Raves, Rants & Roses

RANT: Every day I see handicap parking spaces being abused by individuals who do not meet the legal definition of a disability. I easily get upset at the individuals abusing the parking spaces. However, after I did a little research into the matter, I'm very angry with physicians and podiatrists who complete the disability statement section of the permit application.

The one-page permit application clearly states the disabilities of what would qualify an individual for a permanent or temporary handicap permit. They are: Cannot walk without the use of an assistance device, including a brace, cane, crutch, another person or a prosthetic device; or cannot ambulate without a wheelchair or similar device.

Many times I watch individuals get out of vehicles that do not have the above qualifications for a handicap permit. To physicians and podiatrists, please read the permit application before you sign off on it.

You are abusing your authority as well as falsifying a governmental record. But most important, you are disrespecting the individuals who really need the parking space.