handicapped parking

[morgan86]

hey just wondering who of u on this site think people with e should have the option to get a handicap plate for their cars.. /? or does anybody out there already have one? the curiousity arose as i was christmas shopping and came out of the store and forgot where i parked. (i do it all the time) parking lots tend to disorient me especially if they're crowded. no surprise to me since i've lived with this for as long as i've been on antiepileptic meds but my husband thinks i should be able to park in handicapped since its closer to the stores and less of a chance of me completely losing the car. i had never even thought of this before tonight when my husband expressed his annoyance. thoughts anyone?

 

[aboizd1]

I too have been out and about Christmas shopping and noticed the bustle of cars, and thought to myself- "when I am able to drive again in a couple of weeks...will it be worth it if I can't even find the car?"

Of course, there are other impairments which would be more dependant upon these spots, but as long as not using for convience (when with others)....it could be a valid point for those with extreme memory issues.

 

[Crystal11]

It seems to me, in my opinion, that if someone has a severe memory problem then they may not be in the best shape to drive at all. Rules, places their going, routs, reversing routs in case of traffice etc.
If a person has Epilepsy- I would say they are able to walk just fine to the door. Maybe using some kind of remote that flashes the lights on the car might work- or writing down the isle you're on and keeping in mind which way, left or right, of the main enterence you've walked in.
I am blind and hard of hearing and do have a handicapped plate for my Mom's van- but we only use it rarely. I think that as a blind and hard of hearing person that I'm physcially able to walk to the door- although not seeing or hearing traffic is dangerous, as long as I have an SSP/support service provider or interpreter or friend, those people would let me know. My guide dog would also let me know of traffic too- he would never walk me into dangerous situation.

Anyways- its an interesting idea though. You might ask the doctor if he/she feels that it would be helpful to have prioity parking due to memory troubles and/or Epilepsy.

Take care,
Crystal

 

[Nakamova]

I agree with Crystal. It would be great to be able to park close so that finding the car is easy, but I have a feeling just about everyone would qualify on some level, at some point for the permit. Better to focus on ways to memorize where the car is and/or drawing a map and writing notes to pinpoint its location.

 

[Sheri]

I can always find my car

because I always park in the row infront of the door. No matter how far back this may be.

This way when I exit the store I know to just go straight and I will pass by my car.

Sometimes this may mean that I have to park far from the door but a little excerise is good for me.

 

[knothing]

I may feel stupid trying to find the car but if I can walk on my own I don't need the up close spot. Most the time I lose the car because half the lot is filled with SUV's, so who can see the car anyway!

 

[Cint]

I'm with Crystal and Nakamova on this one. I have bad memory issues, also, worse after my lobectomy, but I have found ways to compensate. I always keep a little notepad in my purse so I can jot down where, when, how, etc. I also make sure I take a good look at my surroundings so I can remember a landmark of some sort. I've never considered myself handicapped to the point of parking in the handicapped parking.

 

[Rae1889]

Yes, unfortunately I'm with Crystal too. People with alzheimers are not allowed to drive do to forgetting the rules of the road or where they are going. SO losing the car in the parking lot would not be a problem for them. But if they have another disability (limited mobility) then they do get a handicap sticker for their driver to use when with them.

But I dont think E counts as a handicap as far as that goes.if you have trouble making it to the door of a store then sure, if not, then I don't think its neccesary. I have a VERY large sized cousin and he has a handicapp sticker only for the fact that if he parks beside another vehicle he cant get out. I think the doctor should tell him to lose weight (this is not medical or genetic, he just eats way too much and really unhealthy foods) his "handicap" is completely reversible. I dont think its right for him either

 

[matchu]

It seems to me, in my opinion, that if someone has a severe memory problem then they may not be in the best shape to drive at all. Rules, places their going, routs, reversing routs in case of traffice etc.
If a person has Epilepsy- I would say they are able to walk just fine to the door. Maybe using some kind of remote that flashes the lights on the car might work- or writing down the isle you're on and keeping in mind which way, left or right, of the main enterence you've walked in.
I am blind and hard of hearing and do have a handicapped plate for my Mom's van- but we only use it rarely. I think that as a blind and hard of hearing person that I'm physcially able to walk to the door- although not seeing or hearing traffic is dangerous, as long as I have an SSP/support service provider or interpreter or friend, those people would let me know. My guide dog would also let me know of traffic too- he would never walk me into dangerous situation.

