Handicapped Parking Placard

Something I didn’t expect to do in my 30s is get a handicap parking placard. My neurologist filled out the paperwork for me at my appointment earlier this month when I told her that there were some days I avoided running errands or going grocery shopping because of really low energy level days and days where I feel unsteady on my feet. I still struggle with the concept of “disabled” or “living with a disability” because most days my body is functional in the sense of mobility.

Part of that is the invisibility of disabled folks in our society. In our society people are judged on whether or not they look or seem disabled enough. I’ve heard so many stories about people being confronted about their disability when they park in a handicapped spot and then walk into a business or building on their own two feet without a mobility aid. I’m not trying to have that conversation or confrontation when I’m just trying to get my groceries or something. I can get around on my own just fine though some days I need a walking aide and I still don’t always use my cane when it would probably be a good idea to.

To get the placard I had to take the paperwork into a DMV so I went to the same place where I got my WA state license plates just a few weeks ago. It was super quick and easy and the woman even gave me a second placard even though my paperwork only requested one. She told me that she was giving me the second one because “there’s no added fee for a second one and it’s better to have an extra one so you have one for your car and one to take with you if you have a friend driving you around.” I was blown away by her compassionate consideration because my brain is still resisting the fact that I am living with a disability. This woman had no second thoughts about it though which made it easier for me to accept getting the placard.

I’m sure that I will have to deal with folks out in the world that do not have the same level of compassionate consideration but I’m glad I didn’t have to do it that day.