We need to discuss this disability parking issue…

[@HallsEmporium]

Income based fines could be such a game changer. When fines scale with income, the consequence carries equal weight for everyone, regardless of their wealth. Countries like Finland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland already use this approach, and it makes so much sense!

[@MyTV-t3i]

exactly what I was thinking

[@thtrnerd221]

Except how do you keep people who legitimately have them from getting fined? Even worse people are buying fake ones.

[@rebeccab2446]

​@@thtrnerd221 I think if a doctor prescribes them, you allow them to use it. However, a city parking sticker (at least in Chicago) is connected to your license plate and car. If the pass is not connected, you get a ticket. If you get a new car, you get a new pass. I think the temporary nature of the passes are really hard to check if they are legit.

[@MissRoseTrucker]

Montana....

[@marialegare3954]

Right. Flat rate fines are supposed to be a serious but manageable inconvenience, and they are for some, but for many they're either catastrophic or irrelevant. Scaled is where it's at.

[@petalwingpixel4138]

I have an invisible disability- chronic pain, fatigue, and autoimmune disease. On a good day, I would never use my placard. But on a bad day, where if I couldn't park close I'd just have to go home- I'll use it. I probably look fine, but on the way out I'm likely to feel faint and massively fatigued, which still may not be visable. I feel guilty every time I use it. So, yes, some may actually need it, BUT the numbers in this case don't add up, and you are right to think it's fishey and be frustrated.

[@kellymabel3576]

This is exactly the case for me with me/cfs. There’s days I’m fine but I also can’t go over my limit or I am stuck in a wheelchair for weeks. So for me it’s preventative.

[@Brdsh0t]

You are not alone. Half of my battle besides having terrible balance and numbness is unrelenting pain. That makes everything as hard as it can be. As a quadriplegic I literally feel your pain. It is right that you use it when you need it. I do exactly the same thing. In the 20% of the time I am at my best I will leave the very large unloading spots unfilled. I never want a wheelchair bound person not be able to unload safely and comfortably. I am lucky I can still barely walk even if it feels like I am navigating a tight rope. Pain sucks the energy right out of your body. So many people want to judge us and glare at us like we are having some kind of advantage over everyone. They simply don't know how miserable it can be.

[@silver1step]

I'm the same. Although I haven't been diagnosed and I'm still trying to figure out what "high ANA" means other then me having flare ups. It's made me really hesitate to get a hangtag even though when I used one with my friends and my grandma it made life so much better...

[@MariaGolay]

Please don't ever not use your card or feel guilty about using it.

[@cats1900]

This is me too. Plus on bad days my balance is impacted and every step is incredibly painful.

[@LaBella640]

Molly, you should consider reaching out to a news station to feature this in a segment-it’s exactly the kind of story they’d love, and it could bring much more attention to the issue.

[@Angi_Mathochist]

That is a fantastic idea! It had never occurred to me before that people were actually BUYING disabled passes. That's disgusting! I'm sure there are news outlets that would love to run this.

[@erinmalone2669]

Yeah! Pitch a segment to LA news stations. They might even send you in places with undercover video to test accessibility around “nice” Los Angeles places!

[@brittssleepsaround]

@@LaBella640 they likely won't care. My service dog and I were almost hit due to illegally parked vehicles. They (the news station) were more concerned about my service dogs credentials & the fact that I wasn't hit. It's the fact that a LADY and a DOG were almost hit due to ILLEGALLY parked cars but I was the one being interrogated.

[@emiliaholmberg3320]

Exactly! News stations love this kind of news since it sparks discussions and engagement with their article/news coverage.

[@Cbbartelt]

People park illegally literally every day. Cops don’t do anything and new stations don’t give a shit. I’ve literally been threatened like followed to my car and threatened for telling someone they need to move so my kid can get out of the vehicle. And now in the US Trump’s shut down the department of justice so they can’t do anything so there is no functional recourse. If you care about this, don’t reach out to the news station spam your legislatures tell them to fund the ADA tell them to force the president to reopen these vital departments stop trying to commit a genocide against disabled people because that’s what he’s already starting to try to do.