Anyways- its an interesting idea though. You might ask the doctor if he/she feels that it would be helpful to have prioity parking due to memory troubles and/or Epilepsy.

Take care,
Crystal

guide dogs rock!:rock::rock::rock:

 

[Crystal11]

Matchu- I love my guide dog. He means everything to me. I was lucky to get a guide dog that was additionally trained. His main job is to guide me, he second job as a hearing dog is to stop and look to the person calling my name- and I observe his body movements through the harness and leash to where sounds are. And he was trained in seizure responce. He does this very well while walking- if I have a seizure walking and don't stop. He stops infront of me.

I have trained Umbro to "find it". I've said it as we walk to my driver's car. Once he gets close or finds it, I praise him up and give me treats. Now when I say it, he starts working on it right away and loves getting rewarded for finding it.
Sometimes he is off some- but usually starts out from the door of the store in the right direction- left, center or right out into the parking lot.

Umbro barks a "hello"
Crystal

 

[skillefer]

hmmmm..interesting question. Personally, I dont consider my epilepsy a disability. I haven't been made "unable". Instead, I think the handicap spots prolly ought to remain for those that can't walk the extra distance. And trust me, my memory can get icky too. But I've met some very nice people while wandering around looking for my car. And here in CA, you occasionally meet really nice tamale sellers. (Especially around Christmas...) 4 for 5 dollars...yummy!

 

[monster]

i have just been diagnosed with epilepsy but i have had a handicap parking permit now for 3 yrs or so...i am unable to walk well and i use a cane...i would hate to lose that spot to someone that can actually walk..i understand that people get confused, i do at times too.. i was once found in a parking lot crying cause i was so cold and couldn't find my car, thankfully a guard at the mall helped me, i had been looking for for about 30 mins. i have given up my handicap parking spot for people..if i see a truck pull around and i know its fixed for a wheel chair, i will give up the spot...i can still walk, he can't, he needs it more than i do. Tho i am grateful for my permit on those cold days or when the lot is packed but alot of the time all those spots are taken to, some areas need to have more then the typical 3-4 handicap spots. even with epilepsy, i still believe we are fortunate enough to still be able to get around.

 

[alivenwell]

I am able to walk and if I forget where I parked, then I may just get a little more exericise. Quite frankly, I simply stay at home a lot and avoid crowds and prefer smaller businesses.

 

[dfwtexas]

I had a handicapped parking plate while I was recovering from arm trauma. As I got better physically, I was struggling emotionally to accept my new physical limitations. I made the decision to not renew as I felt having the handicapped plate was like a sign of giving up to my limitations.Shortly after, I got diagnosed with epilepsy.
The second thought on this, is I really don't want to red flag myself to the Department of Public Safety.
I voted no on the survey, but feels there are circumstances that make it ok. For me personally, I write down where I park or go with someone to mall or large parking lots. When I go to walmart, I park on same row every time..I may have to walk a little further but I always know what row I am on. I don't like to classify myself as disabled because it is emotionally crippling term for me. But I realized I have come a long way, a lot with help of ya'll, to accept my limitations. But I realize some people may need the assistance of handicapped parking permits depending on their own situation. I don't feel it is my place to judge another as I don't know their situation.

 

[Birdbomb]

Interesting thread! There are so many possible variables too.

NEVADA Criteria for Disabled Persons

A licensed physician must certify an individual's disability by completing the bottom half of the application. The patient must have one or more of the following conditions to qualify:

1. Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
​

2. Cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, or other device, or another person.
3. Is restricted by a lung disease.
4. Uses portable oxygen.
5. Has a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified as a Class III or Class IV according to standards adopted by the American Heart Association.
6. Is visually handicapped.
7. Is severely limited in his/her ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

The physician must also certify whether a patient's condition is subject to change and, if so, the length of time the disability is expected to last. DMV will issue up to two placards or motorcycle stickers for temporary or moderate conditions. Those with a permanent condition may receive license plates for all vehicles registered in their name and one placard or any combination of two plates/placards/stickers.

