I am just throwing this out for discussion. I sent this note to the Plain Dealer in Cleveland to do a possible investigation. Does it concern anyone or is anyone noticing this abuse like I am?

 

I didn't quite know who to contact about this subject matter..But I strongly believe it should be investigated by The P.D. Or some sort of story done on it...and this subject is the abuse of the disability tag permit that is running rampant through Ohio.

 

Every day I witness dozens using these who I see getting out of their cars walking perfectly..Younger people mostly! Their typical often excuse is that they are driving their "grandmother's car" Granny driving a tripped out Escalade

with illegal boom car audio equipment and exhausts? I think not! Besides, it does not give them a right to use someone else's permit!

 

I am seeing more and more and more of this abuse and it is obvious these

people do not need these tags. Additionally, they are really not

supposed to go parading around in their cars with these tags hanging

from the mirror as though it were some sort of air freshener....or as if to advertise to everyone what a sick and unhealthy state we are. The situation is disgraceful and being taken advantage of. It is really insulting to those who actually NEED this permit.

 

There are many factors that should be considered before giving out one of these permits--and if someone is either too fat or lazy to walk...or if they just want to assure a good parking spot, then this needs to cease. It is high time someone addresses this to the Bureau Of Motor Vehicles who has been handing these out like candy with nothing needed but a simple Dr's excuse. Is there a reporter who covers such topics? I would appreciate your forwarding this information and getting me in contact with this person as soon as possible.

Sounds like a job for [bugle call] Carl Monday!

I see this frequently. I make a note to write down the plate number, snap a photo of the offender, and send it in.

 

Or, if it is the case with the Audi TT with no handicap sticker who took up a handicapped parking spot for a van, by an able-bodied guy who jogged to the front of the store with a cell phone in his ear, it was a posterboard with a nice message in a sharpie super-glued to his windshield.

 

He didn't look pleased.

^My wife's relatives in Texas got caught mis-using the handicapped tags. The cops busted her 22-yr old cousin as she parked in a handicapped spot next to the mall. She had stolen the tag from her grandmother.

I see this frequently. I make a note to write down the plate number, snap a photo of the offender, and send it in.

 

Or, if it is the case with the Audi TT with no handicap sticker who took up a handicapped parking spot for a van, by an able-bodied guy who jogged to the front of the store with a cell phone in his ear, it was a posterboard with a nice message in a sharpie super-glued to his windshield.

 

He didn't look pleased.

 

 

Thanks,

 

To whom do you turn in such information? I see this every day all the time as described above. It is almost as if getting one of these tags has become a sort of sub-culture for some people.

I have seen it, and it is pretty disgusting.  How difficult is it for an able bodied human to walk the distance of 4 parking spaces anyhow?  For someone to steal a tag from their handicapped grandmother is so so so wrong!

There are many people who have a legitimate need for a handicap parking location who show no outward signs of a physical handicap.

^This is true. There are also many cases where an able-bodied individual is the primary caregiver for a disabled individual who cannot drive. Jumping to conclusions like this--and vandalizing property--is crass and small-minded. Please stop.

My aunt drives my grandma around a lot and she has a hangtag b/c she walk more than 7 steps without being out of breath due to emphazema (sp). She will drop my gran off at the curb and then continue to park in a handicap space even though the handicapped person is already out of the car.

If i ever drive my gran anywhere ill drop her off curbside while i go park in a regular spot, I refuse to use the tag when im driving.

^This is true. There are also many cases where an able-bodied individual is the primary caregiver for a disabled individual who cannot drive. Jumping to conclusions like this--and vandalizing property--is crass and small-minded. Please stop.

 

It has been well documented and presented that there is blatant disregard and abuse for this, and pretending that it doesn't is only snaking the head into the sand. The Daily Independent ran a great article, where they waited in a Wal-Mart parking lot and noted every individual who used a handicap parking spot, and whether or not they had tags or a special plate. When the individual did not appear to be disabled, the reporter went up and asked the individual what his disability was. It was almost sad to note that nearly 50% of the offenders were not handicapped -- they carried neither the tag or the plate, and were not disabled.

