Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Alaska

For drivers with disabilities, having a disability placard can make life much easier. This is particularly important for disabled drivers in Alaska, since the state’s frigid climate means snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures can make mobility and accessibility even more challenging.

If you live in Alaska and have a disability, you may qualify for a disabled parking permit. Alaska handicap parking laws allow drivers with a permanent or temporary disability permit or license plate to legally park in any disabled parking space, as long as their permits are valid and haven’t expired.

If you or someone you love lives in “The Last Frontier,” here are the qualifying conditions for a handicap parking permit in Alaska, plus all you need to know about how to apply.

What qualifies for a handicap placard in Alaska?

Alaska’s Division of Motor Vehicles outlines the qualifying conditions for a disability permit, and to qualify, you must meet at least one of their requirements. However, some of them can apply to a range of different health conditions.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, book a telehealth consultation with a health professional to discuss your situation, or visit your family doctor. Because medical approval is required for disabled parking permits in Alaska, a doctor is best placed to examine your medical history and determine which of the requirements you would be eligible for.

car driving on road in alaska — *Image by Roman on Unsplash: Driving and parking in Alaska will be much safer with the help of a disability placard.*

Here are the requirements within Alaska:

You’re unable to walk more than 200 feet without needing to stop or rest
Health issues due to lung disease
You require the use of a portable oxygen machine or tank
You’re unable to walk safely without the help of an aid, such as a cane, crutches, a wheelchair, the help of a carer, or you require the use of a prosthetic device
You have a Class III or Class IV heart condition, as set out by the American Heart Association
You have a medical condition that makes it challenging or impossible to walk. This could be related to arthritis, orthopedic issues, or neurological conditions.

You don’t need to have a permanent health condition to qualify for a permit, as Alaska offers temporary placards with a validity of six months. This is to assist drivers who have a short-term mobility limitation, due to conditions such as surgery or illness. For temporary disabled drivers, your medical professional will give set start and end dates, which lets the DMV know how long you’ll need access to a disability placard.

Temporary disabled drivers will be given a placard to display on their rearview mirror, while those with permanent disabilities will have either a placard or a special disability license plate.

If you’re a carer for someone with a disability, who is unable to drive themselves, you can apply for a permit on their behalf. A carer can drive and park in any disabled parking space, but only when they’re with the person they’re caring for. Organizations and medical facilities can also qualify for a permit to use when transporting disabled clients or members.

Note that veterans are also able to qualify for a special disability placard within Alaska. To qualify, you’ll need a letter from Veterans Affairs affirming that you have a disability that relates to your time in the service. Veterans are also eligible for disabled veterans’ license plates.

How do I get a handicap parking permit in Alaska?

Don’t worry – Alaska makes its application system straightforward and simple to understand! First, obtain a copy of the Alaska DMV handicap form, known as Form 861. You can find it online or at your local DMV office.

Complete Part I of the form yourself, outlining your personal contact details. Part II needs to be completed by an authorized medical professional – this is simply to prove you have a genuine need and to prevent people from taking advantage of the disability permit system.

Part II can be completed by one of the following medical professionals:

Physician or physician assistant
Nurse practitioner
Podiatrist

They’ll sign off on your form, indicate which requirement you meet, and provide their occupational license number.

person submitting application online — *Image by John Schnobrich on Unsplash: You can download the forms you need for your Alaska disability permit online and a caregiver can help you, if necessary.*

Part III of the form is for DMV use only, so leave that blank. Then, submit the completed form at your local DMV office or by mail:

Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Special Disability Parking Permit
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503

There is no charge for either a disabled placard or license plate. However, if you need a second set, you’re required to pay a $100 application fee.

And what about handicap placard renewal? Permanent placards need to be renewed every five years. Temporary placards are usually valid for six months, but you can easily reapply if you have a genuine need.

With your Alaska disability placard, you can enjoy the rugged, dramatic beauty of the state safely. Download your application form and get started – once you submit your forms, your placard will arrive quickly and you’ll be good to go!

Featured image by Jacob Vizek on Unsplash

How Can I Get A Temporary Handicap Placard?

There are many types of disabled parking placards, so how do you know which type is right for your needs? It can be confusing, but the answer all comes down to your personal circumstances.

Each state governs its own parking placard system, but generally, red placards are for temporary disabilities, dark blue placards are permanent, and light blue are for wheelchair users. Due to the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, both public and private businesses need to have a minimum number of disabled parking spots, so you should always be able to find them.

