After multiple roadblocks, NC DPI worker fights for handicapped parking space

After hitting road block after road block, Denise Jackson contacted 5 On Your Side Investigative reporter Monica Laliberte.

"I'm basically learning how to walk again, and how to navigate stairs and curves and just regular every day, uneven surfaces. Just everyday life," she said.

Jackson lost part of her right leg last spring after an infection. She returned to work at the Department of Public Instruction in December.

The problem comes as Jackson's assigned parking space is in a deck only used by state employees. The entrance to the building from her level of the deck is too steep for her to navigate.

"Right now, my husband is dropping me off, going to work and picking me up in the afternoon when he gets off," she said.

He drops her off on the upper level of the same parking deck because the ramp is more flat.

"It's much more flat, not totally flat, but I can navigate it easily with my walker," she said.

Back in October, Jackson filled out paperwork asking for her assigned spot be relocated to the upper deck.

"I've been denied a parking space at that level," she said.

Jackson was denied because the General Assembly runs the lot and DPI employees aren't allowed to use it.

She says other employees with disabilities were grandfathered in when the General Assembly took it over.

"They accounted for the people who were already in those spaces for a handicapped purpose, but anybody that comes after that law was passed was left out," she said.

Jackson said she has talked to multiple departments, agencies and elected officials, but she has not had any luck yet.

DPI offered her a space closer to the door, but still on the lower level. At the time, the head of HR said they were working with the General Assembly.

Paul Coble, Legislative Services Officer, told 5 On Your Side that since Jackson works for DPI "it is their responsibility to provide an accommodation."

DPI spokesman Drew Elliot said he couldn't respond to our questions for legal reasons, but added that when employees make a request, the agency "looks at what kind of accommodations (they) can make."

5 On Your Side also contacted the State Parking Office. A spokeswoman said Jackson's request "is outside their authority to grant."

DPI's solution after 5 On Your Side raised questions was to buy Jackson a $700 scooter to ride from her current assigned spot and up the ramp.

DPI says it meets personnel guidelines for a "reasonable accommodation." Jackson does not agree.

"I thought, you turn in the paperwork, your doctor signs the form, you turn in your handicapped, copy of your handicapped placard and you get your space," she said.

"I just want things to be made right."