Mandy’s Tips – #3
Written by Ann Pietrangelo on September 9th, 2007 in Doctors, Emotional Issues, General, Managing MS Tips.
Get a Handicapped Placard for Your Car
Apply for a handicapped placard for your car. You can download and print the application directly from the Department of Motor Vehicles site in your state, and they are valid throughout all fifty states. Each state has its own regulations, so check it out online or by phone before taking a trip to the DMV.
A physician’s signature will be required. Ask your doctor to sign for a permanent placard. In my state, Virginia, I was able to choose either a handicapped license plate for my car, or the placard which is placed on the rear view mirror. Choosing the placard will enable you to take it with you when you are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle or when traveling out-of-state.
A personal pet peeve of mine is seeing these placards hanging on the rear view mirror while the car is on the road. Please, please, please, remove the placard when driving and keep your view open! You only need to hang it when parking. Also, please don’t lend it out to others. It’s just not right, and it’s against the law.
On another personal note, I choose to use mine only when necessary. When I’m in a remission, I save the treasured handicapped spaces for those who really need them and get myself some much needed exercise in the process. It’s a win, win situation.
When you do need it, however, don’t hesitate to use it. You may feel conspicuous getting out of your car and walking, while appearing to be perfectly healthy to others. Don’t let it bother you. YOU know you need it and only you know what a huge difference it is making in your day. It’s another tool at your disposal to help keep you independent. Take charge and work the maze!