 

Of course, there is blatant abuse in the approval process as well. Sending reporters in, able-bodied reporters who claimed minor back pain were able to receive a tag without a doctor's note or even a medical evaluation. Another reporter for a television station was able to get a plate on the description that he was on some medicine that made walking difficult -- without showing a script or much of anything else. I could probably go out and get a tag if I wanted to, because my legs are sore after 40 miles of biking, and liberally use it to my advantage.

 

If I see an able-bodied individual who doesn't possess tags or special plates, then it is my call to report the offender to the police or leave a nice note. I do the same when I see vehicles blocking the scooter parking here in Cinci, when I catch up to a vehicle who nearly runs me off of the road while I'm on the bike... and so on, so forth.

I don't have a tag, but I would qualify for one.  No one would know that I need it, as I appear to be "able-bodied".  If someone confronted me, I would deal with that confrontation accordingly.

 

 

^This is true. There are also many cases where an able-bodied individual is the primary caregiver for a disabled individual who cannot drive. Jumping to conclusions like this--and vandalizing property--is crass and small-minded. Please stop.

 

It has been well documented and presented that there is blatant disregard and abuse for this, and pretending that it doesn't is only snaking the head into the sand. The Daily Independent ran a great article, where they waited in a Wal-Mart parking lot and noted every individual who used a handicap parking spot, and whether or not they had tags or a special plate. When the individual did not appear to be disabled, the reporter went up and asked the individual what his disability was. It was almost sad to note that nearly 50% of the offenders were not handicapped -- they carried neither the tag or the plate, and were not disabled.

 

Of course, there is blatant abuse in the approval process as well. Sending reporters in, able-bodied reporters who claimed minor back pain were able to receive a tag without a doctor's note or even a medical evaluation. Another reporter for a television station was able to get a plate on the description that he was on some medicine that made walking difficult -- without showing a script or much of anything else. I could probably go out and get a tag if I wanted to, because my legs are sore after 40 miles of biking, and liberally use it to my advantage.

 

If I see an able-bodied individual who doesn't possess tags or special plates, then it is my call to report the offender to the police or leave a nice note. I do the same when I see vehicles blocking the scooter parking here in Cinci, when I catch up to a vehicle who nearly runs me off of the road while I'm on the bike... and so on, so forth.

 

So call the police and spare us the Charles Bronson act.

Like they give a rat's ass about that. They have bigger fish to fry, like running radar traps on the interstate. A handicap abuse fine is $100 in most areas, whereas a speeding citation starts out at what, $90 for just 5 MPH over? You put too much faith into the police and justice system.

So call the police and spare us the Charles Bronson act.

 

That was Death Wish VII, right?  Really good installment in the series.  Not only does he confront handicap parking space abusers, but he also keeps a kid's baseball that was homered into his yard.  In one gripping scene, he writes a really cranky letter to his City Councilman about high grass and weeds at the neighbor's house.  He also stiffs the pizza guy for his "sass mouth".

^I think that was the original treatment for "Gran Torino."

Read my original post. What your saying is ideally how it should be. I have witnessed over and over again....people who are perfectly FINE..and repeating this abuse over and over again...same people...NOT watching over anyone, who are abusing these tags just to get a good parking space. Is it jumping to conclusions that I witness many of the exact same people doing this over and over again? Hmmmm..where is the disabled person never seen? If they are running errands, and the disabled person is at home, fine, but that does not give the errand person who is perfectly able bodied, the excuse to use the tag. The people who get out of the car look like they can run a marathon.

 

Don't be so naive to think this system is not being abused, because it is..and it burns me up to know there ARE people who really need a tag, and then I see what is going on right before my eyes! It is soooooo damn obvious. My Mother has a tag and is someone who legitimately needs one. The criteria for granting such permit basically states that if you cannot walk 'x' amount of feet without severe fatigue, if you are mamed, injured, and crippled, then you qualify. And, anyone with a legit problem, should not be denied.However, A line needs to be drawn before such is cut off...and one example I like to use is obesity......

