What are your feelings about people parking in handicap spots with a permit?

[cooksy]

As a disabled person with a disability sticker I am here to say. If you cannot see a disability on a person, that does not mean that one does not exist. Example: I have Crohns disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. I have had part of my Colon removed which means, that when I walk my bowel function operates and cannot be controlled. Now by looking at me you would never know I have this, but this disease inhibits many of my lifes functions, ie. I cannot shop at many stores because they DO NOT PROVIDED A RESTROOM, same with several restaurants. Until I got this sticker I could not go shopping at the Mall of America because without it, I would not make it into the building before I had a bowel movement and trust me when I say this, after travelling in a vibrating car, you will see me park in the handicap spot and high tail into the Mall, with the restroom being my first stop, always.......So please do not judge a book by it's cover it does not always reveal the true contents.

[jasper1372]

I actually never stopped to think that the handicapped bathroom stalls were only for handicapped people. I guess it makes sense given that handicapped parking spaces are only for people with a handicapped hang tag license....but generally (with men anyway) they are in and out of the bathroom in about 30 seconds....so if a handicapped person was waiting at least it wouldn't be a long wait.

[susieJD]

Originally Posted by Luke55113

It bothers me, but I would like to say that it also bothers me to see many people who have handicapped stickers that do not appear to need them. I know this sounds judgemental but I remember a news review on the abuses in the issue and ussage of handicapped parking decals. For example several people have obtained them for being as little as 30lbs overweight. I think it is almost as bad for a person without a sticker to use this service as it is for a person to obtain one who does not really need it. Also it ticks me off when I see the 16 year old son of a handicapped person use the tag for his own advantage.

What do you need to know someone is handicapped? Do they have to be bleeding or crawling along???? I have several ailments, one of which is RA. I can barely walk some days and others (when my meds are working) I can walk not more than 100 yards. I also have severe osteoporosis, which means if I fall - I'll never get back up. I also have breathing problems and can barely walk 100 yards without being able to breath.

To look at me, you wouldn't know that I have any problems. But I do and need a close parking spot in order to maintain a little independence.

So don't be so judgemental, just because you don't see blood.

Susie