Disability Placard, do you use it?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 13:40:28 -0400

As a chiropractor, I get discretionary authority to issue disability placards, and I know there are a lot of vets on RP with a disabilities.

Have you been issued your disability plates, or your disability placard for the mirror, and if so, do you use them?

Or do you you place the placard in the Glove Box?

I'm curious if some disabled folks, where it is not obvious, do you try and hide it...try to appear fully intact?

This leads to second part of my question, do you consider your disability embarrassing? I could give several reasons why you'd do this, but I honestly don't need to, you don't need to explain yourself to me...I know I probably would do the same.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 29 at 2015 2:11 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:11:11 -0400

It depends. I have a neck injury with nerve damage that leaves me with chronic pain, headaches and light sensitivity.

If I'm feeling okay, I don't use it.

If I'm in pain, or my headache/light sensitivity is bad, and I need to do an errand, then yes, I use my placard.

Ironically in a lot of parking lots, the blue spaces aren't the closest available...

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 29 at 2015 5:40 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:40:14 -0400

I have the plates, but I only use it when I have to. Depends on how much pain I am in.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 29 at 2015 5:58 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:58:57 -0400

I am strong enough to know when I need help. I am man enough to ask, and take the help that is offered. Disability is a very broad term. There should be no one that suffers because they are too stubborn to take the help available to them. If someone truly needs the help I support it. It is hard to judge a person based on appearance, so I choose not to judge.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 29 at 2015 6:00 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 18:00:50 -0400

I do not have a placard and hope that I never need one. However, I believe I would agree with SSgt Alexander Ingram , LCDR Jaron Matlow , and SPC David Shaffer that I would only use it if I needed it if I should get one.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 29 at 2015 6:04 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 18:04:54 -0400

I have Disabled Veteran plates on my car and motorcycle, also placards and on occasion need to use them, but if I see someone who appears to need the parking slot more than me, I let them have it.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 29 at 2015 6:11 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 18:11:12 -0400

I never park my bike in a handicap slot, because I can awlays find a smaller place where neither the place of business or the police mind.

Response by PV2 Phillip Price made Mar 29 at 2015 8:24 PM

PV2 Phillip Price — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 20:24:32 -0400

I do not have one but I have bad back hips and knees but the few times I've had one I only used it when I was having trouble walking if I felt strong I would leave the close parking for those having trouble if u need it u need it if not then your just being lazy

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2015 11:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 23:21:24 -0400

I used to have a Placard for my in juries but it expired and I never renewed it.

I almost never used it unless I was in unusual pain. I have learned to deal with the pain for the most part but am waiting until I retire now.

I do not really like to use it as I do not look impaired on the outside but when they give them to people who have gotten overweight I believe at least I have legitimate injuries. Not a fed one.

These are the injuries I have with reconstruction involved. I have several others which have yet to be worked on.
My Retirement or at some point in my life things shall definitely be rough. Of course I am thankful to have all my limbs.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Mar 30 at 2015 3:02 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 15:02:30 -0400

I'm 64 years old. I am currently recuperating from a torn rotator cup. I have an artificial right knee. I have bulging disc in my lower back. I am 100 Service Connected Veteran. Yes, I use Handicapped parking whenever the good Lord allows me too. I have too much pain to want to walk long distances when I don't need too.

Response by SSG Paul Lanciault made Mar 30 at 2015 5:27 PM

SSG Paul Lanciault — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 17:27:21 -0400

I don't qualify for disability plates. But I do have bouts of pain that I have had varied results in managing. Sometimes I look for a place close to the entrance, but end up parking as far away as I dare so I can "Walk it off" I also don't want the attention a plate draws so I would most likely never apply for one, but that's me. If I'm going to walk a mile in the store, whats another 200 or 300 ft in the parking lot. I do see people who really need them, but others, I hate to judge, but I wonder.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 30 at 2015 5:46 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 17:46:12 -0400

My wife has Handicap plates, but we rarely use it unless it is a "really bad day". Here in LA if you are over 50% VA rated you get DV plates that work just like Handicap plates.

Response by SrA Steve Baronowski made Mar 30 at 2015 6:05 PM

SrA Steve Baronowski — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:05:07 -0400

I don't have a military one but I have one issued by the state of Connecticut. I use it at work because if you have a placard they let you park on site. It is a very long walk to park on the outside of the fence to my department. I never use it anywhere else mostly because people have a real attitude about seeing a lifted Jeep in a handicap spot.

Response by SFC James Lahtonen made Apr 1 at 2015 8:15 AM

SFC James Lahtonen — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 08:15:42 -0400

I am retired, and yes I have plates and placards. I don't often use them for parking, I use it mostly for the cost relief of registration. In reading these responses I agree that people look at the vehicle, a lifted Avalanche and think FAKER!!! I applaud the folks that have the plate and placard on lifted trucks, street racers, motorcycles what ever. Here is why...at least they are doing something they ENJOY!!!!and have pride in something. I don't use them often because I put my life in perspective. I'm LUCKY enough to be walking on my own feet. I have friends who don't have that luxury any more and the WWII vet and his Lady, Should not have to walk from BFE to get into the store. The local commissary makes me giggle in that they have close parking for 4 General officers/CW5/CSM/Soldier and NCO of the quarter....REALLY?????