[@EricaDiebold]

I have heart disease and appear to be a healthy 29 year old, fit woman. But I can’t stand for long periods of time or walk far distances. I use a wheelchair 50% of the time, and when I don’t use it is when I need the parking spot the most

[@lelamyers1418]

Those fancy cars aren't there for convenience. It's because they don't want their cars scratched and those spots are bigger. Which feels like an even more petty reason.

[@catherinerowe221]

This was my first thought at the motive too. I’ve seen some of the worst parking behavior from people with nice cars trying to avoid anyone getting too close. Usually in my area it’s taking up 2-3 regular spaces but I could absolutely see the same thing happening with handicapped spots too especially if the area has a big market with fake placards easily available

[@elleminnowpee]

Maybe there should be a premium section of the lot for people who don't want their cars scratched. Bump the cost to 4x the normal per hour rate and place an attendant that babysits them in their double wide spaces.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

LA has a HUGE problem with able-bodied HIKERS using disability parking spaces at the trails. Hideous!🤬

[@fmlovelace1618]

they could be like the rest of the normal jerks and just double park in the regular spaces 😂

[@marzipanmouse]

I could live with that. ​@@elleminnowpee

[@miekemaligne]

I just went through almost this EXACT same thing. I go to the YMCA, in canada, do swimming as therapy for my disability. On parent hockey nights which is often, all the disability spots and there are a lot, are filled with cars without a pass, blatant. The last time I couldn't get a spot and needed one me and my husband confronted a man and family parking without the pass. He said "its not like he has one of those pass things" while dressed in whole hockey gear. My husband nicely ripped him a new one. I made the Y aware of this, and if we see it again we are just going to get the cars towed.

[@miekemaligne]

The only thing I disagree with is that you said most of the things on that list are visible, and I think more severe disabilities are less visible than you attest to. I also think Drs. probably aren't giving them out to easily, at least not in Canada. But this is a real big problem that people are taking advantage of. I have metabolic/mitochondrial issues, carnitine deficiency lactic acidosis, EDS, POTS/IST, MCAS, immunodeficiency, and more. It is invisible unless I use an aid.

[@beachbri]

I feel like a lot of us with invisible disabilities feel like we have to overcompensate and won't get a placard even when we qualify for them.

[@sophier6504]

Totally agree

[@chuchuboogie]

100% agreed. I always worry when I use mine that someone will yell at me because they have in the past. I feel bullied out of using something that I actually need to use for my health.

[@amwehr86]

That would be me. My doctor told me to let her know when I want one, but I haven't gotten it yet because I feel like I don't quite need it yet, even though I sometimes use a walker. I have multiple invisible disabilities, but I'm young and feel like people might harass me.

[@emmab7279]

I have an invisible disability and I feel like if I do use it I feel ashamed me because people like I get the mean look!! 😢 I only use it when I really need it too!

[@kellymabel3576]

Exactly! My physical disability is invisible and I can’t walk far but when I get out of the car no one would know that I need a close parking space. For over a year after I was disabled I just ordered everything to be delivered or curbside pick up because I was afraid to ask for a disability placard from my doctor.

[@weronikawawryszczuk2693]

My dad is literally the one exception you’re talking about - has an invisible disability, uses a disability parking card legally and also drives an expensive car 😅 And the fact that people never believe him is soooo annoying, he’s had random people coming up to him expecting him to explain himself, honking at him when he parks on the disability spot etc 🙄

[@trinitybernhardt9944]

It took me forever to get a placard because I always felt like others needed those spots more. It turned out to be more about my fear and denial, but i don't understand how able bodied people feel so comfortable using them.

