While shopping at Juanita Village on July 3, I was outraged to see a UPS truck blocking two disabled parking spaces.

I understand that it may be difficult at times for large trucks such as this to find a convenient place to stop in order to make their deliveries, but I draw the line at blocking spots reserved for citizens who need them most.

These spaces are reserved for people in wheelchairs, or those for whom walking is difficult and who need the extra space to get into or out of their vehicles.

When I see a situation like this I think of my best friend’s father, who is wheelchair-bound after suffering a stroke several years ago. His wife depends on these spots, and blocking their access is not merely an inconvenience or a nuisance, but prohibits her from being able to accomplish her day’s activities.

There seems to be an alarming trend of declining consideration and common courtesy for people living with disabilities in favor of convenience. This is not the first time I have seen vehicles illegally stopped or parked in a disabled spot, especially in front of coffee shops where offenders think it’s OK because they will “just take a minute” – and my patience for this behavior has run out.

Nick Pernisco, Seattle