6 Qualifying Conditions for a Disabled Parking Permit
Handicap parking permits are designed to help individuals with conditions that impact their ability to walk short distances. The type of disability can range widely, from vision loss to a cardiac condition. Wondering whether your disability would count as a qualifying condition for a handicap parking permit? Read on for more info!
Loss of mobility
One of the most common reasons people seek out handicap parking permits is because they’re faced with a loss of mobility. This means that an individual is unable to walk short distances (usually without the use of an assistive device like a cane, walker, or wheelchair). The distance you’re able to walk without resting helps demonstrate your need for a permit. In some states, if you’re unable to walk more than 50 feet without taking a rest, you’ll qualify. In other states, it can be as much as 200 feet. Either way, if you can demonstrate to your physician that you’re unable to comfortably walk long distances, they’ll likely approve of you obtaining a disabled parking permit.
There are many conditions that can cause limited mobility. For example, chronic illnesses like lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and asthma can all result in an inability to walk far distances. Many people who suffer from arthritis (whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, or gouty) also experience loss of mobility. Additionally, if you have Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, you’ll likely have symptoms of impaired motor functions, which can greatly affect your ability to walk.
There’s also a chance that you’re experiencing loss of mobility because of a serious injury. Some of these injuries can happen to the spinal cord, which results in tremors or muscle weakness and even paralysis – all of which can impact your ability to walk or move.
Lesser-known disabilities can also cause loss of mobility, including severe allergies, vitamin B12 deficiencies, or radiation poisoning. Talk with your doctor or a licensed physician at DrHandicap.com to help you determine if your disability would help you qualify for a disabled parking permit.
Limited or no use of arms
Handicap placards can be issued to people who have limited or no use of one or both of their arms. If you have a deformity or have had an arm amputated, you’ll be able to get a disabled parking permit. There are also conditions that can limit the use of your arms, such as spasms or joint disorders. Some states even permit hand disabilities to be qualifying conditions. Additionally, if you’re missing a limb, some states allow you to skip the full medical certification process. With a disability like this, you can just show up at the DMV and apply for a handicap placard right there without a signature from a physician.
Use of a prosthesis
If you use a prosthesis for any of your limbs (including hands, feet, arms, or legs), you can qualify for a disabled parking permit. Even if your prosthesis allows you to walk or run long distances, some states still consider having one to be a disability. Closer parking places could help eliminate some of the discomfort that comes from wearing a prosthesis, so it does make sense to apply for a handicap placard because of this reason.
There are different vision requirements for each state, but most states do consider limited vision to be a qualifying condition. Some DMVs insist you need to have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less with correcting lenses in order to qualify. Even if you are unable to drive because of your limited vision, you could still benefit from applying for a handicap placard. This is because the placard would allow you to park closer to businesses or retail locations even if you’re just the passenger, not the driver of the vehicle.
Cardiac conditions can include a variety of diagnoses, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and more. There are four classifications of cardiac conditions as defined by the American Heart Association. If you’ve been placed in Class I or II, you only experience mild symptoms and can still take part in physical activity. Individuals in Class III or IV have significant limitations and are usually unable to participate in any physical activity. Day-to-day activities can cause fatigue or palpitations, and there is often a great deal of discomfort. People in these two classes will likely have no problem getting their physician to approve of a disabled parking permit because of their limiting condition.
Lung or pulmonary disorders
These disorders include conditions like asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and others. These types of medical issues often make it extremely challenging for individuals to walk long distances. Many people who suffer from these conditions also require the use of portable oxygen, which can result in added difficulties while trying to get around. This is a great indicator that the person could benefit from a handicap placard.
There are many other conditions, injuries, and disabilities that can help you qualify for a handicap parking permit. Even if your disability is an “invisible” one (that others can’t see just by looking at you), you should talk to a physician to see if you can benefit from getting a disabled parking permit.