[@ytdcp1984]

Me too! 💜

[@juliebey8240]

I thought the same way too. I worry that I would be judged because I have new 🚙 sporty looking (not exactly my choice) and my impairment is not visible. It’s neurological and if you saw me paralyzed one day in the chair and walking normal the next day you would understand. I need to learn not to feel judged and recognize that it is THEIR problem, not mine. Love your input 😊

[@SammyLammy1D]

My friend got a temporary one while in recovery after a severe hip- and knee injury (she had surgery and had to be in a wheelchair for 8 months while in recovery) and even she had a hard time using it, because she knew that she wouldn't be permanently disabled. I honestly do not know how anyone can use it without needing to. Also, as for the temporary placards, I am not sure if those are a thing in the US, but I am from Europe, and they are here. 😊

[@trinitybernhardt9944]

@juliebey8240 it is a difficult period of adjustment. You have to deal with your feelings about society's judgment as well as any judgment you have toward yourself. I was so afraid of inconveniencing anyone with my sickness. I really had to accept that I was worth taking care of. I ultimately leaned on the perspective of my mom and doctor. If I couldn't trust myself I could trust them. My mom reminded me that I didn't have to use it except when necessary, and it was better to have it, than not. I am glad I did it. We deserve these accommodations, yet we let ourselves be convinced we should scrape, beg, and be grateful. I still struggle. I hope you go for everything you need. It can be tough, but you won't regret it. ❤️

[@FabulouslyPerfect]

it's so sad that someone who legitimately needs a disabled spot is afraid or in denial about needing that spot. I know it's nice to get a close park but I also know I can walk a few metres to get to the store compared to someone who needs to be close. Some people lack compassion and empathy which is horrible. I hope you got the placard you needed and were able to use it as needed

[@charliepipe23]

Thank you for opening a dialogue and for shining some more light on this issue! I'm an attorney specializing in disability discrimination, and I truly can't even count how many times a client has come to me in tears over an incident related to disability parking. Sadly, these issues only seem to be increasing in frequency and severity, especially in hospital and school settings. From a legal standpoint, just like fake service dogs, there are no easy answers for how to prevent others from misusing disability parking spots. In most states, parking in a disability spot without a permit is a Class C traffic violation, which carries a relatively small fine (usually no more $150), and that just isn't a deterrent for most people (think about how many people risk speeding or running through stop signs). People might think twice before parking in a disability spot if it was increased to a Class A violation or a misdemeanor, but I'm not too optimistic that such legislation could actually get passed, and even if it did, it don't know if it would solve everything. A few years ago, I had a client with an invisible disability who was heckled by an officer for over 30 minutes and then ticketed because she couldn't "sufficiently" prove in that moment that she was "disabled enough" to have legally obtained her permit. As a misdemeanor, there's a risk that she could have been arrested, processed at the local jail, and even detained or required to post bail before her first court hearing. And, even if the case was dismissed or she was acquitted, those arrest records would show up on any background checks unless she paid to get them expunged. To quickly address your concern about people continuing to use a permit that they obtained for a temporary injury - most states, including California, have temporary permits that expire after 6 months and permanent permits that have to be renewed every few years. Of course, the fact that a permit is expired won't stop someone from trying to use it, but the expiration date is usually in bold text on the face of the permit so you can absolutely report it's misuse! From a personal perspective, I have EDS and wear bilateral KAFOs (full leg braces), and I also have a cardiovascular disease that causes my resting heart rate to be over 100, so I frequently pass out with minimal physical assertion. I usually try to wear my KAFOs under my clothes, so at first glance I look young and healthy. I take a similar approach to you where I only use permit on days that I *actually* need it and when there are no other open spots within a manageable distance from the entrance. I do this in part because I want to save spots for wheelchair users and folks with greater mobility needs, but it's also in large part because I'm so anxious about having yet another confrontation with some stranger who doesn't believe me or who feels entitled to physically touch me to "confirm for themselves." Realistically, I think the best thing we can do is continue talking about why access to disability parking is so important, educating others without judgment so as to not elicit defensive responses, and encouraging compassion and empathy. P.S. I've been watching your content for years and am such a huge fan of your work. Thank you for being such an incredible advocate for not just the blind community, but the entire disability community!!!