 

Obesity, generally,  imo, should not be constituted as a disability, eventhough it does make it to where people cannot walk if chronic enough, granted---but if we acknowledge this as yet another disability.....here come the costs levied on society associated with it---and sorry, if someone--and as I notice this very often--is obese, and is still going into the grocery store loading their carts full of crap food (which costs a lot too, with the amount I see, piled to the rim of the shopping cart) and has these tags... Bzzzzzzpp! Sorry to sound heartless and cruel, but they don't deserve the tag. Same thing with getting public health assistance, you are on oxygen paid for by healthcare, and you still continue to smoke. Am I being anymore cruel than those who are abusing such a system.....which is totally disregarding those who legitimately actually NEED this tag?

 

To keep giving them out in this case only helps become a part of the problem in fostering a poor health lifestyle...and I said a PART, of the problem. Granted,  many people who are obese have other problems than diet which may and have contributed to their 'disability' and that is understandable and acknowledged, but the problem here lies in virtually all that is needed for BMV to grant one of these is a doctors excuse...and they do not question it. Tag signed, sealed, and delivered.  I did email Carl Monfday about this and he agreed with me. He said he did do stories on the abuse of the tagging system.

 

At least, as it has been without watch for so long, maybe it is time to start asking some questions. Just start watching this and making a point to do so in your area... You will see exactly what I am talking about. In fact, I am seeing more able bodied people, younger people especially, using these tags to run in and go to a store. If the operator of the vehicle can run, and is using this tag, sorry..No ifs ands or buts, it is wrong in any language--and if that person is going to be stupid enough to do something like that, under the guise of disability, then naturally, it will draw question marks and conclusions, or questioning attention by peers. So, don't get on the case of people who actually give a damn and say .. "Hey..wait a minute here...is something slightly wrong with this picture?" Funny how we have had a ten fold increase of these tags being handed out on the past few years. Maybe that has something to do with the lack of questioning to anyone who is applying for them.

 

You should also hear the rest of what Carl Monday had to say about this.

I don't have a tag, but I would qualify for one.  No one would know that I need it, as I appear to be "able-bodied".  If someone confronted me, I would deal with that confrontation accordingly.

 

 

 

Do you need one? If so, Why? And...Maybe so.....But, you are the exception to what is obviously going on. Perhaps I can technically qualify for one with the fact that I have dislocated my knees in sports several times. (bending knees backwards) It does often hurt to walk....but the more I cease walking, the worse I will become, so I chose to not get one because I am not about to go around labeling myself as disabled until it is a last resort..but that is just me.

 

I realize a bit of discomfort does not have to have me running to the BMV claiming a disability. The fact people go parading around town with these hanging in their mirrors as though it were some air freshener..and they're proud of a disability, is simply pathetic. My Mother ONLY places that tag on the mirror when the car is parked. As it is supposed to be. But that part is more a peeve, but funny how we suddenly have this explosion of disabilities. What used to be  a simple deal with it thing now qualifies for disability? My cousin,  while serving in Vietnam, had his partner step on a land mine. He died, but my cousin sustained a severe leg injury as it almost got blown off. To this day I see the photo of it when it happened, and it is utterly horrifying.

 

Luckily, they saved his leg, but he very well could have lost it. Now, he has pains in it these days which can be quite severe..BUT, he chose to not get a tag, eventhough he is someone who legitimately needs one. Now, I cannot compare this to the crap I see at a Wal-Mart, etc.  parking lot.  In all reality, it is likely that half of these issuances of these tags should have never happened, based on what the real criterion is and should be to warrant such an issuance. Again, such a disregard for those who really do need it. I am not saying I am the judge of this, I am referring to what is outlined in the law....and what I end up seeing in reality daily.

I'm not naive. I just happen to know people who care for the severely disabled who have been harassed by dogooders like yourself. Keep up the good fight.

My 85 yo mother has one, and when i drive her, sometimes I park in the Handicap spot.  She likes to walk as she can, and sometimes she wants to be dropped off at the door, but might want to walk to the car on the way out, or vice versa.  So I use it and dare anyone to question my use.

 

My experiences also indicate that there are a disproportionate number of handicap spots in many locations.  A bank or convenient store might have 4-6 spots.  The odds of 4-6 handicapped people showing up at the same time at a bank are slim.  Not saying that is a reason to use it, but probably no one would be inconvenienced.

