance

When a business restripes a parking lot, it must provide accessible parking spaces as required by the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.  In addition, businesses or privately owned facilities that provide goods or services to the public have a continuing ADA obligation to remove barriers to access in existing parking lots when it is readily achievable to do so. Because restriping is relatively inexpensive, it is readily achievable in most cases.

This ADA Business Brief provides key information about how to create accessible car and van spaces and how many spaces to provide when parking lots are restriped.

(b)  An application for a disabled parking placard must be:

(1)  on a form furnished by the department;

(2)  submitted to the county assessor-collector of the county in which the person with the disability resides; and

(3)  accompanied by a fee of $5 if the application is for a temporary placard.

(c)  Subject to Subsections (e) and (f), the first application must be accompanied by a notarized written statement or written prescription of a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state or a state adjacent to this state, or authorized by applicable law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, certifying and providing evidence acceptable to the department that the person making the application or on whose behalf the application is made is legally blind or has a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person’s ability to ambulate.  The statement or prescription must include a certification of whether the disability is temporary or permanent and information acceptable to the department to determine the type of disabled parking placard for which the applicant is eligible.  The department shall determine a person’s eligibility based on evidence provided by the applicant establishing legal blindness or mobility impairment.

(d)  Information concerning the name or address of a person to whom a disabled parking placard is issued or in whose behalf a disabled parking placard is issued is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.

(e)  If a first application for a disabled parking placard under this section is made by or on behalf of a person with:

(1)  a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, the notarized written statement or written prescription required by Subsection (c) may be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state; or

(2)  a disability caused by an impairment of vision as provided by Section 681.001(2), the notarized written statement or written prescription required by Subsection (c) may be issued by a person licensed to engage in the practice of optometry or the practice of therapeutic optometry in this state or a state adjacent to this state.

Text of subsection as added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 842, Sec. 1

The summer months are the slowest time of year for tourism in Mexico and the best time for great deals. If you enjoy shopping and organized tours more than spending time at the beach then this time of year would be perfect for you. Although the temperatures are much higher in the summer most shops and tour-buses are air-conditioned, so the heat might not be as much of a concern. Also, with smaller crowds of tourists, as well as more visitors in your age bracket, it is much easier to get around and much quieter at night.

You will find that the infrastructure in Mexico lags behind that of the United States and, if you are handicapped, you may find it difficult to go to certain places. There are few wheelchair ramps or handicapped restrooms in Mexico and in some areas there aren’t even handrails for most stairways. If this will be an issue you should speak to your travel agent about the area that you will be visiting. Try to stay with groups of people when walking through public areas and avoid traveling at night. Older travelers might be seen as easy targets for theft or assault. This is one reason that seniors usually prefer to travel with tour groups.

Staying safe and protecting your property while on vacation in Mexico is important for any traveler, but can be more challenging for a senior citizen. Older tourists may be targeted for theft or confidence scams because of the perception of being an easier mark. Common sense approaches, such as staying with groups and using a hotel safe to secure valuables, should be used, but the best approach is to avoid areas where crime is prevalent. Speaking with a travel agent or tour operator before you make travel arrangements can be the best way to get information on safer, more secure destinations.

There are many tour operators that put together group tours and provide organization to your trip that will supply all the necessities and take all the work of planning activities out of your hands. If you would rather vacation independently you are still able to access many senior discounts to lodging and restaurants. Always ask for any discounts when making the reservation for your room or ordering your meal, as many places will refuse to honor a discount once the order has been made.

Travel to Mexico provides a wonderful cultural experience and a whole lot of fun for people of all ages. There are unending choices of shopping, dining, and activities to choose from. There are thousands of years of history waiting to be rediscovered in museums and archeological sites. And great weather can be enjoyed year round in most areas of Mexico. Have a great time!