[@Alice-si8uz]

Maybe temporary mobility passes should be a different colour? That way it's easier to tell if they should be checked compared to long term ones... But I agree that miss use like with people going to the gym who seem healthy should be reported and those people required to present paperwork of their need for the pass. Perhaps the way around wrongful arrests for not seeming disabled enough could be having arrests for it be due to not having the ability to present said paperwork instead of just being arrested on the day at the whim of the cop. The case presented to the court and the person given notice of the need for paperwork to be provided to the court. I'm not in the US so I'm not sure how feasible it would be but perhaps it could work.

[@stuffmations7670]

I don't know where you live Charlie p but I know I have looked at several of our parking lots that actually State a fine but some of them go from $100 to almost 300. I'm not really sure why there's such disparity between one parking lot and another as to why it's 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 as a fine but either which way it doesn't seem to deter people. Now that being said I am a caregiver that frequently takes people to the store and uses their place cards during those visits with those clients. I'm not really sure how one would even give cause paperwork as to why they have one especially if it was quite some time ago or due to birth or something where it wasn't really an injury or like a stroke. I do have a couple of people that have the original like do not expire Place cards from years ago when they became disabled. Just like Molly has said that she doesn't really have any quote unquote paperwork to say that he's legally gotten from a specialized school or whatever let alone paperwork that she has a disability that allows her to have an assistance animals and or items like a cane or has to show it. In response to the other poster to your comment, I will state at least where I live they do have blue, green, red, yellow and other colors for other things like surgeries or what not but I'm not really sure what the different colors mean without looking it up or asking.

[@raegould7754]

I live in Vermont and I experience non-disabled people abuse disabled parking almost every day. They don't even have fake placards they just park there without a placard like it's a regular space. I work in an elementary school and there is only one disabled parking space that I require use of as a person with a spinal cord injury, which is invisible but I have a placard that I use daily because it is very long walk to the front door otherwise. Just last week a parent was using it idling to pick up their child. I had to park illegally to go up to them and ask if they have a placard, to which he said no he is just picking up his kid. I had to legitimately ARGUE with a grown adult father that he cannot park there even for just a few minutes.

[@wisteriapetalsinthebreeze]

Why would you have a fake placard? That would be extra work, which is precisely what these people are avoiding.

[@PrincessofEllabur]

@wisteriapetalsinthebreeze you misunder raegould's comment

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

Approaching to argue is dangerous. People have been killed that way. Take a photo and report it.

[@JinxieTheGnome]

Since you work there could you get the school to assign you a spot next to the handicap spot? Would leave the handicap spot for disabled parents/visitors and barely increase your walk distance. I also find people are less likely to park in a spot that says "reserved for John Doe". My employer did this for a disabled employee.

[@T-cz3ur]

Ironically you could be one of the people she's complaining about since you don't look to her like you need it

[@lovelyanna0]

You're not crazy and you're so valid. One time I was talking to a bunch of rich people and they were saying how they park in disability spots and when I was like....woah wtf? Why would you do that? They doubled down saying "well only if I'm running in somewhere" ....like girl. People are just selfish and I'm sorry their selfishness effects your day to day life.

[@berryfoolish]

For rich people the fines for breaking the law are not very expensive. They probably see the fine they could get for parking in a handicap spot as just the price for more convenient parking rather than something that would actually negatively impact them or their financial situation.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

100%

[@ashleyarnold5450]

This is what I was thinking!

[@dona4him942]

Oh that makes me so mad 💢😡

[@EZLECORN-tx4iw]

This is why some countries like, Finland have income based ticketing systems, where the cost of your ticket is dependent on your earnings. If you're poor, the ticket is within your ability to pay. If you're rich they make it sting.

[@koconnell968]

My grandpa had a similar experience to you with his disabled placard, Molly. Before he passed away, my grandpa had a disabled placard. He had severe COPD/emphysema from smoking for decades (he did quit cold turkey and never smoked again when he was around 70-something, but the damage was done). He struggled to walk distances and would have to take very frequent breaks to catch his breath, which is why we finally convinced him to apply and get a disabled placard. After he got it, I asked him if he was using it, and he told me he would, but all the disabled parking spots at, say, the market were almost always full. He would rarely be able to park in those spots as a result.

