UK Disabled Badge scheme

[pbestford]

Hi there,
Can anyone answer me a question regarding the UK Blue Badge (previously the Orange Badge) scheme?
We have a blue badge for my husband who has a brain tumour. Can we use it in the US to help park in disabled areas etc or is it not worth taking it with us?
Thanks.
Alison

 

[Andrew Bichard]

The Official answer is no. I believe each of the US states recognises the 'disabled' tags from other states, (& maybe Canada?), but not from overseas.

However, I have use a UK 'Orange badge' in the past without getting a ticket. Hover, I might just havebeen lucky.

According to Virgin's disability guide, you can get a 30 day temporary 'disabled' tag by taking documentary proof with you to the appropriate office in Orlando with a small fee.

If you need help, I can look out my Virgin guide for you.


Andrew

 

[pbestford]

Thanks Andrew,
I think we'll just leave things as they are for now - my husband hates to admit there's any thing wrong and was pretty fed up about me asking the question in the first place
I'm going to slip the badge in the luggage (without hime knowing ;-)) and can then chase it up if needs be.
We have friends in Orlando so maybe I can get them to look into the Orlando office thing too.
Thanks again,
Alison

 

[JudithM]

A couple of thoughts ... We were told a few years ago by a management CM that the handicapped parking areas at WDW are patrolled by Orange County police (local government) & by WDW security.

In each park's parking lot there are one or two parking spots at the end of each row - closest to where you would catch the tram to the park gate. If you tell the CM that you have a mobility issue/concern, then they will usually let you park there.

Enjoy your holiday!

 

[SueM in MN]

Actually, unless you will have a wheelchair or electric scooter along with you, you might be better off parking at the end of a row. The trams from the parking lots drop you off quite close to the entrance (except at MK, where you need to still take the monorail or boat to the park). You will actually have less walking to do by parking in the regular area near the tram stop than you would be parking in the handicapped parking area.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

To quote from 'Holiday Information for Special Needs Passengers travelling to Orlando', issued by Virgin Holidays. (UK holiday company)

In order to obtain a US parking badge you will need to visit a local Tag Office. You will need to take your own UK Orange Badge/Blue Badge, a doctor's letter to confirm your medical details and some photo identification. The fee for the 90 day temporary badge is approximately $15.00 and should be displayed on the rear view mirror.

The office address is noted below, if you require any directions our local representative in Orlando will be happy to assist you:

Auto Tag Office
11301 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando 32837
Tel: (407) 836 4145

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday 08:30-17.30 (Bank Holidays may differ)

Full details and a location map can be found on this web page:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/orange.html

If you rent a fully adapted wheelchair van, rather than a regular rental car with hand controls fitted, it may well be supplied with its own 'Florida 'disabled' tag, though I suggest you double check with the rental company. ('disabled tag' is the US equivalent of 'blue/orange badge')

I rented a Grand Voyager from 'Rainbow Wheels' http://www.rainbowwheels.com one year with lowered floor, wheelchair ramp, lowering suspension & hand controls; the full monty!

Pricier than a regular rental, but worth it if you intend to tour Florida and go beyond Disney/International Drive.

Andrew

 

[pbestford]

Thanks for that information Andrew. I'll take the badge and decide about the temporary badge depending on how Phil feels in the heat.
It may well be that he only joins us in the late afternoons / evenings so that he doesn't get too tired.
Alison

 

[Homer Timpson]

My father-in-law is blind, and the MIL is issued with a blue badge. We didn't take it with us last year - we parked in disabled bays most nights we went out.

Came out from the Macaroni Grill in LBV one rainy night and piled into our Dodge Ram - then saw the dreaded ticket on the windshield!!

$250 fine

Bickering ensued on the way back to Vistana

Next morning we spoke to a Customer Services agent, and she promptly phoned the local Sheriffs Office ( can't help thinking of Clint Eastwood in "Hang 'em High" )

She explained our prediciment and the outcome was, that, when we got home - we faxed a copy of the Blue Badge to the Sheriff and WE received a very courteous letter thanking US for being so prompt with the fax

The fine was rescinded and will this year we will follow the advice given above.

Can you imagine U.S. visitors receiving similar treatment in our car friendly country??

We were/are ever so grateful for the forgiving and tolerant treatment we received last year.

Brian

 

[pbestford]

A quick note to thank everyone who took the time to reply to my query.
We've just returned and took the blue badge away with us, using it at both WDW and Universal with no problems. We just showed it at the gates and away we went We also found it helpful in the supermarket car parks.
A couple of times at WDW they were 'out of' disabled parking spots by the time we arrived but it was especially useful at Universal studios - that's one heck of a walk to the parks, even with the help of travelators!
Once again, thank you.
Alison