 

Sort of like equipping EVERY bus or trolley car for handicapped passengers.  It would probably be more cost effective to provide personal transportation for every handicapped person than the expenses incurred because a handicap person MIGHT ride a bus.

 

I really don't have to explain to you why I could legally use a handicapped spot.  Its really none of your business.  Suffice it to say, that medically, I could qualify and you would have absolutely no idea that I needed it.  I might just get one now to irritate you!  Quit trying to be the thought or food police, there are enough places our individual freedoms are stifled. 

My 85 yo mother has one, and when i drive her, sometimes I park in the Handicap spot.  She likes to walk as she can, and sometimes she wants to be dropped off at the door, but might want to walk to the car on the way out, or vice versa.  So I use it and dare anyone to question my use.

 

My experiences also indicate that there are a disproportionate number of handicap spots in many locations.  A bank or convenient store might have 4-6 spots.  The odds of 4-6 handicapped people showing up at the same time at a bank are slim.  Not saying that is a reason to use it, but probably no one would be inconvenienced.

 

Sort of like equipping EVERY bus or trolley car for handicapped passengers.  It would probably be more cost effective to provide personal transportation for every handicapped person than the expenses incurred because a handicap person MIGHT ride a bus.

 

I really don't have to explain to you why I could legally use a handicapped spot.  Its really none of your business.  Suffice it to say, that medically, I could qualify and you would have absolutely no idea that I needed it.  I might just get one now to irritate you!  Quit trying to be the thought or food police, there are enough places our individual freedoms are stifled. 

 

Your first points were well taken and what I was trying to illustrate. As for the last statements...What are you talking about? Since when is this about 'freedom?' It is about obvious abuse of tags....and last I checked, is not someone's 'freedom' to suck off the system, if they don't need it...(and I will be totally fair....either at a corporate level or social)

 

In this case, people are abusing these tags, full stop..and yes, I will be the police who blow the whistle on such abuse because there is a criteria as to what qualifies one to get these.

 

It is utterly pathetic to see what is going on and if you think its acceptable because we are so used to seeing it and thus have become complacent, then that is your issue. And please.......Don't start wrapping this up in a flag or freedom thing. It has nothing to do with either. It is about breaking the law, really. And I find it disgusting that when my Mother needs a space..and the space is taken by someone who obviously can get by without the tag much more than she can.

 

No, you don't have to explain to me "why"......as I was just curious, but everyone who applies for such needs to answer to someone before they are just blindly handed out. And all I am saying is maybe this needs to be questioned a bit more before they just start throwing these out like candy at a parade. Its also about accountability on the part of BMV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7EW6vlSvkI&hl=en&fs=1

 

In this case, people are abusing these tags, full stop..and yes, I will be the police who blow the whistle on such abuse because there is a criteria as to what qualifies one to get these.

 

 

That's the point.  You can't PROVE anything you've said above.  You have no way of knowing.  It would not be evident to you why I had one.

My 85 yo mother has one, and when i drive her, sometimes I park in the Handicap spot. She likes to walk as she can, and sometimes she wants to be dropped off at the door, but might want to walk to the car on the way out, or vice versa. So I use it and dare anyone to question my use.

 

My experiences also indicate that there are a disproportionate number of handicap spots in many locations. A bank or convenient store might have 4-6 spots. The odds of 4-6 handicapped people showing up at the same time at a bank are slim. Not saying that is a reason to use it, but probably no one would be inconvenienced.

 

Sort of like equipping EVERY bus or trolley car for handicapped passengers. It would probably be more cost effective to provide personal transportation for every handicapped person than the expenses incurred because a handicap person MIGHT ride a bus.

 

I really don't have to explain to you why I could legally use a handicapped spot. Its really none of your business. Suffice it to say, that medically, I could qualify and you would have absolutely no idea that I needed it. I might just get one now to irritate you! Quit trying to be the thought or food police, there are enough places our individual freedoms are stifled.

 

I dont think he's doubting or questioning the need for tags for the people that really do need them. The problem arises when a perfectly healthy, non-handicapped individual takes/steals the tag of a family member or friend so that they can use it for there own personal use to get in and out of the mall, bank, store faster. Then when an individual comes along who really is handicapped and needs that spot they cannot use it due to the healthy person being parked in the spot when they have no need to. People abuse priviliges and rights all the time and this is one of those areas. If you have a disability or are driving someone with a disability then i dont have a problem with you or anyone else using the tag. There are people we need the space and those who dont, and those who dont and are abusing the privilige should be fined/punished in some way. 