[@lunarpulsesolarbrain123]

I have a disability parking pass for invisible dynamic disabilities, so I’m not always needing or using a mobility aid. However, my disabilities cause widespread, constant chronic pain. When I was living in downtown LA it was IMPOSSIBLE to park most places because of this problem you are bringing light to. Thank you for making this video! ❤

[@MissBelovedBunny]

I used to work for the parking department of an educational institution and the amount of times we had to call the cops on some construction worker parking in a disability spot was baffling. Every time we’d get the excuse of well I need to go to work and there isn’t any parking. So??? We have actual students and professors who need those spots that are already frightening little to begin with. Also we had to fight with deliveries of construction material blocking them constantly to the point where once we had someone in a wheelchair who was blocked in for an hour. It’s disgusting and disgraceful

[@mariannetfinches]

I find your desire to give people the benefit of the doubt, very relatable. Also relatable - tying ones self up in these mental gymnastics, whilst being frustrated/angry. Because no matter how generously you're trying to interpret the situation, you know.

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

Society taught us to give the benefit of the doubt. What's better is to note your intuition, then gather more information, and make an informed decision.

[@moni_monaka]

I live in Korea and we have ramps and walkways in my apartment complex and sometimes people with delivery trucks or trucks with stuff they are moving into an apartment BLOCK the entrance, the ramp, or an entire path. I am not disabled but I have little kids and most of the time my baby rides in a stroller. I get so infuriated when they block accessible spaces like ramps or doorways because - as you said - it’s like they don’t even expect people who need those spaces to exist. Korea has a long way to go with accessibility but I think awareness is something that EVERY country needs to prioritize. Even if you have accessible parking or ramps or whatever, you need to MAINTAIN them, enforce them, and inform people that they aren’t allowed to block them in any way. I once saw a guy park in a disabled spot because the parking lot was crowded. He got out of his car and I was like “You can’t do that - it’s for disabled people.” and he was like, “What are you going to call the cops on me??” and laughed it off! SO INFURIATING.

[@heatherlobeck]

I'm so petty that I'd get business cards that say something like: today you took a parking spot from a truly disabled person. Don't park here if you don't have a legal placard.

[@wisteriapetalsinthebreeze]

And you would simply make people feel terrible about themselves if they forgot their placards due to one of their disabilities. It's a real thing, and most people who do so rectify the mistake as soon as possible.

[@erinmalone2669]

@wisteriapetalsinthebreezeor… people who steal those spots will feel called out. It’s not like the card is the same as coming up to a person, in a hostile manner, recording them while screaming.

[@chuchuboogie]

Please don’t do this if someone has a placard. Yes, some people are using them illegally and don’t need them. But like Molly said, many people do have invisible diseases that 100% qualify them to have one and you won’t be able to tell by looking at them. As someone with one we deal enough with people judging us and assuming our pain/illness isn’t real. We don’t deserve someone who doesn’t know anything about us or our medical history shaming us for using a spot that we need. I appreciate wanting to stand up for disabled people, but you are not the judge and jury of who has a disability and who doesn’t and which disabilities are or aren’t deserving enough to park in those spots.

[@krystalzeogas8814]

Ooo I LOVE this!!!

[@krystalzeogas8814]

​@wisteriapetalsin the card literally wouldn't apply to them if they have a legal placard...

[@TheLazyHusky]

Hi Molly! I have a couple semi invisible illnesses and have a disability pass. One of them makes it extremely difficult to walk in the heat for any extended period of time so I mostly use it in the summer if there is no nearby parking. I also have joint issues and use a leg brace on one side so I will use my pass on days where I feel worse than normal or if I'm at some sort of event where I know I'll have to do a lot of walking and will be in more pain from it. I always try to take a spot that isn't for van access as I don't need that. I also don't use my pass on good days. When I was in college I always used my pass when at my dorm because there were plenty of spots and carrying my backpack far would cause shoulder issues but I knew of a few people who used their grandparent's pass or something like that and it always bothered me. I think it is definitely a huge issue and people would ask me why I don't always use my pass and I would be like I don't need it for today and most of the time they were like "so what? I would always park there if I could" People who don't have or know someone with a disability really don't understand what it's like and most don't seem to care to try.

