Local nonprofit details statewide outreach to curb accessible-parking abuse

Peace, Love, Accessibility, a small nonprofit founded in 2023, told North Branfords Community Lens that it has prioritized accessible parking as its first campaign after surveying residents, older adults and people with disabilities. "We decided accessible parking would be our 1st goal," Mary Caruso said, describing surveys that found widespread misuse of placards and a lack of public awareness about access aisles and other rules.

Caruso described a practical outreach strategy: volunteer-designed cards left on vehicles violating spaces, later adopted and customized by police departments. "We visited 25 departments throughout the state," she said, and "just about every department is using them." She said officers have stepped up checks and community-education efforts, and that some departments have committed to routine spot checks to find illegal or expired placards.

The group is seeking to expand its partnerships to about half of Connecticuts roughly 95 police departments. Caruso said PLA is also working with departments to tailor materials and with clinicians who sign placard applications to increase awareness of eligibility criteria.

The nonprofits outreach pairs education with the hope of stronger enforcement: the cards include a checklist of violations and encourage drivers to comply before receiving a ticket, Caruso said. PLA staff and volunteers also maintain an online presence and respond to public questions about access rules and enforcement.