Handicap Placard and Bad Dr.

[tacomaranch]

The exact same dr that kept us waiting for over an hour when no one else was in the office, the same dr. that never called us to come in even though we had an appt, the same dr who took a phone call when we were in the exam room and made us wait for 28 minutes, now refuses to sign the placard application because Hunter can walk!

I call the WyDot and Betty assured me that dr. was wrong the placard is also made to prevent autistic children from having an entire parking lot to run thru and in fact said for the dr to call her.

I just called our pediatrician in Jackson and asked if they would do sign. Of course, no problem, just send up the form.

Why oh why do keep trying to live in the confines of this small town? Our dear Hunter is no longer a patient of Dr. K's. I will drive the three hours RT to get him to a good Dr who will see us and take care of us!

Urg! I hate this small town Dr. K!

[videogal1]

The exact same dr that kept us waiting for over an hour when no one else was in the office, the same dr. that never called us to come in even though we had an appt, the same dr who took a phone call when we were in the exam room and made us wait for 28 minutes, now refuses to sign the placard application because Hunter can walk!

I call the WyDot and Betty assured me that dr. was wrong the placard is also made to prevent autistic children from having an entire parking lot to run thru and in fact said for the dr to call her.

!


Many doctors are beginning to feel the heat from ADA enforcement groups because of issuing parking placards to those not having mobility-based disabilities, as defined by the ADA. A doctor can be charged with fraud for being too liberal in approving the placard applications and evidently your doctor does not feel that autism is a mobility-based disability.

[graygables]

Our ped *and* neurologist refused to sign, even for a temporary, when my 10yo who has serious anxiety issues along with her Asperger's could NOT walk across a parking lot (behind cars). Know what they said? "She needs to get over that." Both of them. She is 130 lbs, strong as an ox and how am I supposed to get into the grocery store, the mall, ANYWHERE with this child??? We e-school, so I either had to drag her across the parking lots or wait for a rainy day when DH was off so I could go to the store. My 7yo still uses a stroller as wheelchair (now a real pushchair) and they told me that *I* can walk, so we don't need the placard for her, either (that was my backup request). They are IDIOTS, I tell you. I knew it would pass (and it has), which is why I'd asked for a TEMPORARY, but those 6 months or so were a living h-e-double hockey sticks for me.

[tacomaranch]

I will never begin to understand how GP's can not even grasp the lives of those with hidden disabilities like autism, aspergers, ADHD, etc. Yes, our dear children look great but it goes so far beyond looks.

I would expect more from the medical community. I do have an attorney who works for us and a little letter with websites will be sent. I just want this DR. to know so next time someone asks he will have the information needed to know that placards go beyond walking.

Thanks for letting me vent!

[dclfun]

Actually if you look at what is required for the placard to be issued it really doesn't address non-mobility issues. The requirements are becoming more stringent. So many placards have been issued to people who do not qualify that it is difficult to get a disability parking space when you need one. For those of us with wheelchair lifts or ramps it means we often cannot shop or go to a place of business because all available spots are taken. I once had a foster child who had a mobility disability from transverse myelitis. He used either a stroller as a wheelchair or walked with leg braces and a walker. His pediatrician, from a renowned children's hospital, would not give us a placard as Eric was in a chair that I pushed thus he did not feel that we needed to park closer to an entrance. My daughter now works at a residential school for autistic children. She feels that it's not just the parking lots that are an issue but the store itself that is overstimulating and causes a "meltdown" in some of the children. I can understand though someone's concerns about a child's safety in the midst of all that traffic.---Kathy

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

I posted a while back because I was accosted by an individual who saw me park and take my two Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) sons ( DS6, autistic, DS3, Sensory Intergration Disorder) out of the car we parked in the disabled spots with permit and "walk" to the store. My children do have "mobility" issues, they are not capable of controlling their need to pull away, run in front of or behind cars. So often I hear people say that ASD people only have neurological issues, when you have something that effects the brain, how can you think that it is not going to affect the physical? I would have "politely" explained to the doctor, that trying to control a child (who may be growing stronger and stronger by the day - my 6 year old is unusually strong) amid all types of stimuli (cars, carts, people, noise, planes overhead, etc.) and expect that child's brain to tell the body to function in a way that requires him or her to keep him/her out of harms way is impossible and that the neurological disorder keeps them from being "physically" able to carry out the functions that "non-disabled" persons can. I would then ask the doctor that if he has a way that will greatly reduce the chances of your child getting hit by a car in the often long walk from a parking space to the entrance, the autistic world would love to hear from him. I am glad OP is going to a new doctor. Good Luck!

