handicap placard Archives - Jan Mariet's A Day in the Life

A bright yellow background with colorful cursive words that say, "Don't Judge a Disability by its Visibility."

Busting Disabled Parking Myths

Disabled people are facing increasing harassment for using disabled parking placards (handicap hang tags & license plates). Let’s get the facts straight.

Myth 1: “You don’t look disabled.”

Fact: There is no single “disabled look.” Many disabilities are invisible, fluctuating, or not obvious to strangers. Some conditions, such as lung or heart disease, may not be visible at all but can severely limit how far a person can safely walk.

Myth 2: “You are too young to need a disabled parking placard.”

Fact: Disability has no age requirement. Children, teens, and adults of all ages can have serious medical conditions that limit mobility, endurance, or safety.

Myth 3: “Disabled parking is only for wheelchair users.”

Fact: Disabled parking is for people whose disabilities affect mobility, pain, fatigue, breathing, balance, safety, or the ability to walk distances, not just wheelchair users.

Myth 4: “If you can walk, you shouldn’t have a disabled parking placard.”

Fact: Being able to walk is not the same as being able to walk safely, repeatedly, or without severe pain or exhaustion.

Myth 5: “People get disabled parking placards easily.”

Fact: The application process is medical, evidence-based, and often difficult. Many people are wrongly denied and must appeal.

Myth 6: “Disabled parking misuse is widespread.”

Fact: Fraud exists, but it is rare. Media outrage exaggerates the issue while ignoring the real harm caused by the harassment of legitimate placard holders.

Myth 7: “Challenging people protects disabled parking.”

Fact: Public policing harms disabled people, not fraudsters. Enforcement is the responsibility of local authorities, not strangers in parking lots. Disabled people do not owe anyone an explanation of their disability or why they use a disabled parking placard. If a placard is displayed, a medical professional and the state have already determined eligibility.

Disabled parking is an accessibility tool, not a privilege. Trust the system, respect the placard, and let disabled people move through the world without fear of confrontation. Disabled parking exists to reduce harm and increase access, not to invite judgment or interrogation. Most disabled people are already navigating pain, fatigue, and medical uncertainty. The last thing they need is to defend their legitimacy in a parking lot. A little restraint and respect go a long way.