Guest guest Posted September 16, 1999 Report Share Posted September 16, 1999 In a message dated 9/15/99 8:52:14 AM, akfergus@... writes: << Is there a cost for them? By the way, I am in Canada. >> No, you just need a note from your doctor. I had to take it to my town hall and it was instant. My pass is good for 5 years and you can use it all over the US and Canada. If you should get a ticket ( mine is New York ), the town clerk told me to call them immediately and they will fax them the letter that would notify the local police that this pass can be used anywhere. I'm a bit embarrassed to use it because no one can see my disability. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 Suzanne, it is a real shame that your ortho is being that way. My old ortho was the same way. I have a parking placcard, my primary doc insisted that I have one back in dec because I was going to be starting college again (my knee problems are a result of a work injury) for retraining, and did not want me tramping across the campus parking lots. I had no problem getting the placcard. I am in cali and all you need is for the doc to put a signature on the form with what condition you have with their medical liscence number, and off to dmv you go. I have to say the best part of having the placcard isn't the parking per se, it is when having to go into dmv to deal with them for any reason you don't have to stand in that 4 hr line. LOL You go to the disabled window, sign your name and take a seat, they call you up very shortly. The last time I was there I paid the reg on my car and was in and out in less than 10 min, when the line was out the door. It saved me from being in so much pain and probably stuck in bed for days. On a thought, can you talk to your primary doc about getting a permanant placcard? It doesn't have to be your ortho signing it. Tigger > I am dependent on braces to walk but I have since wondered if that is > a good thing or not.So the last few weeks I have been trying to > alternate this with the use of a cane. I visited my family physician > and asked if I qualified for a placard. He didn't realy give me an > answer but did say why don't you give it another month. Another > month? I've been dealing with this for 2 years! What would another > month do? Anyway, I went back in a month and brought in information > about handicapped placards for the state of Oregon. It said that if a > person needed any type of device to assist in walking that they > qualify. He didn't want to give me one but did cave in and wrote me > out one for 3 months. How many of you have a disabled parking > placard? Was it difficult to get? Anyone been turned down? My > orthopedic doctor said he only gives them out to people in > wheelchairs. I really don't understand their attitude towards what > many of us are dealing with. Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2003 Report Share Posted July 9, 2003 -Thanks for your response. My family doctor did agree to give me a placard but for only 3 months. I know he only gave it to me because I was begging for it. I guess in 3 months I'll have to see him again and will have to do more begging. Most doctors just don't get it! Suzanne tigluvzpoohbear <no_reply@y...> wrote: > Suzanne, it is a real shame that your ortho is being that way. My > old ortho was the same way. I have a parking placcard, my primary > doc insisted that I have one back in dec because I was going to be > starting college again (my knee problems are a result of a work > injury) for retraining, and did not want me tramping across the > campus parking lots. > > I had no problem getting the placcard. I am in cali and all you need > is for the doc to put a signature on the form with what condition you > have with their medical liscence number, and off to dmv you go. I > have to say the best part of having the placcard isn't the parking > per se, it is when having to go into dmv to deal with them for any > reason you don't have to stand in that 4 hr line. LOL You go to the > disabled window, sign your name and take a seat, they call you up > very shortly. The last time I was there I paid the reg on my car and > was in and out in less than 10 min, when the line was out the door. > It saved me from being in so much pain and probably stuck in bed for > days. > > On a thought, can you talk to your primary doc about getting a > permanant placcard? It doesn't have to be your ortho signing it. > > Tigger > > > > I am dependent on braces to walk but I have since wondered if that > is > > a good thing or not.So the last few weeks I have been trying to > > alternate this with the use of a cane. I visited my family > physician > > and asked if I qualified for a placard. He didn't realy give me an > > answer but did say why don't you give it another month. Another > > month? I've been dealing with this for 2 years! What would another > > month do? Anyway, I went back in a month and brought in information > > about handicapped placards for the state of Oregon. It said that if > a > > person needed any type of device to assist in walking that they > > qualify. He didn't want to give me one but did cave in and wrote me > > out one for 3 months. How many of you have a disabled parking > > placard? Was it difficult to get? Anyone been turned down? My > > orthopedic doctor said he only gives them out to people in > > wheelchairs. I really don't understand their attitude towards what > > many of us are dealing with. Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2004 Report Share Posted March 25, 2004 I believe we checked off the " neurological disorder " box for Nic to get a placard. Di handicapped parking Sue, Where do you live????????? That's just insane! I got the form from DMV, took it to my Doctor and he marked off the things that qualified us, unable to walk unassisted for more than _____ feet. (I can't remember but in Jack's case two steps would work). There was something else, I'm sorry it's been awhile so I don't recall all the different qualifying things. Have you called DMV? Can you have someone from school help you out with a letter of recommendation? There must be something. I'm thinking you deserve a little break. I'm so sorry that the services you qualify for are letting you slip through the cracks. I'm going to investigate this a bit because it just doesn't sit well with me. There must be something that could give! I visited your websites, your children are beautiful and I'm so sorry for your loss with . You are in my thoughts. Jayne In a message dated 3/19/2004 11:06:15 PM Central Standard Time, davidandjayne@... writes: How many of you have a handicapped parking pass? There are days that I thank my stars for having someone recommend that! Can't get one. Respite either. I have an 11 year old with Ds, a 10 year old who is legally blind, hearing impaired and autistic, and a 1 year old showing signs of autism. Seems my 11 year olds, Down syndrome has " magically " cured itself, according to the respite committee! Pretty cool, huh? What a bunch of jerks. So, shopping with all three, because I can't even find a baby-sitter, much less afford one, is such fun. Three kids running through the parking lot in three different directions! It's not really that the older ones don't listen, but they get so excited, they take chances, and with me watching out for the baby, it is just so hard to have my two eyes, looking at three kids. I used to know someone who could move his two eyes, in two different directions. It was kind of creepy, but I don't have that ability. None of the doctors, pediatrician, audiologist, vision or cardiologist wants to take responsibility for filling out a handicapped sticker form. They say no one problem is that bad, but all agree with the combination, they should have one. Respite, of course, just laughs in my face, telling me that my kids act like any other typically developing 10 and 11 year olds. Believe me, I am proud of my kids and their accomplishments, but they DO NOT act like their typically developing peers! We did get a permit for , one week before he died. It was nice, but came much too late to be very helpful. Sorry, just had to have a little vent! Sue - mom to Zack, 11, DS, 2 ASDs, VSD, Bad Mitral Valve; Matt, 10, 's Anamoly, Cataracts, Glaucoma, PDD, PFO, hearing loss; , (4/20/96 - 12/31/00), DS, g-tube, TOF; Sami, born 11/16/2002, sensory dysfunction and possible autism, the most spoiled princess DisLabeled Writing 's Memorial Page 's Candle Shrine Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages to go to the sender of the message. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 Dear Semalee: You have to decide for yourself, are you handicapped or not. Once you know the answer to this question it doesn't matter what other people think. If they can see your handicap or not doesn't matter, you have to know you are or are not. I have RA and several other bone disorders but my main problem is my breathing disorder. Whether people can see that or not, I don't care. I can't walk far because I can't breathe well when I do and my back hurts too which also makes my breathing worse. Don't yet these crazy people drive you crazy. If you have something like RA you have a disability which causes you to be handicapped. Whether one day you feel better or worse shouldn't be the question, you have it and that is it. Don't let these people intimidate you. Sincerely, Colletti Anjillah@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 You bring up a topic I was just thinking about the other day! I was having a particularly bad day, (which after working all week is not all that uncommon), and had to get some groceries for dinner. I thought, I wonder if my rheumy could get me a temporary handicap card for my car so I don't have to walk as far, but that I could take down if I was having a good day and could walk. Then I almost asked for one of those carts, but hesitated afraid they would make me embarrassed and think I just wanted to ride it! I was wondering how many other people deal with this and what they do about it. I am planning on talking to my rheumy about the handicap card when I go in in October. I am probably going to give the go ahead to find out how much Remicade will cost with my insurance and start that process too, so I may not even need it for long, but there are days that are real bad for me, ya know? Semalee [ ] Handicapped parking Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 I'm glad your alright, and your family. What a terrible incident, that man had a major problem! I know how you feel. I also have the handicapped placard, and I only use it when I have to, for the very same reason. People's crude remarks, stares, I don't understand why people have to be like this. I guess their not happy, unless they make someone else miserable, you think? We shouldn't have to feel guilty, we go through enough with our illness. Please, don't let it get you down. We just have to hold our heads high, and ignore them. > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 That's a terrible story, dreamer. You don't have to explain to us why you need a handicapped space. We understand. I think you should have called 911 on the fool. He has no right to verbally abuse you, and menacing you and your kids with his car is downright dangerous. I know here in Illinois there are large fines for illegally using handicapped spaces, but perhaps there should be even bigger fines slapped on people who harass legitimate users of the spaces. I've heard enough of these maddening accounts! Sorry you had to experience that. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Handicapped parking > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 The placard is nice cuz you can take it with you if you ride a lot in other peoples cars. If you get the license plates- you have to remind anyone who might use your car that if questioned- the handicap privelege is only valid if you are present. There are lots of days I do not use the handicap privelege. If it is a tiny store, a good day etc, I park in regular parking. It just depends on the day etc. I do not know about all the states, I do know supposedly my state just made the rules more strict for getting handicapped placards and plates. You can - in IL- pick up an application at the driver testing places (maybe the have them online) and then your doc has to fill out a section on it and you send it in to the state. - In , " Semalee " <Semalee@s...> wrote: > You bring up a topic I was just thinking about the other day! I was having a particularly bad day, (which after working all week is not all that uncommon), and had to get some groceries for dinner. I thought, I wonder if my rheumy could get me a temporary handicap card for my car so I don't have to walk as far, but that I could take down if I was having a good day and could walk. Then I almost asked for one of those carts, but hesitated afraid they would make me embarrassed and think I just wanted to ride it! I was wondering how many other people deal with this and what they do about it. I am planning on talking to my rheumy about the handicap card when I go in in October. I am probably going to give the go ahead to find out how much Remicade will cost with my insurance and start that process too, so I may not even need it for long, but there are days that are real bad for me, ya know? > Semalee > [ ] Handicapped parking > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 , I know the fines are huge- and I do understand the abuse is terrible. Yesterday there was a man - yes he has a placard- but, well, he was wearing construction clothing, and he was driving a construction crew truck and it was just too obvious he had been working all day in construction, so even I wondered what kind of disability he could have where he could also remain employeed in construction, and he bounced right out of that truck and bounced happily into the store. I also know here by us enforcement is not easy. We were told that on private property such as grocery store or restaurant or hotel- the place of business must press formal charges or tickets will not be issued. We were at one of the school oone day and there were people all over parking in handicapped without placards or plates- and a cop right there- we asked him if he was going to do something about it, he said no- too much trouble. The other thing that happens a lot is people block the ramps to the sidewalks with their cars---- one day I had to drive my scooter 3 blocks to get to a ramp spot in the sidewalk becuz all the nearer ramps were blocked by parked cars. A cop was there and we asked him about it and he said it is not illegal to block the handicapped access ramps. This is a REALLY good one- one day my neighbor, who was running for STates Attorney cut me off, whipped past me and prked in handicapped. I know him, I know he is not handicapped and no, he had no plates or placard. I rolled down my window and screamed out hey (his name) how about you let ME park there and you park over here where you belong? He gave me the finger and dashed into the store. <sigh> No matter what, I could not consider voting for him. I waited to see how long he might be in the store- sometimes people justify using handicapped spaces by saying they will just be a moment? I waited 15 mins, parked elsewhere, went in, shopped, came out- he was STILL there. Grrrr. I have also noticed more and more often there are no open handicapped spaces to use. They are all full. - In , " " <Matsumura_Clan@m...