[tarkus]

As I agree that for a while it took little to get a parking placard, the fear of fraud and the wrath of the lawyers is far fetched as far as stopping the problem.

If it's not a mobility issue than you have a problem.

Of course, contrary to popular belief all of the ADA is not written in stone and a myopic view of the intentions of such laws can be as dangerous as the problem of to many placards.

The real problem lies in a system that is poorly policed or enforced. I won't debate this any further but sometimes each case needs a individual look.

Good luck,
Alan

[travelitis]

Doctors can get fined for issuing permits to people whose circumstances, however difficult they are, don't fall under the categories listed on the application. On my TX form, there was nothing that would cover Asperger's or neurological disabilities. It was completely about mobility. I have a mobility issue that comes and goes. Sometimes I can barely make it into a store to an ECV, and other times I can park in the far reaches of the lot. I had a hard time getting that permit. My husband had to go talk to the dr. and explain the hardship on the rest of the family when I overdid it physically before he gave us one. That was also after I promised not to use it on days it was not really needed. I really sympathize with your situation, but there are people who can't shop or run errands if they don't have the disabled spot. That's why doctors are so careful about handing those out.

[videogal1]

Doctors can get fined for issuing permits to people whose circumstances, however difficult they are, don't fall under the categories listed on the application. On my TX form, there was nothing that would cover Asperger's or neurological disabilities. It was completely about mobility. I really sympathize with your situation, but there are people who can't shop or run errands if they don't have the disabled spot. That's why doctors are so careful about handing those out.


Mobility problems are not invisible. That universal wheelchair symbol in a handicapped parking space says it all.

[tacomaranch]

My DH says it goes beyond the placard and the waiting, he says it is personal, but that goes into small town gossip and another long story.

If this Dr. didn't want us as patients I sure do wish he was more of a man and would have just said so! Why put us thru all this. I wanted DS allergy medicine refilled. He told me to call the pharmacy, have them fax a form to his office, he would then consider the request and I should check back with the pharmacy. Why not just tell me to go away, he doesn't approve of me, my life, my husband, my family, MY GOD! give me a break.

So we are never going back, we are going to Jackson hole and we have a great ped up there who knows much about autism and will support our needs if in reason.

We don't plan on using our placard when DH is with me and DS as DH can hold Hunter tight so he can't get away. I just don't have what it takes. When Hunter and I are alone and it the distance is more than I can hold him for, then we will use it. Once I can get Hunter to stay next to me, we won't need it at all. However, that could be sometime.

Thanks for the great input and for letting me vent! I really get upset at the ignorance of all of this.

New Dr, getting placard, waiting to go to disney in Sept.

Much hugs to all, April :grouphug:

[dzorn]

I really sympathize with your situation, but there are people who can't shop or run errands if they don't have the disabled spot.

FYI parents of Autistic children have to shop and do errands also, and for many of us not being able to control our children's ability to run is an unsafe situation. I myself have not gotten the placard even though my daughters therapist suggested it because of her ability to run (she can now run faster than me). I try to do all errands while she is in school or with her father or else I pay considerable amount to go to a drive through store in our area if its just bread or milk. There are also times when I have driven right through a parking lot because the distance was to far and too busy to attempt because I could not get a spot that was close enough when she is with me.

Denise

[tacomaranch]

In the mail yesterday was the placard application from our Ped in Jackson Hole, signed and perfect. Today I walked in and saw Betty, she asked that we come back after lunch. I was first in, offered to go and get her some food as there was no way she had time to eat. She was so happy but turned us down.

We walked out with two placards, one for each vehicle and I went to make out the check...free!

Not a single problem at all, she laughed and asked about our runner! I do love my small town just not the bad Dr. So we have a new one, a better one, that one...From PotC capt. jack sparrow. :Pinkbounc

[kaytieeldr]

Doctors can get fined for issuing permits to people whose circumstances, however difficult they are, don't fall under the categories listed on the application. On my TX form, there was nothing that would cover Asperger's or neurological disabilities. It was completely about mobility. Agreed. I was able to find the eligibility requirements for handicapped plates/placards in Wyoming:
- Uses portable oxygen;
- Is unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;
- Is restricted by lung disease to extent that forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured by spirometry, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest;
- Has a cardiac condition to the degree that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as class III or IV;
- Is severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition;
- Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices;
- Has a severe visual, or audio handicap.
These requirements seem to be fairly standard. So, honestly, it surprises me that the DOT there would give placards for any other reason (or that a doctor would sign the form). Please understand, I am NOT claiming autism, Asperger's, etc are not legitimate disabilities, just that they don't seem to qualify for a handicap plate/placard.
I'm sure the OP is aware that her child has to be entering/exiting the vehicle in order to make the use of the placard valid.