You can also sometimes find specific parking permits for veterans and for international visitors. However, if you have a temporary injury or disability, you probably need a temporary handicap placard. Here’s what you need to know about how to get one.

What is a temporary handicap placard?

A temporary handicap placard is just as it sounds: it’s a permit that lets drivers with a temporary disability park in disabled spaces for the validity of the pass. In some cases, this might be six months, while others might only be valid for a duration specified by your doctor.

This is in contrast to a permanent handicap permit, which is generally good forever (although may need to be renewed every few years).

person in wheelchair using laptop for online consultation — *Image by SHVETS Production on Pexels: You can download the forms you need online for your temporary handicap placard application.*

What are the qualifying conditions for a temporary handicap placard?

Each state controls what qualifies for a temporary handicap permit, so if you’re unsure, the best thing to do is always check with your doctor or your state government.

However, in general terms, here are some of the qualifying health conditions that would make you eligible:

Inability to walk without needing to stop or rest, due to a temporary mobility condition like a broken or injured foot, back or spine injuries, or limited mobility while recovering from surgery
Any health condition that requires a walking aid, like crutches or a wheelchair
Need for an oxygen tank
Temporary heart or lung conditions
Any other temporary physical or mental health condition that restricts your mobility

If you’re expecting, you may wonder if you can get a temporary handicap parking permit for pregnancy. If your pregnancy has prevented you from moving about normally, then yes, most doctors will happily sign off on your approval for a temporary placard.

However, you can’t park in a disabled space without a placard, even if you’re pregnant – you’ll need to first apply for and receive the placard. (In recent years, many stores have started reserving spaces near the entrance for pregnant people or families, so utilizing these spots could be another option.)

How long will my temporary disabled parking permit be valid for?

In most cases, temporary handicap placards are valid for six months from the date of issue, or for a specific duration specified by your doctor.

However, if you end up needing your permit for longer than that, you can apply for another, as long as you have support from your doctor.

How to apply for a temporary handicap placard

So how can I get a temporary handicap placard? Here’s a general overview of the process. Note that each state may require slightly different paperwork, and the application fees will also vary.

1. Visit your state DMV website or office to determine which form is needed

Since each state has slightly different requirements, you’ll first need to do some research to find out what paperwork is required. Check the website for your state’s DMV office or give them a call – they can let you know what you need.

Print off the correct form so you can take it with you to your medical appointment, which is the next step.

pregnant woman — *Image by Arteida MjESHTRI on Unsplash: If your pregnancy is limiting your mobility, you’ll qualify for a temporary handicap placard.*

2. Get approval from a medical professional

To get your temporary permit, you’ll need sign-off from your doctor or a medical professional. This is to verify that you have a temporary injury or disability that limits your mobility, and that you have a legitimate need for the placard.

This is a simple process and stops people taking advantage of the handicap parking system when they aren’t entitled to use it. You can get your medical approval through a visit to your doctor or through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth consultation.

3. Submit your application

Once you’ve completed your forms, submit your application to the DMV in your state. Some might accept them via email or fax, while others will need to be delivered in person. Most states will require a small application fee as well.

As long as you’ve done everything correctly, your placard should be approved and mailed out to you in just a few days. Keep in mind that it’s only valid for yourself – you can’t share your temporary placard with anyone else.

Keep your permit in a safe place and display it clearly in your car whenever you need to use it. The disabled parking program is designed to make parking easier for anyone with a temporary disability, so a temporary handicap permit will make life much more convenient for you and your carers.

Featured image by Oxana Melis on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Arizona

A handicap permit can make a world of difference for disabled drivers. It ensures you have priority for easily accessible parking wherever you go. Applying for your handicap permit in Arizona does not need to be a long or difficult process. The Arizona Department of Transportation can issue both handicap license plates and placards. These can be temporary or permanent, and in Arizona, unlike other states, you can qualify for a disabled parking placard or license plate if you are hearing impaired.

Read on for our guide to qualifying conditions for a handicap parking permit in Arizona, and for more info on how to begin the application process.

How do you qualify for handicap parking in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Transportation can issue disability placards and license plates for people with the following conditions, among others (check with your local DMV office for more information):

Not being able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
Cardiac conditions
Neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic conditions
Restrictive lung disease
Needing a mobility device like a wheelchair, crutch, brace or cane
Requiring portable oxygen
Hearing impairment

You can read more about the general qualifying conditions on this page. If you’re a veteran, you may also qualify for a Veteran License Plate for Arizona residents. In order to qualify, your disability must be service-related and verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

disabled parking symbols and signage — *Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash; How do you qualify for handicap parking in Arizona?*

How long does it take to get a disability placard in Arizona?

