Do you think having a child with T1 should qualify for "disabled" parking accomodatio

[linda]

Do you think having a child with T1 should qualify for "disabled" parking accomodations?,,,I ask in the instance that you attend a large facility such as a concert do you think it applies that if you need to get to your vehichle for a quick exit or to get to some supplies....this negates disabled parking priviliges?

[MrsBadshoe]

No definately not. Then I'm the same person that is critical of my dad with heart issues who uses one....I figure he plays golf at least once a week why does he need a handicap place card. I also have a niece who is completely wheel chair bound and I can't fathom how difficult it would be it even more people without true physical disabilities use these spots.

[Kevinsmom]

I don't think so. Our children are not physically handicapped. If you are going to a large event, you should have enough supplies on your person.

[Mary Lou]

Do you?

I can't imagine that I would ever take a disabled spot for diabetes.

When we go to concerts, we just backpack in whatever we feel we could need and leave extra in a cooler in the car. Should we need something from the car, well, that's what husbands are for!! ;):D

There are so many people out there with limited mobility, I would feel ashamed to take one of their very few spots offered.

Although, I will say that at last year's Buffett concert (we left the kids with a sitter), I did wonder how on earth we'd get out if we needed to get home. I figured I'd get one of those cute rent-a-cops to navigate us out if needed! :D

[Lee]

Nope _ I don't - I think those spots should be reserved for those that have a hard time walking and getting to the entrance. That is why we carry all our supplies with us.

While T1 is a disability, and I am all for special accommodations at theme parks, with schools, etc, I think Handicap Parking is a big stretch.

[Nancy in VA]

No. My child is not disabled and I am in the camp of "we are normal people" and not going out of my way to make my child be "different"

[hmmmcormick]

As the parent of a child who is totally dependent on us for everything including mobility (he uses a wheelchair), please don't use the handicap parking. :o Those spaces are so limiited the way it is. Our van has a ramp and we need the extra space those parking spots have just to get Morgan in and out of the van. Morgan also has D and if that were his only issue I definitely would not use handicap parking. I always carry all his supplies, D and all the others, with me so I don't have to go back to the car no matter where we park.

[hmmmcormick]

No. My child is not disabled and I am in the camp of "we are normal people" and not going out of my way to make my child be "different"

I know I am being overly sensitive now and I am sure you didn't mean it this way, but just because a person (or my child) is different doesn't mean he is not normal. People with disabilities are people first. Children with disabiliities are more like other children than they are different.

[frizzyrazzy]

Although, I will say that at last year's Buffett concert (we left the kids with a sitter), I did wonder how on earth we'd get out if we needed to get home. I figured I'd get one of those cute rent-a-cops to navigate us out if needed! :D

HAHAAH I had the same thought! I remember telling my mom before we left, "now look, there's no way to get our car unparked once we park so if there's an emergency, just go to the hospital, don't wait for us" They do sort of jam you in there and don't really leave enough driving space.

Anyway, no, I'd never consider that we'd ever need a disabled spot. besides that, getting into my car and driving to find supplies in an emergency would be the last thing I'd want to do.

[Mermaid]

Personally, I think it is ridiculous to expect disabled parking accomodations. Why would we want them anyway. The goal is to teach our kids personal responsibility to come prepared with any supplies they might need. What kind of a message are we passing on to them by using disabled parking accomodations?

[Nancy in VA]

I know I am being overly sensitive now and I am sure you didn't mean it this way, but just because a person (or my child) is different doesn't mean he is not normal. People with disabilities are people first. Children with disabiliities are more like other children than they are different.

Sorry, that came across wrong. I did not mean to say that children with disabilities weren't normal or weren't children first

What I was trying to say is that I would rather figure out ways to work within the constraints that I have with her diabetes than ask for special "Access" that I don't really believe is necessary. Handicapped people definitely have the need for the closeup spots and wide parking and it has nothing to do with their being "not normal" or "not children" first.

It is more MY sensitivity that I do not want to be viewed as the over-zealous diabetic mom - I'm going to reserve that for situations of real emergency. I know that I hold a different position than lots on this board when it comes to some of these situations.

[Mary Lou]

HAHAAH I had the same thought! I remember telling my mom before we left, "now look, there's no way to get our car unparked once we park so if there's an emergency, just go to the hospital, don't wait for us" They do sort of jam you in there and don't really leave enough driving space.



HA HA!!! We had an "end" spot and I could see a path out (we had rented a big Suburban), but had we been in the center, there's absolutely no way!

