I am disabled. Doctors aren't sure why. I am in pain 24/7 - sometimes more sometimes less. It is sometimes diagnosed as fibromyalgia... and I can believe it! I lived in the UK till recently, and have had a blue badge for the disabled for a number of years... I am now 55 - but do look much younger... and have had glares aimed at me as I park my car in a disabled space - but they have always changed when I get out as I walk with a stick. These do not worry me - I am glad they are cross with someone they THINK is parking without a care in our spaces! Some shops have started fining folk £60 for parking there - which is right!

I really don't mind people getting upset about me parking in a disabled bay ... I feel they are actually on MY side!!!

I refuse to feel guilty as I am in pain. What I DO hate are people who slam or drop doors in my face, who bump into me without apologising etc....

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I am a disabled individual who depends very much on my handicap placard. Indeed, I would not be able to care for myself and go to stores to purchase necessities if I didn't have it.

Some people don't seen to care that these spaces are needed by the disabled and routinely park in handicap spots. Often people will park in the handicap spaces because they are having a hard day and feel that they deserve it. I've actually had people give this as an excuse. Recently a new renter in my apartment building asked me to move my car out of the handicapped spot so that her moving crew could save a few steps while moving items! I got dirty looks for daring to park in the handicap space which they felt was there for their 'moving in' convenience!

Unfortunately, I have also gotten flack from those supposedly working for disabled rights. Once, I had purchased lunch at one location and headed for my next stop (post office). I was so exhausted/hungry that I parked and paused to take a few bites of my lunch. I received a huge lecture from another disabled woman as to how I shouldn't park there if I was going to eat. Other handicap spots were open! Even after I told her that my disability involved extreme low energy/stamina and that I needed to rest a few minutes between errands, she still continued her lecture. I look young despite my almost 58 years - this puts me at a disadvantage with onlookers (until they see my crutches/walker). We must be mindful to help rather than judge.

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I now have a disabled permit on our car, as I have a back injury that makes walking difficult (it is a cling on window decal in Australia). Before I was injured, my husband needed a pass due to the fact that he suffers from a heart condition that is exacerbated by exertion. He looked quite healthy on the outside, but his health condition was such that he could suffer a serious syncopal episode whenever he over-exerted himself. We often got strange looks, as we both looked healthy. Before my experiences with my husband, and with my own disability, I have to admit that I was one of the people who would frown on people who 'looked' healthy using handicapped bays. I no longer judge these people, as I know that to get a pass, it is necessary to fit certain strict criteria. I have also recently found out that in Australia, each pass has a code that signifies whether the pass is for a male or a female, and for the driver or passenger. This way, the pass cannot be transferred to another family member, and also, somebody who transports a disabled person cannot use the pass if that person is not with them. Unfortunately, the policing of these passes is difficult, and unless a parking inspector actually witnesses the misuse of the pass, they can be abused. I have to say, since suffering my own injury and becoming 'disabled', I have become more and more intolerant of people using the bays inappropriately, and I won't hesitate to speak up if I see someone misusing the bays.

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Adding to the list of disabilities mentioned by readers, I would include those with Post Polio Syndrome. My husband's disability has only recently become evident with the use of a cane he now uses. Before that we had some experiences with scolding looks and sometimes rude comments when we used the Handicapped parking placard spot. However, they were few and far between.

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Here we are going on about how we feel about what others think, but what about the handicapped people who park in a van accessible spots when there is a single place right next to it. The ramps and hoists need that extra space so if possible try to consider your fellow handicapper. Thank you and be well in your body and your mind.
Don't think you know what someone else is thinking. If they say something OK,get defensive it you must. Otherwise smile and be happy. Don't play in their sand box. If they want to be mad let it affect their health not yours.

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I was moving into a loft the end of Dc 2007, it was not ready so i called and rented a loft. on 23 dec 2007 i had an accident which left me in splints and cast and traction as the leasing agents emails, etc provide. my mom drove 40 miles to sign lease, which had she and i equally tennatns. finally on the 4th of feb i was able to move in per managementsigning lease. When I arrived i almost fainted. There were 42 steps up to the apt. which was not #111. I asked these thing and all were answered yes,1. have the floors be refurbished 2. has the cement been sanded down, as Greenlifes" 3. are there thermal pain windows 4.has the brick been sanded down? on and on! The beams were imbedded about 4 inches down into the ground with diry and mud around them , I tested the paint with an EPA lead based paint kit and yes it was positive. there were about 1/2 each day. It was horrific. worse than that the windows were cracked you could not see out of them, and so therefor if i ever get in trouble maybe the 6 months i lived there will count on my time of sentecing. But, with Mother being 78 and she signs a lease, and the percetage of elderly was 0, i called (already had in progress) TN human rights and H U D and they added her on to the law suit. I tried since day 2 ( a man was at my bed when i looked up) I tried to break the lease. In most states you or the management can break the lease in manner of 14 days. Point is Call The human rights in your state and hud discrimination. mine is in

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I had to get a placard 10 years ago due to nerve damage in my leg that causes me to need a cane. Recently my congestive heart failure became full blown, with my life expectancy now slashed to anywhere from 6 months to 5 years. Some days I don't need the cane, which are happy days indeed for me, but the CHF is so severe that even walking from one end of my house to the other can leave me gasping for air.

I get so many nasty looks & muttered snide remarks, which are so hurtful. The worst are the days on the motorcycle. I can only ride as a passenger wtih my husband, since I can't hold up one by myself.

I love riding so much, but what I endure when we park our bike is the worst. People assume that if I can ride on a bike I don't need that placard. We went riding with friends & parked at a restaurant. The hostess came running out screaming at me "you can't park there!!" I pointed to our tag & then she saw my husband getting my cane from where it had been strapped on the bike with a bungee cord. She turned beet red & apologized profusely, but by then everyone was staring at me, including people by the windows inside. I was mortified.

It's hard enough to live with a disability, but to endure the kind of discrimination that comes with the placard can be overwhelming sometimes.

Thanks for this article. I hope people will think twice before passing judgement on those of us who don't use a wheelchair, but truly need those parking spaces.

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I was drawn back to re-read all the comments. My mind shifted to before I had disabilities. As I've grown in my own awareness mostly becuz of my own experiences - I'd say most of us with conditions know we are OK - not freaks,,,and our courage is bigger becuz we CAN & DO get out in public. Shoot - a lot of us have no choice and need and want to live. It does suck sometimes, but Hooray for our courage - and I simply remind myself we're actually stronger than the small # of nitwits who malign us or abuse the system. Gheez - we're really hanging in there and I'm honored to touch base w/ all of you. Initially, I came right out & asked people w/ canes/walkers/wheel chairs what I needed to know. People embraced the question and offered encouragement and good will. That was 15 yrs ago.I often get lost with all the medical hoopla, I forget to smile and say "HI!"...so if some skinny chic pops out with a smiley hello to you - IT'S ME trying to get my spunk back!! On Sept 17 I get results on an entirely new health concern - so wish me luck!! I wish you all the best, too :)

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Thanks for sharing. I forgot to hang my card and I was left a nasty note by a passer by judging me. I think it is great that they are defending it but it was really upsetting to me. I know it is hard for some people to put themselves in our shoes. I would love it if I didn't have to use one as well. I hope this is good education for everyone.

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Thank you for reminding everyone that some people's dissabilities are not always visible. Mine is not and I am sure I get alot of judgement but that is their problem not mine. I cannot control another persons thoughts. My Dr. had to fill out a form for me to get a H.C. sign.

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