> wrote: > That's a terrible story, dreamer. You don't have to explain to us why > you need a handicapped space. We understand. > > I think you should have called 911 on the fool. He has no right to > verbally abuse you, and menacing you and your kids with his car is > downright dangerous. > > I know here in Illinois there are large fines for illegally using > handicapped spaces, but perhaps there should be even bigger fines > slapped on people who harass legitimate users of the spaces. I've heard > enough of these maddening accounts! > > Sorry you had to experience that. > > > > > I'll tell you where to go! > > Mayo Clinic in Rochester > http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester > > s Hopkins Medicine > http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org > > > [ ] Handicapped parking > > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me > down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me > and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store > security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped > parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores > taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and > tailgating me. People glare at me. > > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not > always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar > reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell > bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, > if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times > people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I > DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > and priority seating) > > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and > brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry > back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for > that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan > anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each > way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the > last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC > and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an > electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am > alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they > glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how > I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, > gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy > gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do > not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. > Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I > bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the > checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I > do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my > check out of the checkbook. > > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they > do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many > people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair > for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the > handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the > store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 that goes not just for the parking but also for the scooters. If you need them- use them, thats what they are there for. :-) Many stores will also offer you assistnace with shopping. All you need do is ask. My grocery store does. Sadly the one time I DID ask, it was a very young smarty at the register and I asked him to put my pop up for me to check out- someone - another customer had put it into my cart for me----the young man refused, so I told him calmly then I could not purchase it, I left it in the cart---told the bagger to load my bags into a different cart- and I went to the service desk and complained. Of course they told me they would take care of it, but by then I was tired of standing and could not wait for them to check me out with the pop and write a 2nd check.... but usually people are very helpful and kind, if you can find it in you to ask. I do seldom ask, but I have been more and more- stores take my money- they can help me that tiny bit. If you need parking, apply, if you need a scooter, go use it, thats why they have them, and if you need help- ask. - In , ANJILLAH@a... wrote: > Dear Semalee: You have to decide for yourself, are you handicapped or not. > Once you know the answer to this question it doesn't matter what other people > think. If they can see your handicap or not doesn't matter, you have to know > you are or are not. > I have RA and several other bone disorders but my main problem is my > breathing disorder. Whether people can see that or not, I don't care. I can't walk > far because I can't breathe well when I do and my back hurts too which also > makes my breathing worse. > Don't yet these crazy people drive you crazy. If you have something like RA > you have a disability which causes you to be handicapped. Whether one day you > feel better or worse shouldn't be the question, you have it and that is it. > Don't let these people intimidate you. > Sincerely, Colletti > Anjillah@A... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 You are absolutely right!! In fact, as a kid, I used to be one of those people, the kind that if you couldn't SEE the disability there must not be one! As an adult I realize how ignorant that was. As a RA patient, I can totally get it. I fought long and hard with my ortho doc. He filled out the papers for me and said to go get get a placard when I come to my senses. I didn't think I was disabled enough for one. I learned hard and fast that I was. There are many disorders that do not show physical signs of disability. Heart/Lung disorders, MS (on good days), and other physical disorders that the uneducated just don't get. I can feel for you and others who go through this......Marina in Ohio > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2004 Report Share Posted September 18, 2004 That was a big problem here in Ohio as well. In some cases it still is. Now, however, the police have juricdiction (sp?) in private lots. I have seen them go around and ticket cars in the larger shopping centers, malls, wal-marts, ect. I am glad too. There have been too many times where I needed to park in one because of a flare or just not feeling well with this retched disease, and they are all full. I only use them when I feel like that. I never really cared if I had to park in BF Egypt, before the RA came to settle here. I have gotten looks from people, too. I think the hardest part is swallowing my pride and admitting that I need to park there and that I do have a disability. That is a hard one to swallow....Marina > > That's a terrible story, dreamer. You don't have to explain to us why > > you need a handicapped space. We understand. > > > > I think you should have called 911 on the fool. He has no right to > > verbally abuse you, and menacing you and your kids with his car is > > downright dangerous. > > > > I know here in Illinois there are large fines for illegally using > > handicapped spaces, but perhaps there should be even bigger fines > > slapped on people who harass legitimate users of the spaces. I've heard > > enough of these maddening