[BionicEar]

Mobility problems are not invisible. That universal wheelchair symbol in a handicapped parking space says it all.

That's bull. Complete bull. And that's putting it mildly.

My mother has spinal stenosis. On a good day, walking is not a problem. On a bad day, or having had a day where she has been on her feet too long, she will have a sharp, searing, burning pain from her hip straight down her legs. Walking becomes extremely painful.

So as long as my mother has short trips, she will be fine. And yes, she has a placard.

Have you ever been pregnant with sciatica pains? I have. Shooting pains down your legs. Imagine that pain times 50. That's how it is for people with spinal stenosis, like my mother.

Don't you dare judge a book by its cover.

:mad:

[graygables]

- Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices; -
Please understand, I am NOT claiming autism, Asperger's, etc are not legitimate disabilities, just that they don't seem to qualify for a handicap plate/placard.


That's the line where they qualify..."cannot walk without...assistance from...another person". If my DD walks behind a car and stands stock still and WILL NOT BUDGE in terror, I have to "assist" her in walking. Her neurological pathways shut down and she CANNOT walk, although she is able to stand.

If it is to the point where the parent has to hire help in order to go to the grocery store, a placard most certainly is warranted. I can't afford a sitter every time I have to go to a parking lot.

[SueM in MN]

I know some doctors have refused to sign the papers for people with autism because they have strictly interpreted the guidelines to not include autism (the guidelines are pretty much the same throughout the US).

Each person will be different and not all people with autism will qualify for a parking permit. As with everything else to do with disabilities, it's based on needs, not diagnosis. But I know people who have used these parts to validate their need (my bold):

- Is severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition;
- Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices;

i.e. they can walk, but their autism sometimes prevents them from walking when someone else requires them to walk (like to negotiate a parking lot to get into the store). Also, they are often not able to recognize dangers and walk out of the way of things that would be dangerous, so they actually pose a danger to other people who are coming into the parking lot (could cause an accident or injury to someone else if they suddenly run out into traffic).
Also, they may be perfectly capable of walking, but are not capable of paying attention to where they are walking.
- Has a severe visual, or audio handicap.
They may have good vision and good hearing, but are not always able to interpret what they see and hear, especially as related to danger. (Most people hearing a car horn would look to see where the danger is and get out of the way. Someone with autism may freeze right there or dart off in another direction and possibly get into more danger).

And, 2 comments.
Please, if you don't need the van accessible spaces (with a wider loading space next to the parking spot), save for them for people who do, if possible.
And
We walked out with two placards, one for each vehicle
They should have given you only one placard. The point of the placard is that it is portable and can be moved from one vehicle to another.

[LindsayDunn228]

They should have given you only one placard. The point of the placard is that it is portable and can be moved from one vehicle to another.

I agree. Handing out 2 is just asking for abuse.

[kaytieeldr]

Reiterating Sue's and Lindsay's comments - in addition to Sue hoping that if the vehicle is not a van then if there's ANY other space do not park in a van-accessible spot... if the person for whom the placard was issued is not IN the vehicle, or if that person is in the vehicle but will be staying in the car the entire time it's parked in a given location (i.e. not entering and/or exiting the vehicle at that location), then do NOT park in a handicapped space. The entire purpose of the HP parking space is to get the eligible person out of the flow of traffic as quickly and safely as possible, not for the driver to park close to the door.
And I agree about the two-placard issue, but Wyoming law apparently permits it :rolleyes:

[SueM in MN]

And I agree about the two-placard issue, but Wyoming law apparently permits it :rolleyes:
After I wrote the comment, I looked up the Wyoming permit and it does allow for 2 handicapped cards to be issued 'on request', so Wyoming law does allow it. It just seems rather odd to permit 2 to be issued.

Also, Wyoming's statutes about misuse of the placard are rather lenient.
Here's what Minnesota (and many other states say):
Misuse of Certificates - Any unauthorized use or reproduction of the department issued Disability Parking Certificate is subject to the revocation of disability parking privileges. A person convicted of misusing the certificate is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $500. If you knowingly allow the misuse of a disability certificate or plate, your disability parking privileges will be cancelled.

