How do you handle getting yelled at, cursed at, or given dirty looks for parking in a handicapped spot?

Dealing with people like that is because way to many people going into WALMART abuse the system and its really just a doctor order and some $$ to get a plate or placard. What you are dealing with is perception from those who see people abuse it either by parking in handicap when the handicap is not with them, or fully functioning folks who have the tags. From your earlier post I assume you have had a spinal injury and that makes for a very difficult walk from the parking lot. You deserve the provided service. I am not sure why people feel they have to judge folks as not all handicaps have to have a wheel chair like my daughter, but I am only perturbed myself when with my daughter and I have to wait for an hour to park in the expended ramp space to get her out of the vehicle once the fully capable get to their car with 30 bags of groceries.

As for handling the folks, you are a DAV, until either you are 100% recovered or able to fully function normally, just ignore the folks. Don't tempt yourself with sign language or things, acknowledge with a smile, and drive on.

Louisana and Texas both have disabled vetern plates anyone that is deemed 50-60% physically disabled are authorized use of these plates they do not need handicap placecards just the disabled plate to park in handicap spots as for looks and comments I only use them on days that it's defecult to move I usually try to stay at home on those days but sometimes things need to be done. when people say you can't park there all I do is say check my plates and walk off, if they continue harassing me I ask them if they are my Dr when they say no I tell them to F**k off and mind your own business and so far that's as far as it goes

Get and or display a handicap placard or get the handicap tag for your vehicle. If you cant get one of then then you are not to be parking in a handicap parking spot.

Do you have a Handicapped license plate of ta placard displayed?

If so juust point to it and move on. If not you are in violation for parking there.

I can just guess at the feeling you're going through. I'm 70% with a heart-related SCD, and I haven't bothered even attempting to get a placard, DV plate, or anything for just this reason. First, because while my condition can stall me, it doesn't really stop me. So I figure as long as I can keep moving, why should I take up a blue spot. Second, because I really dislike people (in a general sense), and know this type of thing would come up if I were (legally) parking in blue since I don't look like the "typical wheelchair parker", which would probably have me responding in ways that I shouldn't if I were confronted on an off day.

Honestly, I just come to expect it from people. People are assholes, especially the busybody sorts. The ones who think they know everything about every situation, giving them the ability and the right to comment on anything or anyone that doesn't fall into their narrow view of the world. The best response is to just shrug them off as the ignorant asses that they are and move on with your own day, because life is too short to waste a second of it on these types of people. Especially since, as the old saying goes, never argue with an idiot because they will drag your down to their level and beat you with experience. I know it isn't easy some days, of course.

Best thing I can say for how to respond to these belligerent assholes is parroting some other responders here... tell them to call the cops if they think you're in the wrong. I'd probably take it a step further, to be honest. "Do you have a badge to show me?" "No." "Then f*** off and come back with someone who does. We'll get this sorted out then."

The state of Alaska gives disabled veterans (50% or more) for free a license plate that says disabled veteran. Alaska is a veteran friendly state, no dirty looks, yells or curses that I know of.

Just because we dont walk with a cane, limp ect, it does not mean we don't live in pain every day.

SGT Elizabeth Elliott
I recommend throat chop...if you have a cane or walking stick, use that for even better effect? After this, as they are gasping for breath, help them learns the ins and outs of getting their own handicapped plates or a placards.
Best part about the throat chop is that, if done properly, you do not need to tell them to shut their pie hole.
Last, for the record, if you do really assault someone on my advice, I never heard of you, I never posted anything on RP EVER, in fact I think someone probably hacked my computer...probably the Russians...yeah the Russians did it.

Well usually pulling out my gun works great. But that's not always appropriate. I would recommend throwing a wheelchair at them, but that will only get you arrested (from what I've heard) seriously though, sit back and ask yourself, " What would General Mattis do?"

When people judge me who don't know me, I just think to myself "People are idiots" and I carry on with my day. If you know you're not doing anything wrong, that's all that matters. It's not worth it to allow some stranger power over your mood.

Got my sticker from my VA doctor after 5 years. Nerve damage in legs from VietNam. I don't use my sticker all the time. If my wife is with me I never use it; she gets ashamed that I use it because I'm 67 healthy and don't need to, compared to say a vet with missing limbs, etc... When I have bad days and limp constantly I will use my sticker and yes, I get stares, that is, If I am lucky enough to
even find a handicapped parking spot.
Short story, sad but very true: I am a Chaplain on C shift at our Chrysler plant. It was November, cold and snowy. I went and parked in our Chrysler union hall parking lot in a handicapped spot by the door (or else park 300 foot away) for my meeting with the other shift Chaplains. I got out of my Toyota, walked to the front doors and was immediately told to move my vehicle by 3 knuckle-walking young union men! They did see my sticker, and my VietNam Vet front license plate and I was limping to boot, but, it was all about my vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!
The handicapped sticker is wonderful to have, but, using it, even when people know your a vet makes no difference. The world is sad.