why do people look at me funny when i use my disabled parking badge?

Question

why do people look at me funny when i use my disabled parking badge?

Answer 1

I agree. There are mnay disabilities that are not 'seeable'. My Father has COPD and asthma which are both lung problems ( which you can't see) and had a handicap sticker and people always looked at him like he was faking it. People really need to stop judging and start showing some compasion.....

Answer 2

I know the feeling, I too look perfectly healthy but am disabled. Do not let the looks bother you, most elderly are nice and the ones that aren't are just bitter bags of bones waiting to die. Those of us who have the disabled parking permits know that it requires a doctor certification to receive.

Answer 3

Because too many able bodied people park in the handicapped spots. They just assume you are one of them. It is really unusual for a young person to have a disease that is so severe, it requires you to park in the handicapped spot, but that doesnt 'really show'.



Move on, you know you arent doing anything wrong.

Answer 4

hi there , my son is 10 and only has one leg ,he was born like that ,now when he is wearing trousers you cant see but he has a limp ,the amount of old b a s t a r d s that give us dirty looks i swear one day they will get it ,we have a badge for jake and only use it when he is with us ,ignore them or shout at them and make them feel guilty ,your right it is mainly the old ******* ,just cause are old they think they should have a badge ,i am sorry but i hate them xx

Answer 5

Hey, even if you had "fibromyalgia" tatooed on your forehead, they'd still look at you funny trying to read it. Forget them or get a cane and fake a limp while they're watching you.

Answer 6

Ignore them. It's their problem.

Answer 7

aw, dont worry... it's not your fault people don't understand.



just dont pay attention to them

Answer 8

They assume that because you're young, you have no problems. Don't worry about them. They don't know you, you don't know them, you'll most likely never see them again in your life, and if they do confront you, tell them what's up and I guarantee they'll feel like a jerk for the rest of the day.

Answer 9

The elderly think that disabled parking are specifically made for 'OLD' people. Back in the days it wasnt like this. They do not know that you have to have an actual disability to park in disabled places. They expect you to be physically disabled or old to park in places like that.

Answer 10

Unfortunately, all of us who have invisible disabilities struggle with these kinds of issues. I have fibromyalgia and several other problems, too, and have experienced those nasty looks myself. I think they're even worse because I'm fat.



What made a real difference was carrying a cane. I needed one, but was resistant. My partner and daughter bought me a nice walking stick, and I use that. People see it and and some part of their brains go, "Oh, gimp."



I've seen quite a few recommendations since then recommending that people with invisible disabilities carry a cane, whether they need it or not, as a visible sign to others that, "HEY, I'M DISABLED!" Some have suggested that it has additional uses as a clue bat ;-)



Good luck!

Answer 11

A lot of fibro patients complain about this. It's the downside of having an 'invisible disability'. If you look fine, then people have a tendency to not be very understanding. Some people I know go so far as to 'look disabled', fake a limp or something - which is just silly! Others I've heard from just don't use to placard in order to not deal with the skepticism - which is also silly! If you need it, you need it.



They should give you the benefit of the doubt. People should look at a 18 year old in a handicapped spot and feel sympathy - what is wrong with an 18y/o that they have to park there? that's terrible. But alas, people are a lot more cynical. Unless you're in a wheelchair they assume you're driving your grandmother's car and taking advantage. Unfortunately, people do that to.



There is a stereotype of 'disabled' which is either elderly or in a wheelchair. It's unfortunately the way it is. All you can do is educate people one at a time - your friends and family and people who take interest. And then just try to ignore people who look at you askance. You know you need to be there.



And just try to keep on top of your fibro. Do your exercises and stretches, eat healthy, manage your stress and manage your energy use. You can get better, a lot of people do. A year ago I couldn't walk at all and now I can handle walking almost 2 miles a day (a small achievement to many, but a big achievement to a fibro sufferer!). Maybe you can get better to a point that you won't need it. But never feel ashamed of parking in those spaces if you need to! Feeling guilty will stress you out and stress will cause you to flare!



Also, you can join a fibro group - either in your area or online (webmd.com has a great one). Talking to other people really helps! They've experienced all the same things and have great advice on how to cope.



So yeah, just ignore ignorant people and get better! Good luck to you!

Answer 12

let people look cause you kno the reason on why your parking there. I also have a disabled parking sticker on my car and I also get dirty looks because I parked there but if they dont have the heart to come and ask me why then they dont even need to look my way thats how I see it cause I aint got tyme for childish games if ya feel me take my advice and move on in life oh and by the way Im only 16 going on 17 in July

Answer 13

I get the same thing.They cant see are disability so there for we have none.They don't think pain can disable you but its one of the worst disabilities my pain 24-7 at a level 7 to 9

Answer 14

I also have fybromyalgia..But I don't need a disability parking ticket. Yes sometime it is very hard to walk or move but the doctor said use it or loose it...I would rather walk a few extra steps and help myself as well as leave the parking for the elderly who really cant go far..

Answer 15

I know what you mean... my problem is also not visible (dissected aorta + some emphysema). There is nothing you can do...and as many have told me, do NOT be ashamed of using the space. I also try not to use disabled spots if another handy one is near, but I do not intend to stress if I NEED the spot.....

Answer 16

I think they are just looking to see what your disability is because some people park in handicap that shouldnt.Does your disability interfere with walking?If not,maybe you should park in a regular parking space if it bothers you that they are looking.

Answer 17

Don't worry. You might have an illness, but people might not realize that. Just ignore them and get on with your life. It doesn't matter what people think of you. It's ok.

Answer 18

People want to see that you're really handicapped, because they are jealous that they can't park closer to the door.

Answer 19

It happens. Ignore them or mess with their heads (like make them even more suspicious), or a good one that seems to work is ask if you can help them.

Answer 20

Being a Fibro myself I can understand your plight here, but for some reason the "elderly" think that "disabled" means "old"

Answer 21

If you need it you need it, don't feel bad. Fibromyalgia is rough I will be praying for you.

Answer 22

Old people give all young people that look

Answer 23

they r wondering yr realydisable or what dont wprry about their filling or look just keep doing what yr doing