Disabled Placards: A Necessity or a Luxury
Disabled Placards: A Necessity or a Luxury?
An LP adult’s perspective on disabled parking placards — how to apply, when to use them, and why they matter more than people think.
It is okay if your child does not have access to a disabled placard. There are many LP adults whose parents did not have a disabled placard to use when we were young. In fact, there are some LP adults who don’t have a placard because they don’t want to live a life with special adaptations, which is awesome. Any kid has to learn early to be aware of our surroundings, not to walk away from our parents’ car when in the parking lot, hold someone’s hand, and always wait before crossing. Having a disabled placard should not be a right that’s misused. And an infant with dwarfism who cannot walk yet does not need a disabled placard.
I didn’t get a disabled placard until I was 16. And even then, I didn’t use it as much because I felt I didn’t need to use it all the time. Though, when I went to the mall with my friends, I did use it because the mall was huge and if I parked far with a lot to carry, it would be difficult. Difficult, not impossible.
And even nowadays, I practice the same cautiousness: always be on the lookout (there are idiots out there who are not looking) and take your time to get to where you need to go. Vigilance and awareness of their surroundings is the best thing you can teach your LP child because some day, they may have children too, who need to learn the same things. Sometimes, people in cars are just lame and I have to yell at them. Pretty funny when they read my lips with their windows closed as they drive by.
How to Apply for a Disabled Placard
If you choose to get a disabled placard or license plate, the process is straightforward in most states. Here’s how it generally works:
Your primary care physician, pediatrician, geneticist, or orthopedist can complete the Doctor’s Certification of Disability section of your state’s application form. For a child with achondroplasia or another skeletal dysplasia, your specialist is the best person to complete this — they will be most familiar with the relevant mobility and safety considerations.
Each state has its own DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles form. Search for “[your state] disabled parking placard application” to find the correct form. Most states offer both temporary and permanent placards — a permanent placard is typically appropriate for a diagnosis like achondroplasia.
Most states allow you to submit by mail or in person. Some states now offer online submission. There is usually no fee for a disabled placard, though some states charge a small processing fee for a disabled license plate.
Permanent placards typically need to be renewed every 2–6 years depending on your state. Set a calendar reminder so you don’t end up with an expired placard — using an expired placard carries the same fine as misuse in most states.
Keeps your placard protected from sun fading, easy to hang on the mirror and remove when driving. A simple but useful item to keep permanently in the car.
Reporting Misuse of Disabled Placards
Disabled placard abuse is frustratingly common — and particularly aggravating for LP families who genuinely need accessible parking. If you frequently witness misuse, there are options beyond hoping for a traffic officer to show up.
The Parking Mobility app and website lets you report disabled placard abuse by license plate number, and provides fun sticky notes to place on cars whose drivers are obvious abusers. Reports go to local enforcement agencies in participating cities.
Do you use a disabled placard for yourself or your LP child? How does your family approach it? Share your perspective in the comments below — every family finds their own balance.
I was just giving a talk to soon to be teachers. One of the students told me her cousin has achondropasia and had been recently hit by a car. He had 2 broken legs and pelvis. The driver said she just did not see him Great post.
Thank you for this. I have an infant with achondroplasia and people always ask me about getting a disabled tag which I think is ridiculous because he rides in a stroller like any other infant!