I'll have to remember to include your instructions for next time. They are spot on.

[hmmmcormick]

[QUOTE=nowimscrappin;171535]Sorry, that came across wrong. I did not mean to say that children with disabilities weren't normal or weren't children first


I didn't think you did mean it in any "bad" way. I think I am over zealous in interpreting these things sometimes.

[wilf]

It would be inexcusable to take a "disabled" spot, unless your child also has legitimate mobility issues (ie. gets around in a wheelchair).

[momtojess]

I would say no way.. To me a handicapped spot is for the physically challanged people (wheelchair, 90+ yrs old and cant walk far, leg issues, etc)

My biggest pet peeve is people who park in handicapped spots that arent (no sticker), or people who have a sticker and should only use it "as needed" (like with flare ups etc), but instead uses it when it is raining or cant find a good spot..

[momandwifeoftype1s]

No, I don't think that having a child with T-1 should qualify for a "disabled" parking spot. With the right accomodations and care, our kids can do pretty much everything that a child without disabilities can do. Connor does not have anything wrong with his lower extremities and he can walk without restriction.

The only time I would use a "disabled" label for my child is to qualify him for eligibility for a 504 Plan as school. It was necessary to use the term "disabled" for Connor's 504 Plan to get accomodations at school, including location of supplies, training of staff members, field trip and testing accommodations, emergency protocol, etc. Otherwise, I would never use that term to describe my physically active, fully-capable child with diabetes.

Are parking spaces called "Handicapped" now or "Disabled"? I think they are still labeled as "Handicapped", and I would not use that term to describe my son. This link has a list by state of what qualifies for a handicapped parking sticker/placard. Ignore the arthritis topic, but read through to the bottom.
http://arthritis.about.com/od/driving/a/handicapparking.htm

Amy

[StillMamamia]

No. My child is not disabled and I am in the camp of "we are normal people" and not going out of my way to make my child be "different"


Well said and ditto!! I understand what you mean.
I cannot imagine how difficult it is for persons with reduced mobility to get to places, so taking their space would just feel wrong to me.
We also had a discussion here recently about receiving gov't aid for families with Type 1 d kids. Some are for it. Others not. My DH and I are not, because we don't need to buy special food or supplies (besides the meters, pump, etc which are already covered) for our son. The money is spent as we would always have spent it, with or without d, maybe even cheaper, since we avoid certain products. I think it's just plain unfair to think we need that additional 'special' treatment, kwim?
(N.B.: not saying either handicapped people are not normal...)

[miss_behave]

No, definitely not. But sometimes I tell my parents they're probably just about ready to park in "seniors" car parks :p

[saxmaniac]

I was curious about this, so I looked it up a while back. State law in MA is you need to have a physical disability that makes walking long distances difficult (heart condition) or impossible (wheelchair).

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

No.

(That was Easy)

[Tori's Mom]

No.

(That was Easy)

Ditto Sarah!!!

[Ella's mom]

Ok moment of truth......I too have thought if Ella would qualify for a disabled parking permit.

We were heading to our zoo (2 years ago). Another mom and I with 4 kiddos. As we were getting closer realized we had to park in overflow parking. Miles away from the zoo and bussed back to the zoo. I had a shear panic moment! I had all that was needed packed in my backpack but the feeling of not being able to jump in our car and leave was very huge and real to me!

Today I am in a better spot and have tools to help in those panic stricken moments.

Very fitting to be thinking back on this as we are about to leave for Ella's pre-k trip to the zoo!

[michelleissweet]

Oh No!!! I would feel REALLY horrible if i took a handicap park and my son jumped out the vehicle as active as he is and then see a person pushing another person in a wheelchair from way across the parking lot!!!
Why would you leave supplies in the car anyway? I always have Aarons right by my side because you never know and what if you cant get to the car fast enough? Oh No i would not dare to do so.
MM

[Grace]

I say no. But boy I sure would have loved one of those when I had a 2yo boy and a newborn!

[Bsbllmom]

Oh No!!! I would feel REALLY horrible if i took a handicap park and my son jumped out the vehicle as active as he is and then see a person pushing another person in a wheelchair from way across the parking lot!!!
Why would you leave supplies in the car anyway? I always have Aarons right by my side because you never know and what if you cant get to the car fast enough? Oh No i would not dare to do so.
MM
Some people are so quick to judge when you park in a disabled parking spot. My husband has a prosthetic leg and when he wears pants, or sometimes shorts, people will say something or give quick stares. So I can imagine a healthy, vibrant, energetic child would definetly raise some eyebrows.