[@kimmeystorey4577]

My mom has a nice car and has a legally obtained disability parking pass. She has a severe heart condition that can make her pass out, this has caused multiple TBI (Tramatic Brain Injury) and she is on her 4th pace maker. She does not look disabled but I can assure you she needs it.

[@jamparker969]

My mother-in-law had a temporary disability placard after heart surgery. She was yelled at using the disability parking because she wasn't in a wheelchair, but she needed the card because she couldn't do any strenuous activity including going to the gym! I don't think Molly is wrong here

[@pjaypender1009]

Right, and this is why. Because entitled visibly disabled people declare that they see "not visibly disabled" people "taking advantage." She says she's not gatekeeping, but she is.

[@kimmeystorey4577]

@@jamparker969 I don't think she's wrong either. She asked in comments to have people post if they are someone who uses a pass and does not look disabled so I commented 🤷

[@jamparker969]

@@pjaypender1009 thx, I hear you, and I didn't like some of her ideas on how to fix this as well but I understand she is angry. I think the fines at the very least should be raised, but some of her other ideas felt very "gatekeepy" I'm not disabled (well, i have my own issues that keep me from being able to work, but i don't need a car placard) so I appreciate opinions from all

[@teionnaht788]

​@jamparker969 i feel like your missing her point....she's not saying people who have disabilities can't own nice cars

[@KristineNapper]

I appreciate that you're thoughtful about when you actually need an accessible spot, and when a regular spot meets your needs just as well! As a wheelchair user, I need the space to put down my ramp and get in/out of the car. It irritates me when there's a whole row of spots that are equally close to a building entrance, and people (usually elderly people) who just need the short walking distance, still park in the disability spots. There's a whole row of spots that would meet their distance needs, but only 1 or 2 spots that meet my space-for-a-ramp need! I actually wish it were a thing to have a couple disability spots farther away from the entrance. I'm happy to let others have the short distance; I just need be able to get in and out of my car!

[@misshipster98]

I left a very similar comment, wherever I can I use normal bays on the end of a row or next to a walkway so I know I won’t be blocked in & have enough space to get my chair out, there’s almost always normal bays closer to the door, it’s so frustrating when it’s literally the factor that decides whether or not you’re able to access the world & is so often take advantage of by people who have the privilege of choosing

[@viiru870]

This is why I never take the last disability parking spot! I can walk from further away, but it is just easier and safer not to go through the parking lot. In a parking lot people are so distracted that a cane user like me gets so often to dangerous situations!

[@jessiesmithequestrian]

This this this 👏🏻 I’m in the same situation as you & couldn’t agree more ❤

[@waffles3629]

A grocery store near me actually figured this out. They have a few regular size disabled spots right across from the door, and then around the corner in this weird little dead end (the parking lot is a weird shape) there's 8 disabled spots with an open unloading spot on one side or the other. And since it's a dead end you don't have to worry about people driving through.

[@marymorgan5774]

My Mom was disabled. Both legs amputated below the knee. I took her shopping at the local mall. A van with disability license plate was displayed. However the van unloaded a large group of teens from the van. They took the last disability parking spot. I had to park in the back of beyond in a regular parking spot. Hard to get Mom out of the vehicle and into her wheelchair. When we did get into the mall I observed the teens in line to the pizza restaurant. They were talking about how they were grateful to Grandpa for letting them use his van so they didn't have to walk far. Grandpa was not with them. In Mass it is illegal to use a disabled plague or plate if the disabled person is not in the car. So many times this happened. Sad.

[@harveyabel1354]

I'd have called the men in blue.

[@Kaye09MNchick]

It’s correct in a lot of states that this is the case. I believe it’s reportable.

[@SavageMinnow]

I'm pretty sure it's illegal in all states to use a disabled spot if you aren't picking up or dropping off a disabled individual.

[@reginafallangie2867]

@@SavageMinnowyou are correct. It’s often the enforcement that’s tough.