Here's what it says about misuse on Wyoming's form:
Wyoming Statute 31-2-213 (k): Any person who is guilty of fraudulent or other misuse of the permit issued under this section is subject to a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first offense. Upon receiving notice of a conviction under this subsection from the court, the department shall suspend the handicapped parking permit for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days. For a subsequent conviction under this subsection, an individual is subject to a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and the department shall suspend the handicapped parking permit for a period not to exceed six (6) months.

Seems like a very "light" consequence for misuse. Very odd :confused3

[Chuck S]

We are also allowed a license plate AND a placard in Texas, or 2 Placards. We chose two placards. We keep one in each car. It also allows us to use the Handicap parking at the airport when we leave the car AND take one with us for use in a rental car.

It is the same, if you have a handi license plate for your primary car, and a placard to take with your when you travel or use someone else's car. We simply chose the 2 placards because the license number we already had on the car was easy to remember.

[D,L and K's Mom]

DS had a stroke at a young age , he is moblie....sometimes. On some occasions we have to use his stroller type wheelchair. If the weather is bad he refuses to walk, if there is snow on the ground he cannot walk, he slips and his depth perception is off with the white snow. DS also has seizures and after one he cannot walk for a while. He is 100 lbs and is at the developmental stage of a 2 year old but boy is he strong and can push you off and run (locked legs and all, he is fast). Our Dr was the one who asked if a tag would help when we took DS out. We have it and use it when needed. It is a HUGE help when we are having a bad day. We do take it to WDW as the colors, noises and crowds are enough to make DS sit down and refuse to walk. I am glad we have the tag and I am grateful Dr understands how hard it can be sometimes.

[Cheshire Figment]

Florida allows issue of two placards for people who are "frequent travelers". For example this would allow me to park in a handicap space in the airport parking garage as well as have a tag to take with me for a rental car at my destination.

[SueM in MN]

It's interesting that many states seem to allow 2 placards.
The 2 states that we have lived in - Minnesota and Wisconsin, would allow a handicapped license plate and one placard or one placard. They don't allow 2 placards so I was surprised some do.

[LindsayDunn228]

It's interesting that many states seem to allow 2 placards.
The 2 states that we have lived in - Minnesota and Wisconsin, would allow a handicapped license plate and one placard or one placard. They don't allow 2 placards so I was surprised some do.

This is ours. I have a tag on MY car, and a placard I use for when we are in my husband's or someone else's car.

[winniethepoohsmom]

Our DS is autistic but we don't have a placard he usually does okay in a parking lot we just have to hold his hand so he stays out of harms way. I can see where some people do need them. I just get annoyed when people abuse them by parking in a handicap spot when they don't have the person with them who needs it just because they are to lazy or in to big of a rush to walk. I know people personally who I have seen do this. I think it's very selfish, I have a sister with MS who can't walk far and has to use a walker. She has 4 teenagers to drive around and it annoys me to think of her not being able to park close by because of someone taking the spot when it was'nt needed. And I don't mean this towards anyone who using the placard for the safety of there family member, just the people who abuse it.

[MightyMom]

We are also allowed a license plate AND a placard in Texas, or 2 Placards. We chose two placards. We keep one in each car. It also allows us to use the Handicap parking at the airport when we leave the car AND take one with us for use in a rental car.

It is the same, if you have a handi license plate for your primary car, and a placard to take with your when you travel or use someone else's car. We simply chose the 2 placards because the license number we already had on the car was easy to remember.

Great minds think alike.
I was just going to add that I live in Texas and I was given a license plate and a placard. I told them I did not need the placard as my son only travels in my vehicle..... but I was told to take it anyway for use in rental cars or if we ever had to travel with anyone else. I've never had to use it, it's tucked away in my glove box, but I bet someone would offer me a pretty penny for it.

The abuse is ridiculous!

[Stepharoonie!]

Oh my gosh, who cares? If she is legally allowed to have two, then she can put one in her car, then her hubby's.

