I really like the idea of the placard having an id photo.  Heck, then if
someone comes out of a store and gets in a car with a placard and they
aren't with the person whose picture is on the card, the cops can nab them.
I could see this idea increasing revenues quite a bit!  Heck, at Towson
University, they have more handicapped parking spaces than most places and
yet they are always full.  I find that odd when I have only seen about 5
other students with mobility issues.  Of course, parking is at a premium and
folks will scam the system to have a better chance at a spot...
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2005 8:05 AM
Subject: Handicapped Placards (was Re: You Know You're Really Bored When...)


> Hmm...considering that most people don't get disabled until they
> are pensioners (at least here in this country), I don't see how that could
> help here.  Oh, and also a lot of disabled people don't even collect
> social
> security disability benefits because they don't qualify.  In the US,
> disability income is paid until you reach the full retirement age which in
> my
> case would be 66.
>
> Also consider that many placards are issued to drivers who transport
> disabled
> passengers.  I think that's where a lot of the abuse comes in, too.  But
> the
> photo could be workable, up to a point.
>
> So now that you no longer have a badge, how is this affecting your ability
> to
> get to work and go about your business?  Do you have to take public
> tranport
> more now, or what?  How does this affect pensioners who don't draw
> disability
> income but become disabled?
>
> Kat
>
> On Sunday 10 July 2005 6:42 am, Deri James wrote:
>> Hi Kat,
>>
>
>> This used to be a problem in the UK, much less so now. The new parking
>> badges now have an ID photo. In fact I can't get a badge now!! You  only
>> get the badge if you are in receipt of disability benefit with a mobility
>> component, and as I choose not to apply for any disability benefit, I
>> don't
>> get a badge. I used to get the badge before, since there was a
>> discretionary component where your doctor could certify you qualified,
>> but
>> this is now stopped.
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Deri
>