About a month ago, my husband and I took our dog for a walk on the trails of a local state park. We chose a parking space in a small lot near a trail that accessed the main route. As we parked, I noticed a van with a handicap placard in the window and thought it was odd because the beginning of this particular path had uneven steps made with railroad ties and was not handicap accessible.
During our hike, I saw a woman vigorously running the trails and commented, “I’m doing good to walk on this path without stumbling. There’s no way I’d run it.”
Immediately my mind flashed back to my healthier days before being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and I remembered a time when I did run this very trail. Then I laughed and reminisced about the time my friend and I were hiking and I saw a snake. Without warning, I took off in the fastest sprint of my childhood and did not stop until I was back at her mom’s car.
As we approached the lot where our car was parked, I spotted the lady with the physical abilities that I envied a short time ago, standing by the van with the window placard. Passing by, we shared friendly comments about the beautiful day and how it felt good to be outside. After being at our vehicle for a length of time, I saw she was still alone and curiosity got the best of me.
Walking back toward her, I said, “That was an impressive run. Did you see a snake?” Laughing, she explained running through the woods was part of her training for a marathon. Being impressed, I asked the usual questions and we began to chat as if we were old friends.
During our conversation, I admitted my curiosity and asked if the handicap placard belonged to her, stating I too had one. In a carefree manner, she said it was hers and had been issued a few years ago after having surgery and being diagnosed with RA. Having the same diagnosis, yet very different experiences, we discussed our commonalities about the disease and the impact it’s had on our lives.
Having admitted her RA was mild compared to others and it hadn’t changed her life, I asked why she used the placard when obviously she didn’t need it and if people scoffed at her for using it. Her response was, “I use it because I can. It’s mine.”
Being surprised by her nonchalant response, I shared some of my personal experiences and how strangers verbally abused me because ‘I don’t look sick’ (see “Invisible Disability,” 9/21/09). Then I explained the personal sense of victory when I do not use my placard (see “Keeping Score,” 9/17/09 and “Handicap Parking Placards,” 2/22/10).
When we said our goodbyes, she thanked me and said she learned a lesson she’d never forget – she would not take physical abilities for granted.
Do you think having a parking placard entitles a person to park in a handicap spot regardless of their needs? How would you have handled the situation above? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
I myself am disabled but luckily i can still walk. I have chronic pain from fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue, Achillies Tendonitis in my feet, Osteo Arthritis and somedays walking is hard but I can walk so I leave the spots for the people who can no longer walk.
Personally in my state it is very hard to get a handicapped placard because of the massive abuse. They are trying to crack down on it and the doctors can be fined for handing them out to people who can walk. I brought a 90 year old woman to the doctors to get one and he said no even though she was unsteady on her feet. We also don't have enough handicapped spots so many times I have to drop off my clients at the door of the store or doctors office and get them a motorized wheelchair then go back out and park my car. At the grocery store it is impossible to get a handicapped spot for my non walking clients and it does burn me to see someone walk out and get in their car parked in a handicapped space. I think some people loan them to family members which is wrong but to each their own.
I hope someday if I can't walk that I will be able to find a spot not taken by someone too lazy to walk more then 10 feet to get in a store and then proceed to spend an hour walking around the store. IMHO If they can do that they don't need special accomadations on parking spots!
That usually shut them up. In one of the small local towns, about 30yrs ago, the city council had everyone use wheelchairs, use a stick for the blind, and other aids, to see
what the city could do for the handicap & what exactly were our needs. We finally got cut outs in the sidewalks, parking spaces close to the mall; elevators to second floors whenever an older building was getting a renovation. I thought it was wonderful that they thought enough of us to see to our needs. At the mall, I went into the managers office to explain that it would be nice to see more handicap parking spaces closer to the building. The manager was out & her secretary said to me "But, then the handicap would stay longer"! I was furious at her ignorance. Some people will never change their views until they get something themselves. Or, God Forbid, someone dear to them. I've had these challenges since I was 14yo & am 71yo now. I tire very easily, and having a scooter enables me to go to the head of lines. In a Lake Tahoe restaurant I heard someone say out LOUD, look what people will do not to have to wait in line. It was the hostess who had asked me to come forward.
I never ask to be treated any differently. When I first started out with my MS, people would walk far from me, thinking my funny way of walking meant I was a drunk. That's why I finally started using a cane. When one of my neighbors saw me for the first time with a cane, she said, "Oh here comes the Gimp!" I had to call her at home & explain why I had started using a cane. People just don't think first before opening their mouths. Like the old saying goes, "If you have nothing nice to say, Please don't say anythng at all." Anyway, one may use the placard, remembering to keep the papers in the glove compartment that say you need it. Also, remember to keep the wallet papers in your wallet. They'll be no problems anywhere. You are allowed to use it in other states, also, when travelling. You may use it by parking meters without paying; But, don't forget to put the placard where it's visible. If you don't, you'll get a ticket like anyone else. Tickets are in the hundreds. Sorry I went on so long. I'm a talker. Estelle:-)
I was glad when it expired as I physically didn't need it anymore and it was like I had triumphed over my RA.
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