Handicapped Parking | Arthritis Information

Does anyone have a handicapped decal? Some days I am good, and some days I can barely walk, open a door, or even hold onto things. I didn't know if this was an option or not as I have no clue how to go about getting one or if I would even qualify for one. But I was curious. Usually you need a form from the DMV that you have your Dr. sign for you - if you have already been declared disabled by the state it will be permanent, if not then temporary that you get renewed by the Dr. every 6 months. I hope you get it - I know what you mean about having some good days and some bad. Sure hope you get some relief soon, hugs My stepmom had no problem getting a temporary handicapped parking permit when she broke her ankle a couple years back.

Talk to your doctor, he/she would need to sign off on the DMV form for a placard. A lot of us have an issue about this for different reasons, but if it helps you on those bad days, then you'll have it to make your day a little easier, and on your better days, you can choose not to use it, that simple. Good luck and take care. I would definitely only use it when I needed to, I feel a little "too proud" to ask about it, but I work at a university where there is a huge parking problem, and some days I literally end up parking a mile from the building I need to be at and if it is one of my "bad" days I am in tears by the time I get there not to mention the time it takes to get to my destination when I am hobbling and limping around. Ask your doctor - mine had the forms right in his office. He filled out on the spot for me and mailed it in. I had my handicapp card in about 7 days!When I had my knee replacement I was able to print the forms off the computer. My doctor signed the form and I took it to DMV and had the card the same day. Lindy[QUOTE=jennmommi]I would definitely only use it when I needed to, I feel a little "too proud" to ask about it, but I work at a university where there is a huge parking problem, and some days I literally end up parking a mile from the building I need to be at and if it is one of my "bad" days I am in tears by the time I get there not to mention the time it takes to get to my destination when I am hobbling and limping around. [/QUOTE]

You have a legitimate need for it, so try not to worry about what others think. The mornings can be the hardest time for RAers, getting ready for work and then having to hurriedly walk to one's office, by the time you get there you're already stressed out and you haven't even started your work day -- that was my experience anyway before I got my placard. You need to do these little things to conserve your energy, so you can continue to work and take care of your home and personal life. I hope you can get one soon, it will make a things a little easier. Good luck and take care.

I got a handicapped plate and placard two years ago when I could barely walk. My doctor had no problem filling out the forms for me because I was so bad off. I got the placard the same day, and the plates in the mail 3 days later. Now that I'm walking normally again, I never use handicapped spots. However, it's nice to know that if the day comes when Humira no longer works for me, the handicapped plate is already on my car. I have to renew the placard every 5 years, but the plate is permanent.

One nice thing about getting a placard is that every state recognizes placards issued in every other state. I traveled to California to visit relatives shortly after getting mine, and it was a lifesaver.
I am newly diagnosed (1 week) and am not on meds yet, it may be a mute point once I get on meds and get the disease under control. However, I don't know how long that will be. So I'll ask the Dr at my appointment Wednesday. Jennmommi,

Each states requirements for handicap placards differ. You can go on line to your states BMV or DMV and all the information on requirements are listed and many times the forms are there for you to print out. In Ohio, the Dr. does not fill out or sign the form but provides a prescription stating either permanent or temporary disability which has to be included with the forms. Also in Ohio, even if its a permanent disability, you have to renew your placard every 5 years.

Marianne
I got my placard for my car about 3 months ago. Like many others I only use it when I need it, or when I know I have to do a lot of walking to get errands done so I can spend my energy on doing what I need to do, not on getting where I need to get.

My Dr filled in the form I got from the local council office and I returned it and had my little card to stick in the car window about 2 weeks later.

Here the handicap spots are often taken up but if you have a card displayed you get double (or sometimes unlimited) time in a timed parking spot. So instead of a 2 hour parking spot you can stay there for 4 hours without getting a ticket. It doesn't help with the distance but it does let you do things more slowly, like sit and rest more during your shopping trip or have more time to have a coffee. I appreciate that part because by the time I have walked around the mall to shop or do errands, I keep getting slower and slower and often need to sit down for a break. It's nice to know I don't have to race all over the place and exhaust myself just so I don't get a parking ticket.