Handicapped Parking

[lsanchez]

So I am wondering wether I should go apply for the placard or not. My son walks with a walker but really cant walk for LoNG distances. I find myself not taking his walker to many places because I have to carry him and the walker across the parking lot! (we live in chicago theres too much snow!)

I feel it might be pointless if he walks up to the store and I just end up putting him a shopping cart because he gets tired. But I also want to start encouraging him to use it more since he doesnt really use it at home, only to go to school twice a week. And even then when I drop him off at school I have to park and carry both of them across the parking lot.

Also, if he didnt have his walker would I still be able to use the parking spot? He is over 30 pounds now, but I dont want to take advantage over the whole thing when someone actually needs it.

[LisaJoy]

Since he's getting bigger and to the point that you need to encourage his mobility, I say definitely get the placard. I think it would only be an ethical violation if you use it when he is not with you -- but since you're asking about it, I doubt you're the kind of person who would do that!

[smoop]

Yes, get one! We got one as soon as my daughter got her first wheelchair (age 2). I only use it when she's with me.

[Dodger67]

I agree - he does qualify for one.

[Kari]

Yep, I have one to use when Zach is with me. I always use it when we have his wheel chair, and I sometimes park in a handicapped spot when we aren's using the chair. He is almost 4, and it is difficult to carry him long distances because he isn't able to help support his weight like other children his age. He can't grip me with his legs, so carrying him long distances is hard.

[Amnada]

I've been considering when the appropriate time to get a placard is?
Nick is 14 months and travels in a stroller - just like any other 14 month old. So I'm not getting one yet.

My plan had always been when he's needing extra assistance (ie. walker) at ?2 years or older? But he's already 27lbs and carrying him all over the place is very tiring. He's not even close to walking (or weight bearing).

[misty]

I'd say that since he has his equipment to make him capable of getting himself around, its time to get one.

[Kari]

But he's already 27lbs and carrying him all over the place is very tiring. He's not even close to walking (or weight bearing).

Yep, that's exactly my point. Zach is 3, and about 27 pounds, too, but it's not the same as carrying around other 27 pound children. With typically abled children, if you need a quick break, you can set them down on their feet and hold their hand for a few minutes (like while at a store), but that is not the case for us. They are often also unable to assist by gripping with their legs.

I am already having back/neck/shoulder issues because of this.

[LillyPie]

They are often also unable to assist by gripping with their legs.

I am already having back/neck/shoulder issues because of this.

I know exactly what you mean. Lilly just could not grip my waste/hips because of the weakness in her legs.

I got a placard when she was 5. I carried her all the time or placed her in the seat of the basket at grocery stores. When she started getting to big for the seat I got a placard. I really did'nt even think about getting one until then. I think that getting one sooner would have helped so much. Now Lilly walks into the store herself and just tells me when she's tired, then I place her in the back of the basket.

Guilty, I admit.... I still carry her sometimes though. Not in stores or anything like that but on cold days I'll carry her to the car or when I know she's tired and we are going short distances.