Getting a disability placard in Arizona is a simple and straightforward process if you have a qualifying condition. Wondering how to get a handicap placard in Arizona? Just arrange an online consultation with one of our licensed medical professionals through Dr. Handicap. During this online consultation, the doctor will go through your medical history and will verify that you qualify for a disabled parking permit. They will also help you to fill out the necessary forms for your application, which you can then submit to your local DMV office.

After they have explained this process to you, your application has been submitted to the DMV, and you have paid any applicable fees, you will quickly receive your disability placard/license. If you do not qualify for a disabled parking permit after meeting with one of our online medical professionals, your consultation fees will be refunded.

What are the Arizona handicap placard laws?

In Arizona, you can receive either a disabled parking placard or a disabled parking license. The placard must be clearly visible at all times, either on the dashboard of your vehicle or hanging from the rearview mirror. If the placard is not visible (even if it is elsewhere in your car), you may receive a fine, so it’s important to display it clearly. The license plate needs to be firmly attached to your vehicle at all times.

Arizona issues permanent and temporary disabled parking permits. It’s important to renew your permit in time, before it expires. Whether you receive a permanent or temporary permit is determined by your qualifying condition. However, even permanent permits technically expire, and must be renewed. Luckily, renewing is a simple process that can be done at your local DMV office, provided that you do so before your permit’s expiration date.

Your Arizona handicap permit allows you to park in handicap parking with the universal disabled parking sign. This is also known as the International Symbol of Access, and it is a blue square with a wheelchair overlaid. This may either be painted onto the ground on the parking spot itself, or printed on a sign marking the space.

Be sure to make yourself aware of the applicable parking meter rules of your local town or city, as each place has different rules surrounding metered parking. For example, some places in Arizona may offer free metered parking for the specified time for that parking meter, whereas others may allow you to pay your allotted time at that meter and then stay an hour for free. Arizona also recognizes out-of-state disabled parking permits, so visitors are afforded the same rights at Arizona disabled parking permit holders.

For more information on handicap parking permits in Arizona and in other states, be sure to check out the wealth of information on our website and our blog!

Featured image by Quintin Gellar on Pexels

Does An Employer Need To Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Parking?

For those with a physical disability, having wheelchair-accessible parking is a game-changer. Ensuring you can get in and out of your car safely and easily is so important. Having wheelchair-accessible parking at the workplace can have a huge impact on your commute. This is particularly the case for drivers who are already nervous behind the wheel.

Getting a disabled parking permit helps you to access wheelchair-accessible parking. Applying for a permit is a simple process for those with a qualifying condition. While these conditions vary from state to state, they typically include those such as:

Loss of mobility
Loss of limb
Limited vision
Lung illness
Cardiac conditions

Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to navigate the world of disabled parking, as rules surrounding parking permits vary from state, and regional laws may differ. Many people are unsure as to what they are entitled to as part of their employment, and knowing employer parking laws can be confusing. That’s where the ADA comes in.

wheelchair user — *Image by stevepb on Pixabay: What accommodations does an employer have to provide to employees with disabilities?*

What Are The ADA Disabled Parking Rules?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was designed to protect the rights of Americans living with disabilities and offer standardized guidelines for employers to follow. The ADA sets the standards for what disabled parking spaces should look like. They should have a minimum size (eight feet wide, plus five feet of aisle space on either side) to allow for easy access to and from the vehicle, and they should also be clearly marked or signposted with the International Symbol of Access. They must be situated near the most accessible entrance of the building they serve, and must provide an accessible route to and from this entrance.

Does An Employer Need To Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Parking?

Any company with more than 15 employees has to abide by the ADA guidelines. Your employer must make every reasonable accommodation for you as a disabled employee. If an employer provides their own parking lot for employees, this must have a certain number of disabled parking spaces. If you have a physical disability and use a wheelchair, your employer must make a wheelchair-accessible parking space available to you if parking in a private lot is a perk that they provide.

However, some employers do not provide parking for their employees. This is not a legal requirement, so your employer does not need to provide it. If employee parking is not offered at your place of work (if your employer does not own their own parking lot, for example), it is not the employer’s responsibility to provide wheelchair-accessible parking. In this case, it is the responsibility of whichever parking lot the employee generally uses.

How Many Disabled Parking Spaces Should There Be In A Parking Lot?

