Disabled parking badge

[allenuk]

Not sure whether you have the 'Blue Badge' system in North America. Over here, people who can't walk too well get issued with a Blue Badge which they stick in their windscreen, which gives them various enhanced parking privileges.

Anyway, I've had one for a decade or so, predating amputation, and it's coming round for renewal.

I don't drive very much, but the Blue Badge is handy for supermarket car-parks, hospitals, etc.

I downloaded my (surprisingly long) form, filled it in, detailing my 'medical condition' - that is, only having one leg - and waited for my new Blue Badge from my local London borough.

Instead, I've been called in for an assessment of my 'Medical Condition' and my ability to walk.

I shall take my left leg, as evidence of my condition, and pass it across the desk to them.

Have you heard the like of it? Are US or Canadian local authorities as daft as this?


A

[ann58]

Nope, I haven't had any trouble. We do have to have R medical physician sign it first though. Ours R good for 5 years before it has to be renewed...at least in Ohio.

[ann-]

Hi Allen, I am in the UK like you and also just had to complete the surprisingly long form sent to me for renewal. I do drive so use mine all the time, also it can be used in other peoples cars, so very handy, and don't begrudge what we have to pay for it. Fortunately, I didn't get called for assessment this time, maybe because I am bilateral, not sure, but this time I have a nice shiny new one, looks a bit more 'involved' maybe to combat fraud or whatever ... however did read somewhere on all the documentation that this is the final year that they will be dealt with locally, from 2013 they will be issued centrally, also understand there is some discussion about linking them in with the new PIP payments which are supposed to be replacing DLA, etc., so am imagine they are going to be harder for some people to obtain, but when it comes to amputees don't think they are going to understand the difficulties some of us have getting limbs made, or that we can be walking one minute and not the next.

[snowyh]

In the US, disabled parking placards (hung on the rear-view mirror) are issued by the states. Red placards are for temporary disabilities and blue placards are for permanent disabilities. The initial application in Texas is only 2 pages long--page 1 is completed by the applicant with basic contact info & # of placards requested. Page 2 is certification by your physician that you meet the State's definition of disabled. No fee. That's it! Read it and weep: www.txdot.gov/txdoteforms/GetForm?formName=/VTR-214.xdp&appID=/VTR&status=/reportError.jsp&configFile=WFServletConfig.xml

The permanent disability placard must be renewed every 4 years, but all you have to do is fill out page 1 again and send in a copy of your original application including the original doctor's statement (or, if you don't have it, your old placard), and your placard is automatically reissued. The Great State of Texas!

Helen

[greyhnd]

Here in Indiana the process was nearly painless when I applied for a placard. My doctor filled out a state form and I took it to the license branch. Within about 10 minutes I was on my way.

Mine is expired now and I don't plan to renew, but I may change my mind at some point. If I'm using my crutches instead of my leg it makes it easier, but I'd rather see elderly folks or those in wheelchairs using the handicapped spots than me. My main gripe here is that too many people abuse the priviledge of using the designated parking spots. I know two people personally who have disabled spouses and even if they aren't in the vehicle they still park in a disabled space. Good grief, why not yield that spot to someone who needs it and walk a short distance. Things like that sometimes account for the lack of respect the rest of us decent people deserve. I apologize for my short rant.