[parrothead]

I haven't been to the docks in question, but instead of reserving a number of slips as handicapped how about just one. The examples given on the forum for using these slips for their intended purpose, are of able bodied boaters with handicapped passengers. I would think a better idea would be to have a single slip that is near the parking lot and has some "equipment" that would actually help a handicapped individual get in and out of a boat. This could mean a lift chair or something else that could facilitate this individual in and out of a boat easier. Once the HP is assisted out of the boat then the abled bodied captain goes back in to the line to get to a dock. Handicapped parking spaces in land based parking lots are close to the stores and usually wider than a regular space. This is to cut down on the distance walked, and lift vans, or walkers, crutches, etc.
Now the one sticking point is the if the handicapped person is driving the boat and then could not use the assistance provided and then dock the boat else where. But by the sounds of it for these individuals the current slips provide no more benefit than any other slip on the docks. And in fact ones closer to the parking lot would be preferrable. By the description these slips are easier to dock at than the ones closer to the shore, ie don't have pull between boats to get to the slips. Just my .02 as well. I don't think that a handicapped person should be detered from getting out and enjoying the lake and the different locations around lake. But it does sound like all these slips do is cut down on the time spent waiting in line with the rest of us. I am all for the ADA and what it can do, when used properly this just doesn't sound like one of those times.