Not all disabilities are so easy to spot
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Stephanie DeNicola-Turner
Published: May 19, 2008
Regarding Thursday’s letter “Handicapped placards meant only for disabled,” having a disability isn’t always visible.
I am 30 years old and have had severe rheumatoid arthritis for eight years. I look completely “normal” but I deal with pain every day that the average healthy person cannot possibly imagine.
If you drive through the town of Culpeper, you may see me walking slowly as I cross the street. Some people roll their eyes or honk their horns because I walk too slow for them. I have a handicapped placard, but after too many obnoxious people demanding I prove to them that I have a disability, I stopped using it (despite my rheumatologist’s protests).
About six months ago, I was using the handicapped bathroom stall at Safeway. A woman came in and loudly complained that she needed to use it. When she saw me come out, she scoffed and made an obnoxious remark.
When I told her I had RA, she said I was too young to have arthritis. I told her if she didn’t believe it, we could walk over to the pharmacy and the pharmacist could tell her all the medications I take for RA. She pushed me aside and remarked about disrespectful young people.
Yes, I have a disability and I shouldn’t have to adapt my life and my needs because of ignorant people, but I do. I just wish strangers could respect me enough to mind their own business. Remember what your mom said: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
Stephanie DeNicola-Turner
Charlottesville
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Posted by ( Cecil ) on May 22, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Semper fi mom…I did assume that most people would understand my point but since reading your comment I have changed my mind. They don’t get the idea behind the handcap placard, so how would they understand my point. So thanks for explaining it to them.
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Posted by ( El Debibble ) on May 21, 2008 at 5:51 am
I see some people still believe the handicap restroom stalls are put there for the exclusive use of handicapped people. THEY ARE NOT. Check the ADA. They exist so that when a handicapped person’s turn comes there is a stall available that will suit their needs. That said, I am sick of watching people run from the HC parking space to the building when it’s raining. Of course they have legitimate placards so who am I to complain?
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Posted by ( semper fi mom ) on May 20, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I have to chuckle—“thats what they get pay to do.“ A tiny little drop in the bucket of what they do….and if nothing more life-threatening is occurring at the time. Your point, however, I believe is that private citizens should not confront those they suspect of parking illegally.
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Posted by ( Cecil ) on May 20, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Stephanie. If you have an approved handcap placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles than by all means use it, don’t let anyone stop you from using it. To all the people who posted a comment…any placard issued by the State of Virginia does indeed have the handcap persons name on it. I know this to be true because I work for the DMV and issue them. This placard can be used as long as that person is in the car no matter who is driving. If you see someone using a placard who you think is not the rightful owner notify a police officer and let the officer questions the person, thats what they get pay to do.
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Posted by ( semper fi mom ) on May 20, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I agree with “Pat” that you are the kind of person use is intended for—I would imagine you don’t jump out of your vehicle, wearing high heals—unlike a parent with an infant and/or toddler who just doesn’t want to have to park in a regular place, or who wants to use the larger bathroom to accommodate herself and kiddies—in that case, patience is called for (as well as carrying extra pull-ups/panties and clothes as most well-prepared parents of little ones do.
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Posted by ( KTrick ) on May 19, 2008 at 9:27 am
I have arthritis in most of my lower joints and on some days it KILLS me to walk through a parking lot and a store. Sometimes I grab a cart from the corals and walk it into the store.
People have no business grilling you about your personal health. Use your placard and let the holier-than-thou morons wonder - or stew in their own ignorance.
God bless.
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Posted by ( Pat ) on May 19, 2008 at 5:58 am
You are the exact type of person these places are needed for, not the perfectly healthy people who do not want to walk a half a block. I agree you should not have to explain but there are some rude people in this world and they care only about themselves. I see it everyday people I know who need places like this to park because they have problems with breathing due to heart and muscle problems. They do not wear a sign that says they have these illnesses but the Dr. has given them this little blue tag so they can get to enjoy some of the simple things many of us take for granted. People need to remember this” There But for the Grace of GOD go I.“ If you are able to get out of bed and not use a cane or a walker or a wheel chair count your blessings if you can wake up some what pain free remember there are many folks who can not just do the simple things in a day. Let’s not take advantage of the handicapped parking spaces etc. Someday you may really need it and it will not be there!
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