After seeing this sign at a Shell Station in Washington state, I wondered if disabled Canadians were being discriminated against at the gas pumps.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that assistance is available at self-serve gas stations. There is no such legislation in Canada.
Well-Kept Secret?
I just discovered that if you have a handicapped parking placard, it is possible to get help at the gas pumps at the following companies:
It's a well-kept secret, though. I have never seen any signage that offers this kind of help, have you? As it stands now, I have to use a wrench to open my gas cap.
I'd rather not get started on the frustrating problem I encounter with the credit card slot! Obviously, those slots are designed for the nimble-fingered!
Full-Serve at a Cost
After all these decades of driving, there have been many times when I considered going to the full-service pumps, where gas costs more per litre than at the self-serve pumps. However, if you live in Port Coquitlam or Richmond, full-serve is the only option available.
Wouldn't it be great to turn back the clock when every service stations offered service? Without a policy in place, pain at the pumps becomes a little sharper. Let me know if you are aware of accessibility services at the gas companies that are not mentioned here.
The Cost of a Disability
A disability is expensive, emotionally, mentally, physically and financially. Why do Canadians with disabilities have to take another physical and financial hit? It could be quashed by legislation similar to The Americans with Disabilities Act, which the posted sign clearly reiterates:
"Vehicle refueling services will be provided upon request at self-service prices to motorists with disabilities. If the vehicle displays an official state or locally issued disabled motorist plate or placard.
Refueling services will not be provided when there is only one employee on duty.
To obtain refueling services, honk your car horn twice and an employee on duty will pump your gasoline for you. If one is available, you may use the intercom for this purpose.
If you are pumping your own gasoline and the card reader is inaccessible to you, the employee on duty will remotely turn on the pump for you when you lift the nozzle, raise the lever, and select the desired grade of gasoline. After you have pumped your gasoline, please enter the facility and pay the employee on duty.
This facility also provides assistance in obtaining goods for purchase for our customers with disabilities. If you require this assistance, please ask the employee on duty."
I have questions with no answers:
- It appears that gas companies are self-regulated in terms of offering assistance to those with disabilities. Why is there no such legislation in Canada?
- Where do the organizations who support people with disabilities stand on this issue?
- Has there been any sort of Canadian government lobbying to address this lack of support?
- Are you aware of any other communities that offer full-service like those found in Port Coquitlam and Richmond?
Related posts: