By: Faith

Faith
Tue, 05 May 2015 20:00:50 +0000

I have an invisible illness, too. And it doesn’t matter how much explaining we do to people who do not personally suffer, they will never understand the importance of having accessibility when you need it. For those of use with illnesses that run through times of flares and remission, those without should applaud the fact that we know the nature of our illness and get removable placards. We know the importance of making the choice to put it on our mirror and taking that spot from someone who maybe having a worse day than we are. I am positive most of us suffer through not taking that space even though we should, and forcing ourselves to push through the pain like we do most every day.

Sarah – you are correct. Having the spot closest to the door is not the most important thing. I don’t really think anyone said that. Not everyone’s condition warrants having a mobility aid and insurance does not cover as easily as you assume. Mobility aids are also very difficult to use, especially if you are travelling alone. They are bundlesome and incredibly hard to get out of the vehicle, along with being hard to maneuver once inside a store. You are also correct that physical barriers are a component. If we are in the midst of a flare and suffering, stepping up on a curb can be excruciating. During these times, the amount of weighing in the sufferers head as to how important it is to actually go to the store, the amount of energy expended to get to the product, and the possible time standing to finish your transaction and leave is unbelievable. Each move that is made for that day is carefully weighted out as to being necessary and worth the pain. So taking that spot at that particular moment is not some flippant act.

I do not have any issue with someone wanting to leave a note for a vehicle that has parked in one of the spots that do not have a placard or tag present. BUT if they do, leave them the heck alone unless you are leaving a note of encouragement. To get that tag, they have been vetted and judged, and to take that spot at that period of time, they have done a lot more considerate thinking than you probably have all week. It isn’t your business. Save your “help” of us with disabilities to moments when you can be a blessing, not a judge in your ignorance.