Since several hours of my day were made extra icky because of some gnarly, ignorant ableism, a few reminders: 1) Only a person and their doctor/PT is qualified to decide if they need a parking placard. 2) Just because someone can walk/stand doesn’t mean they aren’t disabled.
3) Ambulatory wheelchair users exist. 4) Someone’s abilities may vary day to day or even minute to minute. This doesn’t mean they are not disabled or are faking. 5) Even if it’s not aimed at you directly, ableism SUCKS.
@dreamwisp Oh, I know this game We get it with PJ sometimes - if they don't see him from the front (eyepatch) they assume we are faking for a placard I hate people
@dreamwisp As someone whose COPD is just on the good side of "doesn't need to carry supplemental oxygen everywhere"... I hear you.
@dreamwisp @greenleafgeek My partners mother has a parking placard. She can walk and is mobile, but she also had double knee replacement surgery less than 4 years ago, so it can be painful and taxing to walk a lot.
@dreamwisp @greenleafgeek I have MS and am lucky enough at this point in my disease progression to not have to be in a wheelchair or use a stability tool often. With invis symptoms & pain, I am often verbally berated/ given terrible looks (even spat on) when using a placard or having my service dog w/ me.
@dreamwisp @FestiGal77 Indeed I'm ambulatory & I have a parking permit.
@dreamwisp So much this! I have a placard because walking too far causes crippling pain, but it's invisible. If I park and I see others in the lot nearby when I'm going to get out, I feel like I have to limp or grab my cane even if I don't need it right then to avoid harassment. That's BS.