Have You Been Ridiculed for Using Handicapped Parking?
Lets face it…There are many people that use handicap parking spaces who have no medical necessity to use them. This has made many normal, physically-abled people angry. Some are so angry that they lash out at people who do not appear to be handicapped or disabled. Has this happened to you even though you have a legitimate (legal) need to use handicap parking?
It is sad to say that this does happen. While I’m thankful that some abled individuals are being somewhat protective of the handicap spaces, I am disturbed by those that assume you are perfectly fine and healthy if you do not exhibit physical limitations. It makes you wonder if their verbal accusations will manifest into a physical nature.
Additionally, young individuals with disabling arthritis are often ridiculed when parking in handicap spaces. Frequent accusations are that you are using your grandparent’s handicap placard. Having arthritis at a young age is difficult to say the least. Who needs someone yelling at them, leaving threatening notes or damaging their vehicle over a parking space?
So, if this has happened to you, I’m sorry. I have been on the receiving end of this and it makes you lose faith in people and makes you feel worse about your situation. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Now, you know you cannot educate everyone about why you are using the space, nor should you have to. But, you can have some fun with it and put a sticker or magnet on your vehicle that makes you feel better.
I came across two bumper stickers that I wish I would have had years ago when I was in this situation. The first one is “No, I’m NOT too young to park here!“ The other is “No, It’s NOT my Grandma’s placard…it’s MINE!”
I personally do not like a yelling tone, but I think it gets the point across. Don’t you?
Maybe the stickers will help. If not, just know that there are other people out there going through the same thing and we’re here to support you.
If only we had a superhero that could swoop down and take care of those individuals that ridicule us for something that we have a right to do. Hmm, maybe RA Guy will make an appearance during one of his adventures and save you!
If you have been the target of ridicule and accusations for using handicap parking, share it with us. How did you handle it?
Ha, I love it! Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy will gladly come to the rescue – just flash those joints red and I’ll swoop on in.
I’ve yet to be confronted about “looking healthy” while using a disabled parking permit, although it does cross my mind every time I get out of the car.
Of course, at my age I haven’t had that problem. My husband read something in the paper I didn’t know. He almost always lets me out at the door and then goes parks the car. The article said the handicapped person must be in the car when it’s parked. He’s not sure what would happen if I’m not there and someone complains. Many times I walk back to the car, want it close by.
Thank you Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy!
MissDazey42: You have a great point! You may have an argument for having him park the car in handicap parking so you can walk back to the car when you are finished. Many thanks for the comment!