Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit: Cardiac Conditions

If you are part of the 13% of Americans classified as having a disability of some sort, you might already be taking advantage of some of the things put in place to help and support you. The Americans with Disabilities Act was introduced and passed in 1990 to protect you and to provide such support. One area where the Disabilities Act is effective is in the introduction and provision of designated disabled parking spots in all public parking lots. This means that if you have a disabled parking permit, you are allowed to utilize these convenient spaces, which are clearly signposted and marked.

We will look at the benefits of owning a handicap parking permit, but first you might be wondering whether you would qualify for one. There are many qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit, and they do tend to vary from state to state, so it’s a good idea to check what’s valid in your own state. If you suffer from a cardiac condition, it’s possible that you might qualify. Cardiac conditions cover a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The American Heart Association has assigned cardiac conditions into four different classifications. If you only suffer from mild cardiac symptoms and are still able to participate in physical activity, then you are likely to be in Class I or Class II. Patients allocated to Class III or Class IV are those whose cardiac condition impacts them significantly, meaning they are unlikely to be able to take part in physical activity of any sort. Everyday living becomes challenging; the slightest activity can cause extreme tiredness and/or physical discomfort. If you fall into either of these latter two categories, then you are certainly very likely to qualify for a disabled parking permit.

There are several advantages to owning a disabled parking permit. The law demands that public parking lots must have a minimum of one handicap parking spot per every 25 available spaces. This means that the chances of you finding a vacant designated spot whenever you use a parking lot are very high. The law also requires that these spaces must be a minimum width of eight feet. That’s bigger than the average parking spot, so getting in and out of your car will be easier with more space around you. If you have a severe cardiac condition, you may need the use of a wheelchair to visit a shopping mall or to get to your place of work. The extra space allowed for these designated spots makes getting the wheelchair in and out of the car easier. The Disabilities Act also dictates that handicap parking spots must be located close to the facility or building that the parking lot serves, with an easily accessible pathway to said facility. So again, this makes it easier for you to reach your destination if walking is difficult for you, or if you’re making your way there in a wheelchair. These are all great advantages of owning a disabled parking permit, which should make life a little less challenging.

Another great advantage is that you can get a handicap parking permit that is portable. This comes in the form of a disabled parking placard, which you can use in any car. Of course it’s valid in your own car if you’re driving, but it’s also valid if someone else is driving you – it’s a permit for parking not driving. So if you’re a passenger in a family member’s, neighbor’s, or friend’s car, then don’t forget to take your disabled parking placard with you and hang it where it’s visible in the car once you’ve parked. You are then entitled to use any designated handicap parking spot. This is very useful to know, because although you may prefer to drive yourself most of the time, there are bound to be occasions when you’re a passenger rather than the driver. In these cases, you can always take advantage of convenient parking spots with your handicap parking permit.

If you suffer from a cardiac condition and would like to know if you’d qualify for a disabled parking permit, then the simplest way to find out is to apply online with Dr Handicap. We offer a relaxed and easy service that includes an evaluation with one of our specialists. This can be carried out via voice or video call if you prefer, saving you the hassle of leaving your home and traveling a distance for a face-to-face assessment, which some folk find daunting and stressful. You will need some kind of documentation from your own physician that outlines your particular health issues, but our consultant will talk you through all of that. If you’re approved for a disabled parking permit, you will receive it in no time at all and you can begin using it as a driver or a passenger right away.