[@SavageMinnow]

@@reginafallangie2867 agreed!!

[@barbarakaniewski3939]

I have a hidden disability and have been accosted at business and told disabled persons should not be seen in public. You can not see my disability until I am passed out on the ground.

[@AprilClayton]

It is so hard to judge in this situation. My friend was screamed at for parking in a disabled spot with the placard until her blind cousin got out with her cane. Another friend dying from heart disease was also screamed at for parking with her disability placard.

[@paulamacdonald7070]

People are so judgemental ❤

[@Brdsh0t]

This has happened to me a few times, its tough. I look younger than I am and I stopped using a cane last September. People dont know that my Feet and toes are numb and its terrifying to walk without being able to balance completely.

[@theyellowferret5125]

A grocery store employee once yelled, "Lazy!" at me, presumably because after I returned a motorized cart to the appropriate area, I then stood up and walked away without assistance. I'm young and able-bodied, but I wasn't being lazy...I was returning the cart for my mom, who can't stand or walk for more than a few minutes at a time, due to a spinal injury. I nearly always return the carts for her, because even with her disability placard, it's usually too far from the car for her to walk, and I know other disabled people will need them, too.

[@kellymabel3576]

I’ve gotten yelled at too but at the end of the day it’s not my responsibility to respond to random people about my invisible disability that physically affects my ability to walk. If a police officer asks that’s okay, anyone else, you don’t owe them anything.

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

Yeah, I wouldn't want to experience that as a disabled person with a legal placard. Yelling and arguing with strangers in a parking spot is dangerous or it hurts disabled people, so I'd say avoid that either way.

[@megangenove5315]

Hi Molly, I’ve been a longtime follower, but this is the first time I’ve felt compelled to respond because your video truly resonated with me on a personal level. My father’s story might help shed some light on this topic. He was someone who would likely fall under the category of having “invisible disabilities.” At the age of 48, he underwent a heart transplant, and doctors told him that he would "never walk again" due to the extraneous circumstances of his condition. Those first five years were incredibly challenging for our family. We relied heavily on his handicap placard because he had countless hospital visits and medical procedures to ensure the success of the transplant. Even with a handicap space, he often faced long walks from the parking lot or needed a wheelchair for the journey to the appropriate hospital floors for his diagnostic testing. Although my father eventually regained the ability to walk on his own, there were still days when he simply couldn’t manage, and the placard remained essential for him to maintain some independence. I completely understand and empathize with your perspective. At the same time, I’d like to gently encourage compassion when it comes to judging others by external appearances. For instance, we drove a Mercedes SUV because that was the vehicle my father found most comfortable to go to the gym in, even though it might have appeared to others that we didn’t “need” a placard. What people couldn’t see were the days when walking even a short distance wasn’t an option for him. Thank you so much for opening this discussion - it’s an important topic that fosters the need for greater understanding. I truly hope my story resonates with you and adds another layer to this conversation.

[@RiverWoods111]

I have gone head to head with the owner of a sign business in Sacramento CA, who was constantly complaining because the ADA kept telling him to make his building, parking lot, and business accessible. He was completely pissed off, and would say things like, "Disabled people can't own businesses, and my clients are all business owners." He would also complain that they didn't have to pay for parking downtown in Sacramento. I was constantly trying to educate him, and it was a total waste of time. He also didn't like that I had a mobility service dog that kept me from falling down and would help me get up when I did.

[@RiverWoods111]

Sorry, I don't like to edit comments, and the more comments you get the better you do in the algorithm so I figure I can just make a bunch of comments instead of adding on and on to my first one.

[@KatWCPT]

“Disabled people can’t own businesses” is probably the most ableist thing I’ve heard in a long time. Yikes!! I have a disability and I’m self employed. 😂 People are so clueless sometimes…I’m glad I didn’t hear him say that.

[@Angi_Mathochist]

Disabled people can't own businesses? I don't even know how to respond to that. I can't even.

