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Post by kmcm on Nov 6, 2010 22:17:04 GMT -8
One thing that is encountered frequently is when people judge you for using the disabled spaces or motor carts. "But those are for disabled people" (thank you Juniper and Ginsu!)
How do you deal with people who just assume by looking at you that you are "just fine" and don't need the extra help?
I know it bugs the crap out of me to get those dirty looks when i park and then the look of shock when i get out of my van and walk away with my cane.
Anyone else have the (suppressed) urge to tell those people to go screw themselves?
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Post by winterwhispers on Nov 7, 2010 0:44:54 GMT -8
Disabled parking... that's something I have been thinking about. But I don't want to label myself as such (yet). I mean, my 71 year old dad doesn't even have that yet! But come this winter, when the cold has really set in and I know my pain will be elevated, I can't help but think that it might be a good thing. And how does one apply for it?
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Post by kmcm on Nov 7, 2010 0:54:52 GMT -8
Your doctor fills out a form, either a temporary (for 6 months) or a Permanant (5 years) one. Take it to the same place you register your car, and they give you 2 free passes. It only costs if you want more than 2 or you want one of the fancy license plates.
You get a plastic card in the mail a few weeks later to carry around in your wallet to prove that the plates are registered to you, and you can use them in any car you ride in.
It's a really easy process, as long as your doc is willing to give you one, but it sounds like you have a good doctor, so i don't forsee a problem.
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Post by riotgirlheather on Nov 7, 2010 6:28:08 GMT -8
I don't suppress my urges to tell people off. It makes life so much more colorful. I don't have a handicap/disabled card thing, but my mom does due to her COPD, so when we park in the parking lot, and someone glares or has the audacity to comment...I usually wait until my mom is out of earshot and tell the person to mind their own damn business and go away. I get the same looks when I have to use one of the carts when my knees get really bad. I comment the same way.
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Post by geminilee on Dec 16, 2010 11:03:01 GMT -8
Usually I am pretty meek about the whole thing. I feel guilty for not looking disabled enough. Lately I get an attitude (I have been on new seizure medication, and it is making me irritable.) My sister has been known to get into a screaming match with people, explaining exactly what is wrong with me, and what I deal with.
You have to be careful the other way too, though. My mother is visibly disabled, but also overweight (the two are unrelated) and gets looks and comments about that. It is like there is a narrowly accepted range or disability in which you are "allowed" to use the spots or the carts, otherwise you are faking, or you brought it on yourself.
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Post by juniper on Dec 16, 2010 11:36:27 GMT -8
I just got my temporary handicapped placard. I drive a sporty car. Apparently, judging by the comments and looks I got while shopping yesterday, that's a one or the other deal.
At least at work they know what I'm dealing with and don't hassle me.
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Post by kmcm on Dec 16, 2010 12:27:15 GMT -8
Juniper,
My dad keeps threatening to go get one for his motorcycle. I think that would be hilarious.
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Post by auntiewitch on Dec 16, 2010 17:20:23 GMT -8
I don't have any advice or comments other than sympathy and a feeling of horror that a "permanent" tag is a five year tag.
What, after five years they expect the disability to kill you?
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morciel
Three Digits!
He who helps, as much as he can
No reason to think, or feel. Just breath in and out. As the song says, nothing else matters.
Posts: 230
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Post by morciel on Dec 16, 2010 18:12:33 GMT -8
might be the thinking that after five years of pain you might press gang family, friends, or partners into doing stuff for you and not drive any more
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Post by kmcm on Dec 16, 2010 19:02:05 GMT -8
I don't have any advice or comments other than sympathy and a feeling of horror that a "permanent" tag is a five year tag. What, after five years they expect the disability to kill you? Five years, and then you can renew it. It's just a way for them to keep track of those who are permanently disabled, and those who had a long term illness. If i can get on some sort of road to recovery from my issues, i won't need the placard, but if i stay as i am or get worse then i can renew my permanent one every five years.
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Post by auntiewitch on Dec 16, 2010 19:10:08 GMT -8
Oh, I know that's what it really means, it's just the word "permanent". Why not do "long term" for five years and "permanent" for things that won't go away (like missing limbs and the like)?
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Post by kmcm on Dec 16, 2010 19:12:44 GMT -8
Because they want to make sure the person who is disabled is still alive, and it's not being used by family after the fact. There is a huge amount of abuse of placards. Everywhere from what it seems.
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Post by juniper on Dec 16, 2010 22:30:34 GMT -8
I was told that I should take mine out of the car if I'm parked in a non-handicapped spot, and keep it as close as my wallet. They're stolen often around here.
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Nico
Three Digits!
burger emergency
Posts: 143
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Post by Nico on Dec 16, 2010 23:39:24 GMT -8
Yeah, you definitely don't want your car broken into just because some idiot wants to steal your placard. I've heard they can also get really warped if left in direct sunlight in a hot car. Might end up with a pretty ashtray, but I wouldn't want to test the theory.
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