I agree with that, the only thing is, he is deciding in his mind that everytime he sees someone he PERCEIVES as perfectly healthy, they must be misusing the tags.

I agree with that, the only thing is, he is deciding in his mind that everytime he sees someone he PERCEIVES as perfectly healthy, they must be misusing the tags.

 

Good one.  When my brother broke his leg, he had a temporary card, for those 9 months.  and the last few month, he could walk but wasn't suppose to walk very far.  So whenever, he went some where, they just thought this kid was parking in handicapped spots or using someone else card.

Sort of like equipping EVERY bus or trolley car for handicapped passengers.  It would probably be more cost effective to provide personal transportation for every handicapped person than the expenses incurred because a handicap person MIGHT ride a bus.

 

 

The irony in NYC is that they already had (and still have) a system for providing transportation for disabled passengers via mini-buses/vans called Access-a-Ride, wherein the user calls a central number and the vehicle is dispatched to his/her doorstep and taken to a specific destination--all for the basic one-way fare of public transportation. Despite this, we've spent millions fully equipping the regular buses with wheelchair lifts and other devices to enable the disabled to ride them. It seems like a duplication of services.

Another one of my stories!

 

I pulled up to the bank on a Sunday to use the ATM.  It was obviously closed, so I just parked in one of the 6 handicap spots right next to the ATM.

 

A car full of teenagers stopped to berate me for violating the handicap parking!!!

 

In this case, people are abusing these tags, full stop..and yes, I will be the police who blow the whistle on such abuse because there is a criteria as to what qualifies one to get these.

 

 

That's the point.  You can't PROVE anything you've said above.  You have no way of knowing.  It would not be evident to you why I had one.

 

YES. I DO.. I am telling you I see the SAME people SPRINTING out off cars and into a business establishment. If that is not enough cause to at least QUESTION this, I don't know what is. The point is.... someone has to question it who is in a position of authority as to who enforces laws on such. I am not suggesting denying this tag to someone who truly needs it.. BUT, look at the criteria... Maybe some people actually are so deluded into thinking they actually NEED one of these....But let's have a look at the criteria below. I would hardly think these parameters qualifies someone who sprints out of the car, or someone running errands perhaps. It is important to stop defending the "right" to abuse this system. I could take someone for a drive and point out what I am talking about. And if they chose to pretend like it is not abuse, that is  their choice to be ignorant to the obvious...But don't tell me "You don't know" Gee...someone who sprints with a cell phone from the drivers seat...HARDLY meets the qualifications below. Yes, I will continue to get plate numbers and turn these vehicles in.

 

 

Another one of my stories!

 

I pulled up to the bank on a Sunday to use the ATM.  It was obviously closed, so I just parked in one of the 6 handicap spots right next to the ATM.

 

A car full of teenagers stopped to berate me for violating the handicap parking!!!

 

Good kids!  Sounds like they have some hometraining.  We must find contact information for those kids!  LMAO!!

Another one of my stories!

 

I pulled up to the bank on a Sunday to use the ATM.  It was obviously closed, so I just parked in one of the 6 handicap spots right next to the ATM.

 

A car full of teenagers stopped to berate me for violating the handicap parking!!!

 

Good kids!  Sounds like they have some hometraining.  We must find contact information for those kids!  LMAO!!

 

Don't be a fool! You know what I am talking about..Don't point out some exceptional case and make excuses for this.

I was telling a story.  MTS likes my stories.  I wasn't using it as an example for you.

 

Now to your other point.  I legally qualify based on the certification you printed.  BUT, I could sprint from my car if you want to call what I do with my short little legs sprinting.

 

YOU just don't know what someones underlying disease is, and the chances of it affecting your ability to park are slim.  Go find a better cause, like drugs or illegal firearms to deal with.

I'm unemployed and even I can't imagine taking this much time out of my day for posting half the diatribes you knuckleheads have in this thread! :roll:

Enough of this.