Private and Public Policy Reviews for the Disabled

Wal-mart – Wood Village, OR

By Stephen Rex Goode, BSW

I just returned from a trip to the Wal-Mart store in Wood Village, Oregon. I was there to pick up some prescriptions, including pain medication for my arthritis.

This store has two sides–the variety side which includes the pharmacy and the grocery side. It’s all one store, but two entrances at different ends of the building.

I only counted the disabled parking spaces on the variety side. There were 10, a good number. I have sometimes driven by and could not find a parking spot. I don’t necessarily think the store is doing a poor job. I’m very galled to see people walking normally to their cars parked in the spots reserved for disabled people. They have the proper permit, but do they really need them? I once saw a young man run to his van, get in, and drive off.

I know that I am sometimes able to walk fully upright. In a way, I sometimes have a hidden disability. I am able to walk assisted by a shopping cart, so it’s very helpful to me to be able to park close. All I have to do is get to the place they keep the carts and I’m good.

However, there is a problem with the pharmacy. Very often, especially in the afternoon, there is a long line of people waiting to pick up their prescriptions. I can stand longer with a shopping cart to lean on than without one, but even with the extra assistance, standing in a long line is very difficlt for me.

This time, I took my son with me to hold my place in line while I sat on a nice bench next to the pharmacy. That worked out nicely, but I really think there should be some accommodation for people like me who can’t stand in a long line. I guess I would suggest a take-a-number system and more places to sit.Seat at Walmart

To this Wal-Mart’s credit, the kind of bench that was next to the pharmacy can be found in other places in the store. It’s also helpful to me to be able to sit once in a while. It makes it so I can shop longer and therefore, spend more.

Also, I was impressed. One checker had a walker/chair next to her register and a stool to sit on while she did her job. I often see senior citizen employees by the door. Good for Wal-Mart!

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2 Responses to “Wal-mart – Wood Village, OR”

  1. Conni said:

    Great reply Many of us see these things but do not comment. Thanks………….

  2. Disability Reviews » Wood Village Wal-Mart Revisited said:

    […] publishing my original review of the Wal-Mart in Wood Village, Oregon, I have a little more to say. My review was mostly positive, and I still hold that view. However, […]

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