Have Trouble Getting To The Store? This Permit Is For You

Thousands of people in America live with constant pain, discomfort and lethargy that robs them of their mobility. Though some resign themselves to this harsh reality without doing anything to mitigate it, this doesn’t have to be the way. There are methods to lessen the impact that your disability has on your life and getting a handicap parking permit may just be the best one.

So how exactly do you get a handicap parking permit? Though it depends on what state you live in, there is some uniformity into what different states class as a disability. Essentially, you’re eligible for a disabled parking permit if you have a chronic illness that makes it painful or uncomfortable to walk for sustained periods of time. This pain and discomfort can make it very hard for people to get from A to B safely and can lead to people isolating themselves from the outside world.

To avoid further isolation of these people with disabilities, handicap parking permits are issued which enable them to park in disabled parking spots that would otherwise be off limits. Not only does this make traveling more comfortable for the person in question, but it also means they can regain their independence and live a happier, fuller life as they’re saved the pain, frustration and upset of having to park too far from where they need to be.

As we mentioned earlier, each state has different definitions and allowances when it comes to handicap parking permits. To check what your state allows for, have a look at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Typically, states would consider affording a disabled parking permit to a driver if they:

• Can’t walk comfortably and free of pain for a specified number of steps without stopping for time to rest themselves. The exact number of steps varies from state to state with some setting it at 50, and others setting it as high as 200
• Can’t complete these steps without using a crutch, cane, prosthetic limb, wheelchair or the assistance of someone else
• Have a disease that seriously affects your ability to walk or use one or both of your legs
• Don’t have total use of one or both of their arms or legs
• Have a serious heart condition (class III or IV), as defined by the American Heart Association
• Need the use of a portable oxygen tank to walk
• Have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less (under certain circumstances)
• Have acute sensitivity to sunlight that causes blistering or burning of the skin when directly exposed

If you fall into any of these categories, chances are you’d be eligible for a handicap parking permit. If you don’t, it’s still advisable to check with your own state’s rules and regulation regarding handicap parking permit as they may be more lenient than these general rules.

If your disability is a temporary one then it’s likely you’ll be afforded a handicap parking permit, rather than a handicap licence plate (these are only given to those with permanent disabilities). However, the process for applying for either are more or less the same.

Firstly, you must get an application form from your local DMV. If your disability impairs you from doing so don’t worry, you’ll be able to download one from their website either. When you have the application, fill it out in its entirety only leaving the part for the doctor to fill in blank.

When you’ve filled out everything that you need to, you’ll then present the application to your doctor or licenced health professional for verification. The kind of medical professional that is allowed to fill this out varies from state to state, so contact your local DMV beforehand to verify this. Your chosen health professional will sign off on your handicap, confirming that you do indeed suffer from it and would benefit from getting a disabled parking permit.

Once this section is complete, then submit your application to the DMV. Depending on where you apply for your parking permit, there may be some ID requirements or fees involved, clarify this with the DMV before submission. When the DMV receives your application they’ll go over it to make sure everything’s in order and will send you out your handicap parking permit within a few weeks.

When you receive your handicap parking permit you can start using it straight away. Keep this with you at all times as you can use it not only in your own car, but also in any other car that you may be traveling in. Under no circumstances should you allow anyone else to use your handicap parking permit. Now that you have your parking permit, it’s important to make sure you’re au fait with renewal requirements. Most disabled parking permits last for around six months – depending on your state – so you’ll have to get another one after this period if your disability persists.

Getting a handicap parking permit can prove to be a truly life-changing experience for someone with a disability so if you think you’re in need of one, don’t delay in acquiring it. You’ll be afforded a new sense of independence, comfort and happiness as you regain your life from your painful ailment. If you want to get a disabled parking permit but don’t know where to start, get in touch with us today and we’ll take the hassle out of the process for you.