The ADA sets standards when it comes to how many disabled parking spaces should be allocated to each parking lot. The amount of wheelchair-accessible and disabled parking places per lot depends on its total capacity. Under current standards, this means that for every 25 parking spaces there must be one accessible van space. For a lot that has 300 spaces, at least seven must be accessible. There must also be an access aisle provided to enable wheelchair users to easily enter and exit the parking lot without obstruction.

employee parking lot — *Image by JayMantri on Pixabay: Do employers have to accommodate people with disabilities?*

The Bottom Line: Do Employers Have To Provide Parking For Disabled Employees

While you have rights as a disabled parking permit holder, simply owning a permit does not mean your employer is required to provide wheelchair-accessible parking. The ADA states that employers must make all reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. However, if the employer cannot reasonably provide disabled parking, and if it places undue hardship on them, they are not obliged to do so.

Some employers may provide wheelchair-accessible parking, but there may be not be enough disabled parking spaces for each employee who needs one. Situations like this can be stressful and difficult to manage, but the best way to sort them out is to have a conversation with your employer to see what can be done to accommodate both your needs and theirs.

It is important that you can access wheelchair-accessible parking, and it is your right to do so. However, it can be complicated to negotiate what must be provided by your employer, and what constitutes reasonable grounds for the provision of disabled parking places. Fortunately, the ADA is there to help those with disabilities live life as easily as possible, and most employers are willing to make the necessary accommodations for their employees.

Featured image by overjupiter on Pixabay

How Do I Renew My Handicap Permit If I Have COVID-19?

For people with disabilities, having an up-to-date handicap parking permit is of the utmost importance. That permit allows them to access places they need or want to go without putting further strain on their medical condition. Handicap parking is given to people with disabilities so they can perform daily chores or enjoy leisure activities the same as those without disabilities.

When a person first gets their handicap placard, they have to go through a process of getting approved, applying for, and obtaining the permit. Handicap placards have an expiry date and need to be renewed before this date if they are still to be used.

Since a handicap permit is not permanent, some people with disabilities may be wondering how to renew theirs, especially in the wake of COVID-19. So, how do you renew your permit during COVID-19? And can you renew at all if you have an active COVID-19 infection?

Can I park with an expired handicap permit during COVID-19?

COVID-19 has posed some challenges for everyone, but for people with disabilities, those challenges may have been felt tenfold. This is especially true if someone’s chronic condition affects the way their immune system functions. Since a healthy immune system is vital to fighting off COVID-19, many with compromised immunity may have been isolated even further than those without a chronic disease.

person renewing handicap permit online — *Image by cottonbro on Pexels: You can renew your handicap permit online if you have COVID-19.*

One thing that may make the COVID-19 pandemic more difficult for people with disabilities is parking permit expiry. Depending on when you first got your permit (or last renewed it), it could have expired sometime throughout the pandemic. It’s hard to determine whether or not people with expired placards can still park in disabled places during the COVID-19 pandemic, because there are different rules and regulations surrounding handicap parking in each state. Some states have become more lenient with the rules because of the unforeseen circumstances, while others have not.

If you have an expired placard that has yet to be renewed, it’s important to check with your local parking authority whether you can still use it if it’s expired, or you may risk getting a ticket.

How to renew handicap placard during COVID-19

The best way to renew your handicap placard during COVID-19 may differ depending on where you live and how quickly the virus is spreading throughout your community. Many government services have been shut down at points during the pandemic or service has slowed significantly, making renewal of a handicap placard more difficult. To renew your placard, you can submit a request for renewal to your local parking authorities, either mail or by phone, up to 45 days prior to the expiration date.

The option for submitting a request is great for people with disabilities who want to avoid going into any center that could increase their risk of contracting COVID. If you have an active COVID-19 infection, you’re required to self-isolate so you don’t spread the virus to others. For a person with an active infection, renewing online is the best bet.

person using laptop to renew permit — *Image by Liza Summer on Unsplash: Disability permit renewal can be an easy process, even with COVID-19.*

How to renew handicap placard online

There are ways to apply for a permit renewal online that can be done from the comfort and safety of your own home while you are fighting off a COVID-19 infection. While state governments typically offer renewal requests via mail or over the phone, Dr. Handicap can help you apply online.

The easy online process gives you the opportunity to renew your handicap placard while keeping yourself and others safe from further spread of COVID-19. On the Dr. Handicap website, all you have to do is create an account and follow the simple online application process.

COVID-19 numbers continue to ease in many places, with more and more restrictions being lifted, and many people are seeing this as a light at the end of the two-year pandemic tunnel. That being said, the virus is still out there and if you are infected, you need to do everything you can to avoid becoming part of the spread.

Featured image by Isaac Iverson on Unsplash