[SueM in MN]

Oh my gosh, who cares? If she is legally allowed to have two, then she can put one in her car, then her hubby's.
I didn't know that some states gave out 2 hangtags, that was the only reason I brought it up. in the states I am most familiar with, you are not allowed to have 2 hangtags (although you are allowed to have a handicapped license plate and a hangtag). I thought a mistake had been made.
I did post the Wyoming law and admit I was wrong.
I told them I did not need the placard as my son only travels in my vehicle..... but I was told to take it anyway for use in rental cars or if we ever had to travel with anyone else. I've never had to use it, it's tucked away in my glove box, but I bet someone would offer me a pretty penny for it.
I think pretty much all states will allow you to get a license plate and a placard. Otherwise, if you are traveling or your vehicle that has the license plate is out of commission, you would be out of luck.

In the way past, when I was tryng to buy a toy doll's wheelchair on ebay, I came across a number of auctions where people were selling handicapped parking hangtags. They don't allow those auctions any more (at least that I have seen), but there were people selling them on ebay at one point.

[LindsayDunn228]

Oh my gosh, who cares? If she is legally allowed to have two, then she can put one in her car, then her hubby's.
No one was flaming the poster for having 2 placards. Just the potential for abuse if everyone is given 2.

[tacomaranch]

Ok, enough all ready, I just posted because of the bad DR. and what I was told according to the rules in Wyoming.

I don't abuse the system. As a matter of fact we were out with our DS yesterday and parked in the shade rather than use our placard! We bought another umbrella stroller because DH forgot ours and DS does better in a stroller in the parking lots.

We got the Placard because our DS can jump out of a seat so fast it makes my head spin, then I am running across the parking lot, chasing DS who is running towards whatever. I am not a bad parent, he is fast. He can slip his hand out in second and will be gone. What do you folks want from me? I am doing all I can to keep my son safe! If shortening the distance when in parking lot helps his chances of getting away from me and the WyDot says he is intitled to it, then why all the grief? Honestly, I feel like we are being attacked for following the rules in Wy.

Finally, we were given two placards. One for our regular transporation car that I drive with DS and one for if someone else, our students take DS out in their car and need the placard. Why not just leave one in our main vehicle at all times and keep it there? It won't get lost. We keep the other in the house and will hand it to who nees it if they take DS. We were offered a license plate but we turned it down. We want the option to park where ever and not be judged. When we are both with DS we can divide and conquer but when I am alone or DH is alone we need the extra help to keep DS safe.

Please stop the attacks, we have enough problems already. I have followed the law as written in my state. I use the placard if I am alone with DS or if we are together but it is a high need day.

I would trade my life to not have our DS qualify for this card. This is not how our life was suppose to be, this is not how our son was going to be in my dreams. We are only 7 months into this nitemare and I am doing all I can under the circumastances. I try to support other members here as I know the pain, the grief and the hope! WE all need words of encouragement not attacks.

Respectfully. :sad2:

[videogal1]

After I wrote the comment, I looked up the Wyoming permit and it does allow for 2 handicapped cards to be issued 'on request', so Wyoming law does allow it. It just seems rather odd to permit 2 to be issued.

:confused3

Texas allows two to be issued as well but there is no provision for allowing someone to have two handicapped license plates, which, ordinarily is not an issue unless the second vehicle is a convertible (the first vehicle gets the plate) and, of course, using a hang tag would certainly result in the loss of the tag (theft) on a beautiful Spring day. I got caught up in this situation and for years complained each time I had to re-register my car. One clerk suggested that I put the placard in the glove box when I parked and the top was off....Brilliant...
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[D,L and K's Mom]

Our car was broken in to a few yars ago. They stole our car seat, stroller, and the handicapped parking tag!!!

[tacomaranch]

That is awful! Why oh why would someone take baby things? Let alone something that is not theirs? I am so sorry! I was just writing a note to PO and said how I need to realize that my small town community is having growing pains and I need to become more aware that things are changing regardless of if I like it or not.

I have never locked my car here and I can leave the keys in the ignition at any place in the valley. I can purchase from any store in the valley on my signature alone and most people know more about me than I do..hee hee.

The world changes and so does our town. I just need to get use to it.

All the best to you. I have an extra stroller I will give you if you need it.

[SueM in MN]

What do you folks want from me? I am doing all I can to keep my son safe! If shortening the distance when in parking lot helps his chances of getting away from me and the WyDot says he is intitled to it, then why all the grief? Honestly, I feel like we are being attacked for following the rules in Wy........................

Please stop the attacks, we have enough problems already. I have followed the law as written in my state. I use the placard if I am alone with DS or if we are together but it is a high need day.

