Given my words, what did I say that makes it SEEM that I am unaware of the
requirements of the A.D.A?  To the contrary, I am quite aware of them.

I am not incensed by The Act or its provisions.  I am, but try VERY hard NOT
to be, too often incensed by those that feel they are OWED even more.  

That makes sense but across the drive and 40 foot down the road is another
matter.

Or taking all the HC spaces for Christmas trees and other seasonal sales.
Customers using the HC spaces as loading zones.

Around here they have one handicap space, the next space is painted with
orange diagonal lines, with a second handicap space past it.
This makes the "loading area" spot on the left of one parking space and on
the right of the other.

"Steve B"

given that there is a wrong side how do I tell?

test)

deep, but two of them are labeled "Van Accessible" or "Van Only".  Or there
will be a mix of spots with the extra lined areas on both sides of the
vehicle.

extra space on EITHER side of their vehicle.  I had supposed that all
handicap vans had the egress on the passenger side.

conclude that there are inconsistencies in the way handicapped spaces are
lined and marked.

Bad assumption on how much I get out as some of the volunteer 'jobs' my
family does is hospice and elder companionship.

Part of this involved driving a 'small' HC equipped van to take folk to the
mall and other places.  If we have a 'crowd' we take the big 'party' van one
of the local churches provides.  I call ahead to make sure I have a safe
load/unload point and out of the way parking as the big boy is, in reality,
a specialized Class C with all that that entails.

I do pro bono advocacy work with the various zoning boards to address
the less than thoughtful requirements resulting from the people in charge
not having a clue.  BTW this includes representing the interest of the local
business when the requirements are unreasonable for their side.

As example several of the small towns in were given bad info by a consultant
and as a result were running around requiring any business that remodeled to
install a third rest room that was fully HC accessible. BIG bucks in the
best of circumstances.  In any case I was able to arrange (for free) expert
input to show the third rest room was an option not a requirement and
finally what accommodations would be both legal and effective.  There is no
sense in requiring someone to spend money if it's not necessary, even less
if it's not effective.

Fortunately 99% welcome the input but every once in a while I'm elected
'Project S.O.B.' and I tend to make the most of the honor.

As to how we educate.  One of the local wheel chair 'shops' willingly
provides demo equipment so that the person who is limited in understanding
can get a real world experience in what the ADA HC requirements mean.  More
correctly what the lack of implementation means.

We give them the chance to play 'a day in the life' roll games.   Usually
they get the point in an hour or so but still we push for them to take the
entire day.  If nothing else they get lunch (cheap, but on me) with some of
our friends who are also advocates and HC.  The inevitable Q&A is very
effective.

Recall the adage states nothing like a 'mile in the another man's shoes' to
bring the point home.

Painting must be in accordance with standards set by the ADA.  I do agree
with your point that some are a bit odd.  Odd in that they are not as
effective as they might be, not so much that they waste space. (Although
some at Wal-Mart come d*mned close).

As to how the requirements are set:  Usability studies are done (using many
of the protocols developed for NASA) on turning radii, clear zones, load
limits.  (some electric mobility equipment weigh in near half a ton and
that's with out the person and the medical equipment.)