Quick story. One time we parked in DP at the video store. Anthony was around 1. DH got out of the truck and grabbed Anthony out of the truck. I was getting out and heard shouting. This man was yelling at DH saying just because he was lazy and was carrying a child didn't permit him to park in DP. That spot is for people that really need it. This guy wouldn't stop. So DH handed Anthony to me and I really thought he was going to punch this guy out. He lifted his pant leg and said "Is this handicap enough for you?". The guy literally shrunk and the apologies started coming. He said he was having a bad day and has always wanted to say something to someone about parking there. So we went into the store picked our movies and were getting ready to pay. The guy picked up our bill and said that he was really sorry.:D

[liasmommy2000]

No, it honestly would never occur to me.

[mom to a sports nut]

As the parent of a child who is totally dependent on us for everything including mobility (he uses a wheelchair), please don't use the handicap parking. :o Those spaces are so limiited the way it is. Our van has a ramp and we need the extra space those parking spots have just to get Morgan in and out of the van. Morgan also has D and if that were his only issue I definitely would not use handicap parking. I always carry all his supplies, D and all the others, with me so I don't have to go back to the car no matter where we park.

Yes, I agree whole heartedly. Melissa has diabetes, but one of our sons is very disabled. You have NO IDEA how hard it is to find a spot where you can put a ramp out of the side of a van. There IS NO OTHER option for us when we have Andrew with us. You physically can't lift a 350lb power wheelchair out of a van. There is no way I would ever use it, or even consider using it, for diabetes alone.

Sorry........

[Kaylee's Mommy]

I wouldn't use it for Kaylee.. she isn't physically challenged in anyway.. my mom has one, she's had both hips replaced and can't walk far, my dad SHOULD have one (can't even get out of the car half the time) but his dr is afraid to give it to him, afraid he'd get into trouble.. even though my dad clearly needs one. I have a cousin that has a very rare disease, arthrogriposis (I know that is not spelt right!) is confined to a wheelchair.. he can't do anything himself.. I've been with him and his parents before out shopping, and they couldn't get a spot, but there were people that used the spots that could clearly walk.. what makes me so mad is when someone parks in those spots and clearly does not have any issues.. like they borrowed someone's car, and just decided since it was there to use it.. Those spots are for those that have some sort of physical challenge..

[Lee]

I've been with him and his parents before out shopping, and they couldn't get a spot, but there were people that used the spots that could clearly walk.. what makes me so mad is when someone parks in those spots and clearly does not have any issues.. like they borrowed someone's car, and just decided since it was there to use it.. Those spots are for those that have some sort of physical challenge..

Not to be a bag or anything - but my not quite stepmom has such severe vertigo that she cannot walk across open spaces or she passes out - so she has a placard and uses it - but, she CAN walk - and she does get judged and it does make her feel awful - sometimes we have invisible problems, and I think it is good to not rush to judgment on people who park there! And I just chose your post, Kaylee's Mommy - becuase you know I love you - right?

[ADHDiabetic Mom]

No way. I know too many people who REALLY need those spots for physical limitations. Diabetes doesn't come close -- there is no comparison. Besides, in an emergency, we'd be treating it right there on the spot -- not trying to get to our car.

(But I do have to admit -- I often wished that the third trimester of pregnancy would be considered a disability. I know that with my third one, I was almost wheelchair-bound by week 36. Thank goodness most stores have those electronic wheelchair shopping carts, or I could never have left the house!) ;)

[Jensmami]

I would not want a disabled parking spot because of Jenny's diabetes and even more important, Jenny would be so shocked if she was viewed by anybody as disabled:eek: I think something like this could break her spirit.

And of course I would not want to take a handicapped parking spot for somebody who really needs it.

As for the concert scenario I am with Mary Lou on this one, that's what husbands are for:D;)

[czardoust]

well....let me ask you this. When your at a large facility like Orlando's Disney park, you get special passes to be bumped to the front of the line because the simple reason, your child will in fact drop while waiting in line for 1-2 hours to enjoy a ride. Would it be possible to get a pass to park in say, the first parking zone, instead of in rural Orange County? Unless you began you walk to the ticket line with your child having a 300 BS, because by the time you got to the line, I know Kat would be in the 100 range. Can you imagine starting out in the 100 range before walking that distance. And that is just to get the ticket to go inside. Im asking because Im not experienced with going to big facilities with Katerina. We dont go to Disney world, carnivals, the fair or anything like that. We might if parking was available say, 1/4 mile from the door.

[momtojess]

well....let me ask you this. When your at a large facility like Orlando's Disney park, you get special passes to be bumped to the front of the line because the simple reason, your child will in fact drop while waiting in line for 1-2 hours to enjoy a ride. Would it be possible to get a pass to park in say, the first parking zone, instead of in rural Orange County? Unless you began you walk to the ticket line with your child having a 300 BS, because by the time you got to the line, I know Kat would be in the 100 range. Can you imagine starting out in the 100 range before walking that distance. And that is just to get the ticket to go inside. Im asking because Im not experienced with going to big facilities with Katerina. We dont go to Disney world, carnivals, the fair or anything like that. We might if parking was available say, 1/4 mile from the door.

IMO, this still isnt reason. You would have snacks, tabs, etc in the bag and can treat her as you are walking, etc..vs a person who physically cant walk that distance.

As for the line jumping pass (cant remember what it is called) I can see it being used in some circumstances. Using it just because you dont want to stand in line and wait not being one of the reasons. But if you are in line and almost to the front, you have to step out to treat the low and wait 15 mins to come up, i dont think you should have to stand in line for an hour again.

[Kaylee's Mommy]

well....let me ask you this. When your at a large facility like Orlando's Disney park, you get special passes to be bumped to the front of the line because the simple reason, your child will in fact drop while waiting in line for 1-2 hours to enjoy a ride. Would it be possible to get a pass to park in say, the first parking zone, instead of in rural Orange County? Unless you began you walk to the ticket line with your child having a 300 BS, because by the time you got to the line, I know Kat would be in the 100 range. Can you imagine starting out in the 100 range before walking that distance. And that is just to get the ticket to go inside. Im asking because Im not experienced with going to big facilities with Katerina. We dont go to Disney world, carnivals, the fair or anything like that. We might if parking was available say, 1/4 mile from the door.


I think the amusement park thing is different (waiting in lines for hours on hot days can make for very bad day at disney or any other large amusement park) and yes, parking in the first 1/4 mile to the front gate rather than 3 miles out makes a different in those situations, but say, if you go to walmart, and try to use those saved places is different, IMO :)

[caspi]

I'll simply say NO............

[Kaylee's Mommy]

Not to be a bag or anything - but my not quite stepmom has such severe vertigo that she cannot walk across open spaces or she passes out - so she has a placard and uses it - but, she CAN walk - and she does get judged and it does make her feel awful - sometimes we have invisible problems, and I think it is good to not rush to judgment on people who park there! And I just chose your post, Kaylee's Mommy - becuase you know I love you - right?


I know you love me:D and I don't mind that you picked my post.. my mom can walk, but not very well.. you don't want a fake hip locking up on you 1/2way through a parking lot:eek: When I said, you can clearly tell when people don't need it.. its thoughs that hop out of the car, and run into the store.. there are plenty of hidden disabilities... If you truely need it, for whatever reason, then you use it, no matter the reason you need it....but if you use it just to get a close spot to the door then Karma will get you:D

[thebestnest5]

No, I don't believe Liv needs one.

[bgallini]

I have to agree with everyone else. I think Alex would be offended to think that someone felt he needed to park in a handicapped spot. He even thinks the special passes at Disney, etc aren't intended for people with D but does agree that maybe 'little kids with D' might need them after I explain it to him.

Yes, our kids need some special considerations such as being able to test bg, treat lows and highs, have insulin and glucagon available....but they can walk across parking lots and someone can be responsible enough to make sure they have enough D supplies to get thru the store or whatever big event until you can get back to the car or home.

[linda]

Hi-Boy this ran away from itself!! I have to go back and look at my wording!! My sister has MS and is wheelchair bound"stuck in her seat" as she puts it....I know and we as adults should all know that it is wrong to park in a disabled persons spot...did i ask that??????? Im coming from this place you speak of...That when you are at a large event and may need to leave (which we all know too well in a low sugar instance) that you have no control over...should there be accomodations here???disabled or "otherwise"? maybe a different sticker for the car, or a seperate lot in large arenas???? I dont think this too much to ask---but the more pertinant question is will there be EMT's or a 1st Aid office....We are going to huge Jonas Bros concert...this is a concern-I called ahead for special parking request, and they said all parking is done by Police and we have to ask when we are directed....wish us luck!!!:cwds::cool::rolleyes:
Thanks for being Honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[frizzyrazzy]

we had no trouble standing in line at disney and the one time Ian was low in line we simply treated in line and kept going. If we had been near the front of the line we would have told a cast member that we couldn't' get on the ride right at that moment and I"m sure they would have let us just wait it out - much like they do for "parent swap" . Honestly it never ever occurred to me to get a pass to skip lines. There's really no reason that our kids can't stand in line. You just have to prepare for it ahead.

