As you read cover to cover of your March 2010 issue of Arthritis Today magazine, you will see a story titled, “Parking Watchdogs.” The article is about people who abuse handicap parking spaces and ways of reporting them to the authorities.
When I learned of this article, several thoughts came to mind, including personal experiences. While I do think it’s necessary and I support those who report fraudulent usage of the parking spaces, I can also say it is frustrating to be on the receiving end of the phone call or citation when someone mistakenly thinks of me as an abuser. I am proof that disabilities are not always seen on the outside or obvious to those patrolling the lots.
Several years ago, a local news station featured a series called, “Disabled or Dishonest,” regarding this very subject. While it did heighten awareness to the misuse of placards, it also unfairly pointed fingers at people who didn’t deserve to be hassled or reminded of their limitations and/or illness.
In my blog, Invisible Disability (9/21/09), I shared an experience about a lady (I’m trying to be kind when referring to her) who didn’t know me, yet felt by my looks alone, I was unworthy of a handicap parking space. Apparently she didn’t think reporting me and letting those qualified to handle it was good enough so she proceeded to yell at me in public, while making a scene.
There was another incident when an elderly man, parked in the handicap spot next to mine, called the authorities. Once again, I was accused of doing something wrong based on my appearance. And the funny thing was, when I noticed the man loading items into his trunk, I was envious. He appeared to be healthier, in better shape and more mobile than me.
I was recovering from a knee replacement when I ventured out to have a prescription filled. Returning to my car, I focused on every step, praising myself for the distance of the walk and my accomplishment. As I bucked up, I saw the neighboring man step in front of my vehicle with a pad of paper, but didn’t put any thought into it because of the excitement of my renewed independence. As I pulled out of the parking lot, it occurred to me that he wrote down my license plate. Sure enough, by the time I got home, there was a message on the answering machine asking me to call the police department.
There are at least half a dozen reports in the counties surrounding mine, listing my name as a fraudulent user of handicap parking spaces, even though my vehicle always displayed a valid placard. Following each incident, the authorities were satisfied after checking my registration and verifying I am in fact disabled. Each citation was waived or disregarded without a fine.
If you have an experience about being wrongly accused of parking where strangers thought you shouldn’t or have witnessed others, please share your story. Are you familiar with organizations or watchdog programs not listed in the article? What is your solution to clarify if a person is disabled or dishonest?
There is a ton of abuse in some states like California, and not much in others. But this website has caused a schism, and I bet there are more of the less visibly disabled.
I have come to expect the general public to be ill informed on disability, and to not see a less visible disability. But that kind of response really shouldn't come from other disabled people.