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

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[SueM in MN]

And I agree about the two-placard issue, but Wyoming law apparently permits it

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

 

[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.