​

Temporary - Red placards or motorcycle stickers valid for up to six months
Moderate - Blue placards or motorcycle stickers valid for up to two years
Permanent - License plates, stickers or blue placards valid for ten years

NO - If your E

• is under control
• has no/few memory issues
• or if you can safely drive

Yes - If your E

• is not controlled
• has other medical issues
• or if you are not allowed to drive and have severe memory problems.

But then E is considered a disability and in Nevada, and either a Handicap placard or plates can be obtained. It really is a personal choice too. Some people who really should use those spaces refuse to (like my friend David), and some who should NEVER park there often do. GRRRR!

In Nevada, there is something else people with disabilities can get at the DMV. It is a Expedited Service Permit. This entitles the holder to receive expedited services at State of Nevada agencies only. If stess is a trigger, imagine not having to wait in long longs listening to screaming kids, smelling others OB and farts and being aggravated in general. I have found the casinos, other businesses and the utilities will also accept them. SWEET!

 

[Rae1889]

Well I hate when people park in handicapped parking for no reason. Even if they give the response of "I'm just here for a minute" I'm sorry, but you just can't do that. Stupidity and ignorance is not a handicap, find somewhere else to park.

 

[roo]

I'm in the process of getting my disability parking permit, something that should have been done years and years ago, but hey, what can I say except that I'm stubborn :lol: I have mobility problems (require walking stick & wheelchair), and this is an extra burden on my carer/partner whenever we have to go out. There are too few disable parking spaces as it is, without them being taken up by people who don't really need them.

I know of people with disable parking permits who get abused by passers by when they park in these spots, because they don't have a walking stick or wheelchair. As far as I'm concerned if you have to go through all the processes in order to get your sticker and you have the disability permit displayed on your vehicle, then regardless of whether you need a walking aid or not, it is no one else's business. Some times people don't look at the vehicle to check and just jump to conclusions. Then on the otherhand there are those who just take advantage of the vacant spot regardless. And they pretty much stink!

Roo

 

[C0urt]

when the weather was nice I used to site outside the mall and eat and people watch. watching the people in the handicapped parking space I try to remind myself it could be worse, but if I told them about my epilepsy they probably think the same thing.

But I am watching people drag themselves to the door, or have someone pick them up and put them in their chair. I think they deserve the space more than I do. I go to races in my free time and compete.


and back when I drove, i just parked my motorcycle on the curb next to a wall and called it a day. I dont trust people in lots not to hit my bikes or knock them over.

 

[Dutch mom]

It depends

on how epilepsy influences ones mobility (so I can't vote yes or no in the poll.) Epilepsy is not a disability but can be caused by disabilities or can cause them. My son has a bad epilepsy syndrome as a result of braindamage, he's double handicapped, is 100% dependent on others and has a wheelchair. We got a disability parking card and our own reserved parking place in front of our house since he was age 3. We got the parking place because of his epilepsy, we çouldn't leave him in the car or in the house alone while bringing our groceries from the car to the house. Now he's age 10 and we do need the parking card more because of his wheelchair than because of his epilepsy. We don't have a wheelchair bus (yet), we drive a MPV and have to lift him in a car seat (he has a special needs harnas) and we have to lift his wheelchair or stroller in the back of the car (both are heavy.)

 

[morgan86]

my memory acted up again today. this time i accidentally pulled into a handicap spot cuz i just didnt realize thats wut it was. i felt like an a**hole when i got out of the store and realized where i put the car. i've been out of it to be honest. (still awaiting a prescription refil) but im rethinking my original opinion about wanting a handicapped plate. i can walk just fine. no reason to take the spot away from someone who cant. my gram was an invaled (sp?) and i remember the hassel it was when someone would take the wrong parking spot. i guess in my head i know i'd only use the plate when absolutely needed (like now, since im currently out of meds) but some others with e would take ful advantage of that, if it were a privilage granted to us. also i think i have a pride issue buried somewhere deep inside. i HATE when i have a seizure and cant drive. but at the same time,today it was a god se nd that i didnt crash my car. didnt have the best day