Easing the Financial Burden at Gas Pumps for the Physically Disabled

By Angelo DelGrande

I've learned a very interesting tip in order to save money at gasoline stations. People like me, who require assistance because of a disability, are entitled to receive service from a gas-station attendant in order to have their gas tanks filled at a self-service gas pump, for the self-service price. This is the law according to the ADA, except for when a service station or convenience store is operating on a remote control basis with a single employee. In this type of situation, it is left up to the discretion of the gas attendant whether he or she can help or is willing to manage the task. I have experienced this and was fortunate enough to have the gas attendant help me on more than one occasion.

Please reference the NYS Law/Bill S3507-2011: "Provides for assistance to disabled drivers at gas stations", which amends the general business law and enhances the ADA guidelines for those in NYS.

I have been a wheelchair user for over sixteen years due to paraplegia and I have discovered many interesting ideas on how to make my life more enjoyable/comfortable, in this case, financially more comfortable.