In the fall of 2009, it
arrived in the mail. That unisex white dude in a wheelchair, laminated on blue,
with a perfectly cut hook for your rearview mirror. When filling out the
application for the handicapped placard I felt so guilty. Was I lying? New
Mexico says to get such a placard, I had certify that I couldn’t walk 100 feet
without stopping to rest. Well, I live on a postage stamp—not even 1/10 of an
acre—and the distance from my driveway to my bedroom is farther. Technically I
could make it 33 meters without stopping at the couch—using my walker I don’t
need to pause. Or I had to certify that I couldn’t walk “without the use of a
brace, cane or crutch or without assistance from another person, a prosthetic
device, a wheelchair or other assistive device.” They didn’t specify
“safely”—technically I could drunken sailor myself around without aids for
short distances.
And finally, that I was “so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an
arthritic, neurologic or orthopedic condition that the person cannot ascend or
descend more than 10 stair steps.” Given a railing and time, I could make it up
a flight. Heck, I certainly could make it down (again, nothing in the language
about “safely”).
So when I
went to wield my new parking powers for the very first time, I did so
sheepishly. Until I discovered all 48 of the handicapped spots at the
mega-super-cina-plex were taken. And the entire time I was there, I saw not one
person using a cane or wheelchair. Curious. The closest handicap parking spots
were 500 feet from the entrance (not to mention, to get from the box office to
your seat had to be another 500 feet). Which means a) the system is being
grossly abused, b) there are a ton of people with cardiac and lung conditions
(the only other medical conditions stated on the application), or c) the
eligibility criteria is flawed. In truth, all three are probably correct. Many
of my fellow MSers would not qualify under the above restrictions, but without
handicap parking access, that extra 500 feet today might mean a day in bed
tomorrow just to recover. So put aside that guilt, save your body, live your
life, and get that placard. I did.
Originally published October 27th, 2010. Edited for clarity.
Comments
Either way, considering the number of people who have handicap placards because they are morbidly obese and have some sort of mental health issue causing a sever phobia of walking, I don't think anyone who has actual physical mobility problems, even if they don't quite get jammed into the right definition of "disability," should feel bad about getting the placard and using it when they actually need it. Just be mindful that if you're having a "good" day mobility-wise, someone else might not be, so don't abuse it.
Most people would wonder why I have it but it isn't their business. It is between me, my Dr and my state.
If someone qualifies because of obesity or a mental health condition it seems fair enough for those of us with MS not to judge them.
My point was that it doesn't seem right for Msers make judgements on other folks since we know how it feels to be judged. (re first comment). I probably shouldn't have said anything because it wasn't germane to your original post.
I live in India and there is no blue placard business here
Irene
On hot days in TN, when the humidity makes you wish you had gills, I park in the anointed : ) spaces. Even if it's early and only 85 degrees, the trip back to the car is way more difficult than going in.
Also, as to the sometimes comments about not really being handicapped: I tell the person (politely, of course-I am in the South), "Ma'am /Sir, if you'll take the disease, you can have my placard."