Finding an open handicap parking spot isn’t always easy today, especially at medical facilities, such as Hospitals and in retirement communities. A disabled plate among retirees in warmer climates are at an all-time high, and has been a little frustrating for others… so when I drive around the retirement community it’s no surprise that roughly 50% of them have disabled plates. Occasionally I spot an older gentleman driving a Corvette, which sits low to the ground but has a disabled plate. Watching him get in or out of this type of vehicle… he shows no signs of a disability. I can’t help but wonder what his disability might be, but I’m well aware that there are many disabilities not visual to the eye. One problem I have is watching an able bodied person walk with no apparent disabilities, and takes the last handicap spot in front of a place, such as a physician’s office , so the one who really needs it (hardly able to walk, needing assistance,) has to park far out from the establishment. It’s clear in many instances that retirees have a sense of entitlement, just like the younger generations they complain about.
I decided to check with the DMV to see how one qualifies for the disabled plate. I will share the following stipulations for what a disabled plate or placard may be used; Unable to walk 200 ft. without resting or needing assistance; A lung disease with forced respiratory or use of oxygen; serious cardiac conditions and lastly a ‘severe’ limited ability to walk due to arthritic or neurological conditions. After I checked with several states, they all seem to be about the same, but what’s interesting is when I see these vehicles pulling up to recreation centers (with disabled plates) and the majority don’t appear to have these types of conditions, especially when they’re attending lawn or regular bowling, swimming laps for timely lengths, or engaging in other various sports. Entitlement behavior seems to be the way of the world today, but I for one don’t have to like it. Lastly, there will always be the handicap abusers. Some won’t have a tag and will park in a handicap spot figuring it’s only for a minute, while others are capable but they don the disability plate so what the heck, they’ll take that parking space regardless, after all…maybe they’re just tired. These abusers are taking away from people with ‘real’ disabilities. The department of transportation recognizes that many retirees became disabled in colder climates and needed those plates at one time. However, many moved west for health reasons, and after much time those disabilities were no longer severe, yet they kept their disabled plates; after all…some feel they earned it.
For those of you that spot handicap parking fraud you’ll be happy to know there is a dedicated website, in which you may post a photo as well as their plates, for all to see. HandicappedFraud.org is where I began my search, but you’ll find current offenders through any state at www.myparkingsign.com/handicapped-fraud . I know most people like to find a close parking spot once in a while, but the reality is … who couldn’t use a little bit of exercise now and again, it’s the road to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Make your week count.
I take great offense in your comment about watching an older gentleman with a handicap plate showing no sign of a disability. Yes, there are several disabilities one could have that are not visible to the eye and it’s nobody’s place to judge. I know several people that have qualified for a handicap license plate/placard due to their invisible disability (Rheumatoid Arthritis + Other Autoimmune Diseases) and are afraid to use the handicap spaces for fear of the dirty looks and comments they get from opinionated people because they do not visually see their disability. So please next time you see someone with a handicap plate/placard using the handicap space, don’t jump to conclusions that they do not need it because obviously their doctor felt they do.
I totally agree with you. That lady kinda pissed me off when she made that remark.
Sheree,
I must respond, because I state in my column that I ‘Know’ there are disabilities invisible to the ‘EYE.’ This was not to offend anyone at all, but I’ve also seen much abuse with the these types of plates. I also did my fair checking with the DMV and overload they’ve seen since 2015.I am not being harsh and have never stated anything to the gentleman I’ve seen…as I always smile and greet everyone the same. But when I end up driving behind a half dozen of disabled plates and watch some of them, one can’t help but scratch their head and ponder a few things…. Also, I’ve had a handicap placard at one time, and immediately turned it in before its expiration, because there are others that need it much more. I have a heart too.
Blondie
I have handicapped plates, along with leukemia leading to extreme anemia. I cannot walk more than 100 feet without resting. I appear as a normal, healthy adult on the exterior. Yet, you judge me and others based on their appearance?
Shame.
Harold,
As I just responded to Sheree, I am NOT Judging those that really need it. I’m thinking everyone must have passed the part of my column where I go on to say that there ARE DISABILITIES UNSEEN, invisible to the eyes, this would INCLUDE YOUR Disability. Of all people I know…I AM a CANCER Patient, but when I see those that are perfectly capable of reaching their medical department without problems…Handicap Spaces are very LIMITED. So for those that might be having or feeling great one day, why not walk and leave that space to someone worse off that day. It’s SIMPLE as That.Sorry you felt attacked. Sometimes people jump the gun so-to-speak, without thinking about all of the words spoken.
Regarding : Abuse of Handicap Plates & Placards~story…
Please do not be so quick to judge these folks with handicap plates. First of all they aren’t that easy to get. Second of all their illness could be deeper than your eyes can see. My son (who was 25 years old at the time) was a Marine Vet, came home from Somalia in 1993 and then became an Oregon police officer soon after, when they detected he had crone disease which is a very painful intestinal disease and 17 years ago the V.A. had no relief for him and basically used him as a medical guinea pig and tried out many different pills to no avail. He had 2 children and one on the way so daily errands were necessary for him. He looked like any normal ex-Marine who was very young and clean cut guy, however he had to have a handicap plate due to having no bowel control at very inappropriate times. Many people would stop him out in the parking lot and yell at him for having those plates and parking in the handicap space and yet he had no desire to share with them why he had them. He has since passed away (at age 26) due to depression, pain and anxiety, and never did get to meet his baby girl. Sad for me to share this but judging people and giving them a hard time is not something this mother can put up with. By the way if that guy you saw can afford a Corvette car more power to him. Yes I’m sure there are people out there who do abuse those plates and take your space but I’m sure you can find something to do to make you feel better with your time and make YOUR week count.
Linda,
As I replied to the other comments, I am NOT JUDGING, but my words were deeply misinterpreted. I AM A CANCER Patient as well, And as I said in the First Paragraph, That “I’m well AWARE that there are Disabilities unseen to the EYES” So I was making a general statement about abusers and ONLY used the gentleman AS AN EXAMPLE. I am sorry that this subject was hard for so many… but they definitely JUDGED ME as one to attack. Those that KNOW me KNOW I would never past judgement before I had the Facts. The Facts here, are that nearly half of those placards are misused or abused at one time or another. Many times grandchildren decide to use their grandparents car and take up the closest spot while visiting…this would be MISUSE. I MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT< I NEVER KNOW HOW LONG I"LL BE HERE
Just because you can’t see someones pain does not mean it is not there. Also you can not see epilepsy, unless there is a seizure, but that doesn’t mean it does not exist. People who live with chronic pain have good and bad days, and people with pain don’t always advertise it, we do not need to draw attention to ourselves, we are self conscious enough. Be very careful when judging others. And keep in mind, the Universe has a funny way of making us understand things we don’t, especially when we are critical and judgmental.
I take offense to you people for being whiners.
I have arthritis pretty bad also and I usually park away so someone else can use the spot but sometimes I can’t walk that far also.
I complained at Walmart management when someone with no stiker or plates and they didn’t give a shit.
I also have a friend that can’t be in the sun very long or he will get sick and he looks normal also.
So we need more people complaining about people that don’t have stickers.
Lee,
I agree with you! We all need to complain about those who violate handicap parking, whom don’t have stickers. That is what the website was for … posted for offenders of just that. There are many disabilities in which we do not see, and I am very cognitive of that, more than ever. Like I’ve always said “You can’t Judge a book by its’ cover.”
Thank you for sharing.
It is comforting that no one wrote comments while being in a state of anger.Over time unrequited anger can kill people slowly and painfully.