Arizona's Epic Response: 'Not All Handicaps are Visible'

We've all parked in a busy parking lot and noticed the vehicles in the disabled spot. Sometimes, a person's disabilities are clear. An elderly woman walking with a cane, for example, or a man confined to a wheelchair or a walker.

But not all disabilities are that obvious. To the untrained eye, we may see someone exit their vehicle and enter a store unassisted. We may think, "Why does HE get to park there? He seems fine."

Some people even take things a step further and "confront" the person, demanding to know why they're parked where they "clearly shouldn't be parked."

Some disabilities may seem obvious. It's not for us to decide who can park in handicapped zones. // Canva

That's exactly what happened to a Facebook user recently, and they were so upset by the encounter that they took to the socials to vent about it.

Arizona Social Media Sounds Off on Parking

The anonymous user made this post on a local Facebook group. I've edited it slightly for brevity:

"Can we please start realizing not ALL disabilities are VISIBLE?!! Someone accused me of breaking the law because I parked in a handicapped spot. I have a placard displayed on my dashboard and pointed it out in case they didn’t see it. The person told me, "You don’t look disabled because you walk just fine."

The comments on the thread ranged from livid to appalled to angry, all supporting the anonymous user's outrage.

Many comments expressed sadness that the person had gone through such a negative experience. Others said they felt that people should be more empathetic to the plight of those they know nothing about.

READ: No Candidate? What You Need to Know About AZ Write-In Elections

You can't always tell what's going on with someone from the outside. Even someone who looks outwardly healthy may be dealing with a serious illness. // Canva

Get our free mobile app

Pam said: "It costs zero to mind your own business."

Kristen recounted an example of her friend who was recovering from a brain aneurysm. She said, to an outsider, her friend's issues may have seemed 'invisible.'

READ: Why Have Arizona Thrift Store Prices Seen an Unexpected Rise?

The friend was young (in her 40s) but could no longer drive and needed help. "You never know what someone is dealing with," she said, suggesting that it's a good idea to keep opinions to oneself.

"It's a good idea to keep your opinions to yourself," one social media user suggested. // Canva

The Rules: Disabled Placards and the State of Arizona

I'm not a doctor, a lawmaker, or an employee at the Arizona Department of Transportation, so I'm not qualified to decide who is eligible for a handicapped parking placard and who is not.

In Arizona, getting a handicapped placard is straightforward and requires specific eligibility criteria. If the applicant has a qualifying disability, they can apply for a temporary or permanent placard.

Only a qualified healthcare professional can recommend a patient apply for a placard. // Canva

The qualifying disability, determined by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional, certifies that the patient "has a condition that significantly impairs their mobility, such as the inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest or the need for assistive devices like a wheelchair or cane."

Before the patient can apply for the placard, the licensed healthcare professional certifies the recommendation, then the applicant completes the Disability–Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application.

"He Doesn't Look Disabled"

Just because a person doesn't look disabled to you or me doesn't mean their doctor agrees with our untrained assessment.

Susan commented:

"After my dad had open heart surgery, the doctor recommended a handicapped placard for his vehicle. Looking at him, you wouldn't know what he was dealing with. Dad wasn't in a wheelchair or on crutches. People should mind their own business. If you have a handicapped placard, it was sanctioned by a doctor."

It costs nothing to be kind. // Canva

I couldn't agree more.

So, what should you do when you see someone parking in a handicapped space? Perhaps you can offer to return their shopping cart or smile and say hello.

It costs nothing to be kind. ♥

Sources: Invisible Disabilities Association | ADOT Rules for Obtaining Disabled Placards and Plates | NEA Today: What to Know About Invisible Disabilities | Arizona Department of Transporation: MVD | Facebook