And I have a friend who has rheumatoid arthritis. When she's bad she's very bad and can barely walk so she has a tag. 99% of the days when we meet to pick up our kids after school we park far away from the school and walk up a hill to get our kids because there's never enough parking at the actual school, so most parents see this from her, healthy vibrant lady walking to get her child. The one day she was feeling very run down she parked in the handicap parking and this other mom accosted her. YELLED at her. It was very embarrassing, for my friend who had to explain her medical problems to some stranger and for the other parent who decided it was her place to be the parking police.

[bgallini]

Hi-Boy this ran away from itself!! I have to go back and look at my wording!! My sister has MS and is wheelchair bound"stuck in her seat" as she puts it....I know and we as adults should all know that it is wrong to park in a disabled persons spot...did i ask that??????? Im coming from this place you speak of...That when you are at a large event and may need to leave (which we all know too well in a low sugar instance) that you have no control over...should there be accomodations here???disabled or "otherwise"? maybe a different sticker for the car, or a seperate lot in large arenas???? I dont think this too much to ask---but the more pertinant question is will there be EMT's or a 1st Aid office....We are going to huge Jonas Bros concert...this is a concern-I called ahead for special parking request, and they said all parking is done by Police and we have to ask when we are directed....wish us luck!!!:cwds::cool::rolleyes:
Thanks for being Honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would think there would be some sort of EMT in a large setting like that. They would probably also have staff, etc who drive around in golf carts who could assist in getting you to your car if that's what you need.

But as far as special parking goes, just think of it from the police/concert staff viewpoint...if they are going to allow some special parking permits other than the already established handicapped parking, they would need all sorts of policies and procedures for this. Which people qualify for this special parking? How do you prove this need? Many, many people would just be requesting it b/c it would be more convenient for them. Also, if D is included in the list, would the D child have to be present or would the parents of a D child qualify b/c they need to hurry home to get to a child who grandma is babysitting. Arranging such parking (special parking in addition to the handicapped pkng) could be a huge headache, so I can see that they wouldn't do it.

But you will have fun at the concert!!! Just take everything you think you need and you won't need any of it!!!

[linda]

Thanks for the car cooler reminder!...This got away i think from the idea; Not meant to ask if we should be taking a disabled persons spot,(who cant walk) my sis has MS I know what that is about, just in a large arena area, having some other accomodations for parking, like 2nd to "Disabled"??

[linda]

Thanks...That is certainly somthing worth knowing!! Maybe we can change this to include seizure!!!!!!! Thyanks!!!!

[linda]

Hi-Not asking here if we should take HC parking spots :(.....saying there should be other standards than just the 2......Used thew wrong "wording"...:(....But yes, agree not enough spots!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cant imagine your chalenges with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[linda]

Is what im talking about here-but ran away with itself re the Handicapped issue-not saying this "Disability" is defanitly a word used to describe our kids weather you like it or not! I just had to spend xtra money and time to be able to make special accomodations for Em to take the SAT's due to her "disability" needing her to snack, drink, take breaks, or check her sugar!!!! I agree! and thank you!

[RosemaryCinNJ]

Hi Linda...I would have to say no only because Amanda's diabetes supplies go everywhere with us that she goes...(in her case) so there really is no need for handicapped parking accomodations. I do love the parking spots that say Reserved for Moms with Tots!! :) Where in Jersey are you? Exit 117 here.

[linda]

Looking here for other options than taking away the spot from a imobile child....Thanks!

[Illinifan]

To answer the original question: No.

[frizzyrazzy]

I think what everyone is trying to get at is that if we take a parking spot, it's one less spot for someone who needs it.

If you were at a concert there are emt's and emergency people there. The risk of needing them are very small and in a real emergency you'd be better off waiting for an ambulance rather than trying to take your car and drive for help.

[Nancy in VA]

Looking here for other options than taking away the spot from a imobile child....Thanks!