I'm sorry.
I seem to have started down this path, but that was not at all my intent and I don't think that anyone is intending to attack you or anyone else. I can see the advantages of having 2 -for example, when we went to WDW in March, we had to make a decision on whether to park in the handicapped spot in the airport praking lot (and not have the permit to take with us to Florida) or have DH drop us off, then park in a regular spot at the airport and have the permit to take with us to Florida.
Another example would be one parent drops off a child at day care and the other picks the child up. I'm sure there are many other situations

I have already said I didn't know that the law in Wyoming allowed for 2 placards. That seemed very strange to me because the states I am most familiar with don't allow it and my initial thought was that it was an error. I looked up the law in Wyoming and found it is the way the law is written. The original comment I made was meant as an observation, not as a complaint, accusation or attack. I'm sorry if my comment was taken in a way that I did not mean it to be taken.

And....regarding handicapped parking permits being stolen. We were told when we got the first one for DD to keep it out of sight when we were not using it and to make sure our doors were locked and windows shut most of the way when we were using it. We were told they were frequently stolen (which was what I was thinking of when I posted the info about having seen them on ebay in the way past).

[LindsayDunn228]

I'm sorry.
I seem to have started down this path, but that was not at all my intent and I don't think that anyone is intending to attack you or anyone else.
Nor was it my intent. I was just questioning the laws and simply stating how we did it here.

[D,L and K's Mom]

The van was parked in a restaurant parking lot. Our friends own the restaurant and were having a New Year's Eve party for some families. We were all there....DH , the Three Dchildren and about 20 other families. The Van windows were smashed (the 2 middle sliders). They took the car seat that was strapped into the seat, the stroller that was folded in the back and the tag that was on the center console. I didnt have it hanging on the mirror although I usually did leave it hanging. The van was a mess with broken glass and we had to call someone on New Year's Eve to come get us because we didnt have a car seat for the baby to drive home with. Oh well, it could have been worse I guess. there was a few other cars that were broken into the same night. Our friends felt terrible. It was a GREAT night up until we all were leaving and discovered the mess.
We did have a little trouble replacing the tags. We had to go to the town hall with a police report that specified that the hang tag was stolen. I am glad they keep track and that it was not easy to get another.

[dclfun]

To the OP...I don't think anyone had the intention of attacking you at all but rather were sharing personal experiences and explaining their own situation. I also have heard about the hangtags being stolen. I don't think there is enough manpower for the parking lots to even be "policed" to see if each vehicle parked in an accessible space even has a hangtag or license plate let alone for them to try and find stolen hangtags. Those of us who have them realize how important they are to our lives and thus any potential for abuse by those who don't need them ( and esp. those who are stealing them) is disturbing. I don't think anyone meant that toward you but toward those in the general population who don't realize our needs, including the needs of your son.----Kathy

[SueM in MN]

The van was parked in a restaurant parking lot. Our friends own the restaurant and were having a New Year's Eve party for some families. We were all there....DH , the Three Dchildren and about 20 other families. The Van windows were smashed (the 2 middle sliders). They took the car seat that was strapped into the seat, the stroller that was folded in the back and the tag that was on the center console. I didnt have it hanging on the mirror although I usually did leave it hanging. The van was a mess with broken glass and we had to call someone on New Year's Eve to come get us because we didnt have a car seat for the baby to drive home with. Oh well, it could have been worse I guess. there was a few other cars that were broken into the same night. Our friends felt terrible. It was a GREAT night up until we all were leaving and discovered the mess.
We did have a little trouble replacing the tags. We had to go to the town hall with a police report that specified that the hang tag was stolen. I am glad they keep track and that it was not easy to get another.
:grouphug:

[kaytieeldr]

And....regarding handicapped parking permits being stolen. We were told when we got the first one for DD to keep it out of sight when we were not using it and to make sure our doors were locked and windows shut most of the way when we were using it. We were told they were frequently stolen (which was what I was thinking of when I posted the info about having seen them on ebay in the way past).
:offtopic: I was at the post office a couple of weeks ago. It's a small lot, but public, and if you're at the counter you can't see your car. The driver next to me had the HP placard hanging from the rear view mirror... and both windows wide open!! I waited and we had a polite discussion about it. Ideally she'll be, as Sue says, rolling the windows up most of the way in the future.

[tarkus]

I'll tell you what. The day I have to add locking up my placard to the list of things to remember I'll stop leaving the house. :confused3

I've seen some very nice "fakes" made up at print shops. Used to be big business at NASCAR events until the new policies.

The cheaters will be there no matter what I do, they will pay for their sins at the end.

That's life, some people are cheaters and thieves. :sad2:

Alan