Re: handicapped parking issue and solution

[Guest guest]

Okay, I understand the rampant abuse of placards, as well as folks parking in

handicap spaces for 'just a minute'. However, it is my opinion, that if you are

ambulatory (with no visible gait problem), then you should get ready to politely

answer questions - from

anyone. I used to be ambulatory, but wore long-leg braces. So, when I got out of

my car, and walked stick-figure-like, it was painfully obvious that I was

disabled. Once, I was sitting in my car, and someone came up to me, and

questioned me, and I was more than

happy to show them my braces. I was also happy to see 'citizen enforcers'. I

wish there were more folks who would be 'vigilant' in defending these

handicapped spaces.

Mobility disabilities go across the spectrum, from wheelchair user, to highly

ambulatory. With the aging population, the incredible obesity, the arthritis,

heart problems, etc., I think it's a good idea for the required number of

handicapped spaces to be increased. Or, perhaps a hierarchical system - unable

to walk, first tier spaces; walk with difficulty - second tier; etc.

[Guest guest]

I do agree with what you are saying. My frustration comes because i drive a van

equipped with a wheelchair, lift and FIXED handicapped tags. Because I look

young, I will have people pull up and stare at me even after I point down to the

plates. I think people have gotten so used to looking for the hanging tags, that

they forget that there are permanent plates! I too always keep my disbility cert

from DMV in my wallet, my glove compartment and in my husbands's wallet to be

safe!

Jackie

[Guest guest]

I'm in a quandry regarding handicapped parking. The permit I was using

expired last July, and at that time I hadn't used it in a couple months. I'd

gotten to where parking an additional 100 feet from the store didn't effect

me, and I was optimistic that I would only continue to get stronger as I

healed from foot surgery.

Recently though, I had an incident where I would have used it. I went to the

Getty Center in LA where I was directed to park in a satellite lot, across

the 405 freeway, and in a far corner. I was wiped out before even getting to

the tram to ride up to the museum. With a handicap permit, I would have been

able to use the parking structure and take the elevator to the tram.

Now, a year after foot surgery, I continue to have problems. Sometimes I'm

not sure if my 'good' foot is the surgically repaired, fused foot, or the

original CMT foot with high arch, hammer toes, and calluses in all the wrong

places.

Do I ask my doctor to renew my handicap permit, or just let it go?

BTW, I would never take a handicap spot when there was a non-handicap spot

that I could use.

O

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

If you ask your MD to renew your card, you can keep it in your glove box for

that random time you need it.

Take care,

Chris

[Guest guest]

Someone who I am close to (and related to) was blocked in by a security car at a

local Costco - when she was younger and her CMT was less visible. I was with

her, he wouldn't let us leave. She had proof etc. It was a mess.

I am tired of vigilantes. This is why we allocate tax money to the DMV/ traffic

enforcement depts.

I would not expect someone to explain why they use a wheelchair - why they have

to sit on public transit, I don't ask people if they have valid drivers license

or auto insurance, etc. It is impolite.

My placard is not an open invitation to public scrutiny. I have a right to live

independently in an environment that isn't always designed for accessibility.

Chris

[Guest guest]

O

I think it would be wise to get a new hanging tag and even a

perminant plate. Like you said you don't use the handicapped spots

unless you have to but with a perminent plate you'd at least be

prepared if you were having a painful day or something. You know what they say,

" better to have it and not need it; than need it and not have it. "

Good luck,

Jane

[Guest guest]

,

I can see your dilemma there. I am sort of in the same boat. I am still

recovering from surgery on both feet less than 4 months ago. While there are

plenty of places where I will not use my sticker for guilt there are other

places where the alternative is simply TOO far to walk. I received my permit the

end of July and it will expire the end of November.

Although I am doing really well with my walking, it's still difficult because of

my knee (which needs to be operated on as well) and because of the weak push off

power in the feet.

The DMV, people who hand out the permits, also have a interest in keeping the

permits limited. The normal person who breaks a leg, or has foot surgery, will

recover and will walk normal again. They want to prevent abuse so most permits

are limited to 6 months.

We aren't normal in that respect and still struggle even thought it may be

months removed from any operation. It certainly won't hurt to ask your doctor.

Here in Michigan the criteria is pretty tight, I got one for inability to walk

200 feet without rest.

[Guest guest]

Hey, I was in a similar predicament. My solution was to get the tag. I use it

when I need it. I would say I use it about 10% of the time.

It came to a head when I parked at a commuter train lot. We were just heading

into Chicago for a Cubs game, so we weren't there early. We were practically

parked in that familiar city in Egypt.

Well, I did the most walking in that parking lot. It kind of spent me for the

day and I hadn't even gotten into Chicago, yet.

So, I have the placard. I use whenever I feel I need it. If there are three

handicapped spots in the lot, I will take the one furthest away.

Shaun