accounts! > > > > Sorry you had to experience that. > > > > > > > > > > I'll tell you where to go! > > > > Mayo Clinic in Rochester > > http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester > > > > s Hopkins Medicine > > http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org > > > > > > [ ] Handicapped parking > > > > > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > > > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me > > down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me > > and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store > > security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > > > > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped > > parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores > > taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and > > tailgating me. People glare at me. > > > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not > > always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar > > reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > > > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell > > bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, > > if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times > > people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > > > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I > > DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > > and priority seating) > > > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and > > brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry > > back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for > > that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan > > anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each > > way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the > > last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC > > and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an > > electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am > > alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they > > glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > > > > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how > > I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, > > gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy > > gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do > > not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. > > Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I > > bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the > > checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I > > do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my > > check out of the checkbook. > > > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they > > do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many > > people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair > > for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the > > handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the > > store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 I'll add my 2 cents here too--I got my placard a few months ago and heard nasty remarks in the Motor Vehicles office when I got it! I don't use it all the time, partly because I think there are other people who need to use that space more than I do, and partly because it seems like the space is never available. But when I do need it, on the days when my legs just don't work right and my arms and hands are too painful to use the cane, that's when I park there if it's open, and even in this small town people make rude remarks. Do you carry a cell phone? I think the suggestion to call 9-1-1 is a good one, and if anyone ever harasses me that way, that's what I'll do. I pray you never get that kind of treatment again. There's a gentleman here in town who has a guide dog, and people were treating him badly until he wrote a letter to the editor--now he gets the utmost respect! I bowl Wed. nights with my husband, and some people have said that " if you're handicapped, how come you bowl? " (obviously they haven't watched me too closely!) But I told the last person who asked me that " I refuse to crawl into a hole and die just because I have a disabling condition. " Disabled people have rights too. Sorry this happened to you, Judi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Texas finally approved handicap plates for Motorcycles in '93 (I think), and I got the first in my county. My son and a friend got the next 2. We had a real time with parking. My friend had a cop try to confiscate his plate because it was 'counterfit'! In the local Wal-Mart, the PA system called for him to move his bike so a handicapped person could use that space. My bike is now a trike since my wife didn't want to get rid of it as I worsened, she bought a kit to add a car rearend so it won't fall over. I've come out to find grocery carts surrounding the trike, nasty notes, and all kinds of other problems until I wrote a 'letter to the editor' of the local paper. I've had no trouble since. I even made a small trailer to carry my scooter. Sometimes people look hard at me, but they're getting used to it. I don't let it bother me! Dennis [ ] Handicapped parking > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down > in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was > afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security > came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking > placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. > Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People > glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always > use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- > people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom > jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my > girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people > say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO > have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings > the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back > out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that > day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything > else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute > to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, > and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners > hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my > scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when > people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I > use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I > push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh > they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons > of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy > cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i > buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the > kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line > and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my > pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the > checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do > not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people > with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for > miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped > parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Hi, I joined the group about two weeks ago. I have been reading the majority of the emails, and have learned tons. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one struggling with fatigue, pain, flares etc...... I live in North Carolina and feel very fortunate that I am going to The Duke RA clinic. My " Rheumy " is (I feel) one of the best in the country. I was officially diagnosed with RA at the end of July. It's aggressive, and about in every joint including my neck and low back which scares me the most. I am a pet dog trainer which is a rather physical job, so that is a major struggle right now. Hopefully, I will be able to continue to work. I am one of those rare people who actually love their job :-) Thank you for all of the info. You all are very kind and understanding. Cristen PS if I ever have to get a handicapped sign, I will be as proactive in my community as possible. How dare people judge RA sufferers. [ ] Handicapped parking > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down > in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was > afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security > came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking > placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. > Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People > glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always > use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- > people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom > jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my > girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people > say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO > have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings > the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back > out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that > day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything > else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute > to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, > and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners > hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my > scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when > people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I > use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I > push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh > they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons > of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy > cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i > buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the > kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line > and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my > pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the > checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do > not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people > with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for > miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped > parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Some cities have a Citizens Patrol just for this problem. Most of the participants are retired and are taught the laws of that area, as well as how to write tickets. Maybe this should be a nationwide effort. It will get lots more money in local coffers and tend to treat the problem the right way. Dennis [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > I'll add my 2 cents here too--I got my placard a few months ago and > heard nasty remarks in the Motor Vehicles office when I got it! I > don't use it all the time, partly because I think there are other > people who need to use that space more than I do, and partly because > it seems like the space is never available. But when I do need it, > on the days when my legs just don't work right and my arms and hands > are too painful to use the cane, that's when I park there if it's > open, and even in this small town people make rude remarks. > > Do you carry a cell phone? I think the suggestion to call 9-1-1 is a > good one, and if anyone ever harasses me that way, that's what I'll > do. I pray you never get that kind of treatment again. There's a > gentleman here in town who has a guide dog, and people were treating > him badly until he wrote a letter to the editor--now he gets the > utmost respect! > > I bowl Wed. nights with my husband, and some people have said > that " if you're handicapped, how come you bowl? " (obviously they > haven't watched me too closely!) But I told the last person who > asked me that " I refuse to crawl into a hole and die just because I > have a disabling condition. " Disabled people have rights too. > > Sorry this happened to you, > Judi > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 Maybe we need to make up bumber stickers for people with handicap parking hangers, or little business cards we can hand out to close minded people with big mouths, that explain you don't have to Look Sick to Be Sick, and refer them a resource to get educated about that. For newbie's who have not read it yet, this is a great story that might help you get others around you to understand what this is like: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm Jennie > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close parking space. Because that's really what's driving all this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking lot without pain. It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > Texas finally approved handicap plates for Motorcycles in '93 (I think), and > I got the first in my county. My son and a friend got the next 2. We had a > real time with parking. My friend had a cop try to confiscate his plate > because it was 'counterfit'! In the local Wal-Mart, the PA system called for > him to move his bike so a handicapped person could use that space. > My bike is now a trike since my wife didn't want to get rid of it as I > worsened, she bought a kit to add a car rearend so it won't fall over. I've > come out to find grocery carts surrounding the trike, nasty notes, and all > kinds of other problems until I wrote a 'letter to the editor' of the local > paper. I've had no trouble since. I even made a small trailer to carry my > scooter. Sometimes people look hard at me, but they're getting used to it. I > don't let it bother me! > > Dennis > > [ ] Handicapped parking > > > > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down > > in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was > > afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security > > came out and got me and the kids safe. > > > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking > > placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. > > Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People > > glare at me. > > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always > > use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- > > people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom > > jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my > > girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people > > say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO > > have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > > and priority seating) > > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings > > the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back > > out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that > > day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything > > else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute > > to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, > > and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners > > hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my > > scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when > > people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I > > use it at all if I can walk at all) > > > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I > > push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh > > they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons > > of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy > > cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i > > buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the > > kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line > > and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my > > pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the > > checkbook. > > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do > > not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people > > with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for > > miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped > > parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 I think we have all had some rude remarks with regard to handicapped parking. I probably have less than some because my mom often rides with me and I think they think it is her sticker- LOL. She walks better at 76 than I do at 50. Have you thought of sending letter to the editor...maybe enligten a few people in your area. I think it might be effective. Have seen some in the news here... Hugs, > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an > older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. > He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was > going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me > and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. > My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone > followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my > knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I > have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always > use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and > make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans > quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to > braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK > handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected > disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue > state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even > try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA > handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the > laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On > laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery > shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I > have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see > their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. > (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not > have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am > alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare > and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are > not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 > minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car > door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart > to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I > open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers > terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, > they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are > also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those > things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the > checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not > hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of > the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not > know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no > legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get > worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. > Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 , this is particularly funny to me! Your husband and I would get along very well. When I go shopping, I park so far away that, if they are with me, my children ask me which store we're going to since they can't see any. Once when we were leaving the house for some errands, my oldest son asked me if I would be stopping at the end of our driveway, parking, and then walking the rest of the way to the mall. Endless jokes. I'm so glad they aren't here to embellish. I have found that the same clods who fight over close parking spaces and yell at those who have a right to handicapped parking are the very same idiots who open their car doors into the side of my car. The farther away I park from them, the better. More exercise, less car dings and aggravation. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > lot without pain. > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 I don't mind walking from those distant parking spaces. I'm just glad that I'm able to. I need all of the exercise I can get. Sue On Monday, September 20, 2004, at 01:30 PM, wrote: > Plus I know so many people now, > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > lot without pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 This is me when I can do it! I would rather park far away and just start getting into the store then drive around and around and around! Of course, lately, I haven't been able to. I talked to my insurance today and financially the remicade will be better at just a $30 copay for an office visit, where the enbrel and humira would cost me $90 a month! So, I am going to call my rheumy this week and see how to get the ball rolling on that.. Semalee [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > lot without pain. > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 The spoon story made me realize that if it came down to it I would much rather use my spoons on my own animals than someone else's. Thank You!!! Cristen [ ] Re: Handicapped parking Maybe we need to make up bumber stickers for people with handicap parking hangers, or little business cards we can hand out to close minded people with big mouths, that explain you don't have to Look Sick to Be Sick, and refer them a resource to get educated about that. For newbie's who have not read it yet, this is a great story that might help you get others around you to understand what this is like: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm Jennie > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2004 Report Share Posted September 21, 2004 Semalee- I understand your choice. My Remicade is completely paid for as I get it infused as an outpatient at a hospital. I would have some co-pay I am sure with Humira or Enbrel. Hugs, > This is me when I can do it! I would rather park far away and just start > getting into the store then drive around and around and around! Of course, > lately, I haven't been able to. I talked to my insurance today and financially > the remicade will be better at just a $30 copay for an office visit, where the > enbrel and humira would cost me $90 a month! So, I am going to call my rheumy > this week and see how to get the ball rolling on that.. > Semalee > [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > > > > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > > lot without pain. > > > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.