Some disabled drivers don’t look it
Last week, Illinois state police conducted a sting operation in Fairview Heights to catch drivers without disabilities who park in handicap parking. Here’s a response from a disabled driver who doesn’t look disabled, but she qualifies for a handicap placard. She’s tired of the remarks people make when she legally parks in handicap parking.
“Thanks for your note at the end of the handicapped parking article to remind people NOT to confront those they think are abusing the system.
“I have an AutoImmune disorder called Myasthenia Gravis (one of 144 ‘invisible’ disabilities of this particular type, you also mentioned another, Fibromyalgia, further down on this page, another is Rheumatoid Arthritis).
“Many of us have been harassed by people who look at us and see our placards and make their own diagnosis that since we don’t LOOK disabled, we must not really need that close parking spot.
“Some of my similarly disabled friends have been yelled at, called names, even had their vehicles vandalized by these self-righteous ignoramuses who think they know more than our doctors do just because we’re not missing a limb or something else ‘obvious’.
“Many people feel passionately about abuses of this system, obviously the disabled do, too… but, the point is that a spectator can NEVER know just by looking at someone whether or not they really need that tag. And disabled people have enough struggles to get through without worrying about being HARASSED by some know-nothing every time they leave their homes.”
- Sick and Tired of being Judged ‘Fit’ in St. Louis
I do agree that there are handicapped people that don’t show it, and I agree that there is a lot of abuse to the system as well but I WHOLE HEARTEDLY agree that those stupid prego spots have got to go!
PAHLEEZE!
If you are having a difficult pregnancy and truly should not be walking too far than the doctor should issue a temporary handicap placard (with TEMPORARY being the key word here), other than that there is nothing wrong with pregnant women getting some exercise.
I knew a woman that was an aerobics instructors and taught the classes till they were in her final month.
ORG,
For the most part, I agree with your assessment of the Pregnancy spots. They’re not really necessary and only cause irritation among already hormonal women.
EXCEPT! The one time that I myself actually saw use for them and utilized them myself (I was able to work until the day before I delivered) was in my 8th and 9th month of my first pregnancy when it was cold and ICY outside.
A long walk and a fall in treacherous conditions could be damaging to mother who is unbalanced by her new shape, and more importantly, could harm the baby. (but, of course, I couldn’t always get the spot, because some husband is parked there while waiting to pick up his wife from the door ;-p ).
This ‘discussion’ is falling into the typical wrangle intended by authorities - limit access to anything for people who want something and let them fight among themselves for it.
Please, this is most unbecoming of those of us with visible or invisible disabilities. We know we need more disabled parking spaces in most shopping areas. However, I don’t think I need to justify my disability to someone else who doesn’t know that my entry into a store will often mean I don’t have enough energy to get back to my car after shopping. In fact, I can’t breathe in most stores usually have to stand on the curb while sales people serve me outside. I went into one store, desperate to buy a warm coat, but was asked to leave by security - I was wearing a mask that day for respiratory protection and they didn’t want my face hidden from security cameras.
I was getting kicked out for looking like a potential thief when I was only trying to breathe. After explaining the medical necessity deal and telling them to go to the lot and see my disabled tag on the mirror, they were still insisting I leave. I then politely suggested they call the police if they wanted to evict me - it was cold and I needed to buy (not steal) a coat!
They realized they were in the legal wrong but insisted that if I stayed, security would have to escort me everywhere in the store. I made my ‘escort’ carry my stuff
For me, building access is nearly impossible due to the fact that stores, offices and homes are filled with items made with unbelievably foolish choices in chemical irritants and outright poisons so that the 38 million Americans with compromised respiratory function are forced to live, work and ’shop’ in a more impaired state than is necessary. For many of us, that is how we got into this condition.
You may not see it, but then you don’t have to see it. Let’s fight for more access without attempting to wrest it from one another. Yes, there are frauds out there but you won’t always know who’s who - so notify parking lot security if you think Jack hijacked old Uncle Joe’s tags and is abusing the system. Don’t bug Old Uncle Joe just because you don’t notice his oxygen canister in his cart or think his cane is good enough for him to take a hike around town.
Tags are important because you have to take them into a gas station and show them if you need help pumping gas in the self-serve stations. You need them if your car breaks down and you rent one. It’s just easier all around. Up penalties for abuse of them rather than abuse those using them legitimately. Things are not always as they appear - after all, we want our appearances to be respected in all their guises.
I also know that it is unrealistic for me to shop on high traffic days like major holidays or on Saturdays etc - so I don’t bother. If there is a nearby ‘regular’ spot by an empty disabled spot, I take that one of course.
Most of my choices in the course of a day are about getting through the day. Most are unfairly imposed, just as my disability was unfairly imposed (pesticide poisoning). I try not to make that harder for other disabled people by blaming them for my limited opportunities in this world.
Barbara Rubin
Amen Barbara, Amen!!!
I have chronic leukemia and environmental illness. There are days when I don’t want to stay home but I don’t feel like walking clear across the parking lot. I don’t have a disabled parking sign. Usually I go with my husband or another family member who can let me off at the door. But, as the article pointed out, there are those of us who have unseen disabilities.
Linda,
I am sorry to hear of your illness. You are entitled to a disabled parking tag even if you don’t have a drivers license but depend upon others to take you places. You can get one to use for any car in which you are transported so that, say, if you aren’t well and need to return to the car ahead of the driver (who completes your errands), the car is within an accessible distance for you. Or so you can wait in the car but within reach of a store bathroom should you need it.
Just keep the tag in your purse so it isn’t misused by your drivers or others when you are not ‘along for the ride’.