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Terror in the Parking Lot

Wed, October 08, 2008 12:00 AM

I was diagnosed with CD about a year ago. However, I'm still not in remission. I have experienced some accidents due to not being able to park and get in a store in time. In addition, I often experience so much joint pain, I have difficulty walking. Does anyone know if we are able to get a handicap permit in Georgia just for these times?

bulldog fan
Joined Oct 8, 2008

Mon, November 17, 2008 3:14 PM

Reply posted for bulldog fan.

Bulldog, Man i tell you i thought i was the only one terrorized while going to and from home. Alot of the time when in the car, the feeling of an accident stresses me out. I've become more of a speeder now just trying to get to where i'am going before my body decides to do whatever. The last thing you want is to get someplace and before you can get in the door, it's too late. What a horrible expirence. I've tried a few things, some work, others don't. So most times i'am pretty much a homebody. But if i do need to run errands, i try to be sure they are close by, or they are places i've been before so i'll know where the bathroom is just in case i have to make that mad dash. It's silly sometimes, but with people with Cronhns, or Colitis it's our way of life.

dpain
Joined Nov 17, 2008

Wed, October 29, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for bulldog fan.

I wish you luck, but I am pretty sure that as of right now there are no states in the US that gives out handicap parking permits for people with Crohn's disease since most of them have requirements that we don't always meet.

I too have had many of accidents as has others, and unfortunately it is just the badge of honor we get to have. Yea it sucks and is no fun, but don't stop trying to get what you need. You might be able to find a GI that would be willing to sign off on it and hopefully the DMV will sign off on it.

jenn d h
Joined Jun 16, 2008

Sun, October 12, 2008 8:01 PM

Reply posted for Livebyyourfoma.

Thanks, Jeremy. Hopefully, the DMV will update is requirements. I will look into it to see what happens not only for me, but for other who have to deal with this.

bulldog fan
Joined Oct 8, 2008

Thu, October 09, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for bulldog fan.

Research for you-

http://www.dmv.org/ga-georgia/disabled-drivers.php#Disability_Defined

Disability Defined

Your doctor will need to certify any of the following conditions of your disability, based on criteria set forth by Georgia law:

Hearing impaired

Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest

Cannot walk without assistance or use of wheelchair

Lung disease or severe breathing difficulty

Uses portable oxygen

Has severe cardiac condition

Is blind

Has limited walking ability due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition or complications due to pregnancy

You may have a problem. Congress did just pass a law redefining a disability under stricter terms under the ADA. This has nothing to do with DMV regulations, but it may be worth a shot.

Apply, get a note from your doctor as to what you have, and then send them some cutouts from the new legislation, S. 3406. It may be worth your time, but I am of the opinion that you will probably not be able to get one.

If you end up feeling hopping mad about it, call you local congress person and write him a letter explaining, perhaps, that you're just as qualified for a space as some of the people in that list, and see what falls out.

Best of luck to you.

-Jeremy

livebyyourfoma
Joined Oct 9, 2008

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