Actually, to answer that question it would also be no. I will be carrying supplies that I need. IF there is that much of an emergency, we'd be summoning the medical personnel anyway, so I'm not going to be trying to get to my car any faster. And if my D child is at home and I am that inaccessible, my babysitter will be prepared to call 911 if its not something I can address over the phone.

So, no, I don't see any parking accomodations needed for D because I believe that it should be managed differently than just trying to "get to the car to get out of here" quickly - any more than if my non-D child had a medical emergency with me or with a babysitter. I just don't see handling my daughter's diabetes as any more than just one thing more to do when I'm out with her, like making sure she goes to the bathroom and holds my hand crossing the street, not going with strangers, etc.

[linda]

exit 123-Old Bridge-I think my question ran away with itself!.....Im talking about a large arena like concert or Park, and if you have a teenager, a concert is a sure place for a low sugar!...Yes obviously we also carry all needed er items, etc. But if there were a low (or high) like if her pump were to malfunction...and here you are in a huge area with tons of people and need to get away quick, or just to a safe place to evaluate, feels good to get to your vehichle quickly, not taking away a handicapped persons parking spot, but having our own er spot!!

[linda]

and thanks for being NICE! :)

[linda]

ok-so we are making a motion for ot and D parking priv!

[sam1nat2]

I can appreciate your anxiety when talking about a large venue. Keep in mind that large events are staffed well most of the time so if an emergency were to arise, you would be able to get the help necessary.

Now a pass to the front of the line for food, that would be a welcome treat:D

[kyleesmom]

Nope. I know a guy who had one of his legs amputated below his knee due to an accident. He had the placard, and used it only when he was having a bad(pain mostly)day. I saw him park a few times and people would glare at him. At first you would never know anything was different about him unless you watched him closely when he walked and one guy even told him that he should use those places if the handicapped person wasnt with him. He pulled up his pant leg to show the guy his leg and the guy quickly apologized and walked off.

My MIL has a placard because my FIL has Alzheimers and she also provides all the transportation for her parents, both of whom use a walker or a cane and dont get around very well. At first I didnt think it was right that she had one, but as my FIL gets worse, she definately does need it. Its a 15 minute process to get him in and out of the car and she needs ample room to do it, then its a matter of trying to get him to walk into where they are going. A few weeks ago she got him a folding wheelchair that fits in the trunk and it makes things a little easier.

[momtojess]

We went to an air show a few weeks back.. We had to park in a field, and walk about 35 mins to get to the the show. We didnt think anything about not being close to the car. We had everything we needed in our backpack. There was nothing in the car. If it were a huge emergency, it wouldnt matter how close my car was, I would be treating it where I was.

Most events have golf carts that the staff use, I am sure the would be able to get you to you car.

Afte the show, and the walk back to the car, there was an hour wait to get out to the road, so we werent going anywhere fast

[caspi]

Afte the show, and the walk back to the car, there was an hour wait to get out to the road, so we werent going anywhere fast


That's pretty much what I was thinking -- even if you did have a "fast pass" to your car, you aren't going to get very far in just about ANY concert venue I've ever been to! I'd have to say Giants Stadium to see Bon Jovi was the worst -- for the traffic, not for my dear Bon Jovi, that is! :D

[LantusFiend]

Unless the diabetic in question has severe neuropathy or heart disease, it doesn't impact mobility, and the wheelchair parking is for those with mobility disorders. I'm not there yet!

[CJ's Mom]

No. My child is not disabled and I am in the camp of "we are normal people" and not going out of my way to make my child be "different"

Define normal.:)

I can understand where the OP is coming from, but no, my kid can walk on his own two feet, needs the exercise & we carry supplies.

[sugarmonkey]

In a situation where you're a long way from the car like a concert I'd pack what i think we'd need, then at least double it, maybe triple, just in case.

[deafmack]

Both my Mother and sister have permanent handicapped placards and rightly so. My sister is in a wheelchair and my mother has osteporosis and scleroderma and is 88 and has trouble walking more than 20 feet without help. The scleroderma is now starting to affect her lungs and breathing. I drive my mother's car a lot to run errands for her and I would never use her handicapped plates to park in a handicapped spot unless she is with me. Saying this sometimes a person is disabled and it doesn't show. ie a person with cancer or a bad heart, etc.
Another thing here in Washington there are two kinds of placards, one is temporary and only lasts 6 months. The permanent one lasts 5 years and then you have to be re-evaluated and reapply for a new one. I think it is unfair to use a space for the disabled when one can walk okay and does not have something physical hindering their ability to do so.