[@erinmalone2669]

Donald Trump did the same thing. He didn't want ADA compliant braille door signs. He said, something to the effect of, "blind people aren't going to be in here."😮

[@CarynGibson-ey1xn]

​@@Angi_MathochistPeople have this really dumb idea that the people who are on SSI Disability (in the US) are the only people who can be referred to as "disabled."

[@winkywrocks]

It's ridiculous. My disabled friend was in a car accident over the summer, so I had to drive him to go grocery shopping and I saw misuses of the disability spaces every single time. The ones you mentioned, idling and waiting, but also others. Taxis just sitting on breaks. Police cars. So so many. Thank goodness it's a smaller parking lot so the accessible spots weren't too different from the others, but it's really ridiculous.

[@LaBella640]

I have a functional neurological disorder and multiple brain injuries that affect my mobility, balance, and cause uncontrollable spasms. I use a walker for distances over +/-10 meters or on uneven terrain. On good days, I may not use my walker for short distances, but I still rely on my mobility pass because I only have so many steps in me before fatigue sets in and my legs can unexpectedly weaken. Unless I am experiencing spasms or using my walker, I often appear perfectly fine. Sometimes, I feel the need to use my walker to reassure others that I genuinely require the handicap pass - which is kinda sad.

[@LaBella640]

Can we also point out that when there are no accessible parking spots available, and I have to park in a regular space, there's often not enough room between cars to take out my walker!

[@chuchuboogie]

I have an invisible illness and don’t look like I would be disabled, so sometimes I fake a limp so that people will be less likely to yell at me when I use mine. It sucks.

[@elr5475]

I have multiple chronic illnesses that cause severe disabling fatigue and shortness of breath. I have a nice car because I was able to work until recently and I have a shortened life expectancy so I treated myself! When I’m having a good day I park in regular spaces but on bad days I turn around and go home if I can’t park close. I miss out on a lot of things. I’m so grateful when I’m able to get a disabled spot. I have disabled plates on my nice car.

[@jordanral7945]

Before my mother passed away from cancer, she had a handicap placard. She was missing six discs in her back and in the winter was when we used it a lot because the cold air caused her a lot of pain. We only used it in the summer and during warm weather when and if necessary so when we didn't use it, a spot that would've been taken by us was left open for someone who needed it a lot more.

[@echo62121]

This is such a frustrating issue. Not only would I NEVER as an able body person take a disability spot, I also try to park toward the middle/back of parking lots because I know there are people who may not have a placard but still need to park closer. The audacity and arrogance of people continues to astound me. Thank you for speaking on this issue.

[@thecatlimitdoesnotexist]

I’ve noticed that ever since Covid, disabled parking has disappeared/been relocated further away and been replaced with all the curbside pick up spots. It’s infuriating to me that people who don’t even want to get out of their vehicle to get their groceries get priority over people who have ACTUAL DISABILITIES! 😤🤬

[@harveyabel1354]

Hunger for a Whopper *isn't* a disability? 😝🤣

[@SuperYellowcats]

Was talking to my mom about this the other day. We were struggling to find parking at the mall and realized the previous disability parking was now curbside.

[@thecatlimitdoesnotexist]

@@SuperYellowcats like I can see it being beneficial at times for someone who has limited mobility. But a majority of people using the curbside pickup are not physically disabled and in need of a closer spot (at least from what I’ve noticed)

[@lknickerson]

THIS

[@ASLsoFine]

I can't go in a certain store because of allergy issues, stamina, and other medical issues. I look nondisabled except I use a service dog. Curbside solves it all for me. And I want these hard-working folks not to be hit by cars. But I also want disability parking to be fully accessible to anybody who needs them. I also want to be able to walk safely in a parking lot without worrying about being hit by a car, even if I don't use disability parking. Don't try to play disability police on anyone, please. Many people doing curbside pickup may be caregivers for disabled folks, or have many other legit reasons not to be in the store itself. And it IS open to anyone to use, not just the disabled.

[@tenaciouszebra5691]

I have a disability placard. I’m a 20 year old AFAB person. You can’t tell I’m disabled by looking at me at all. I look completely healthy. I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlosy Syndrome (hEDS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and many more. If you don’t know what EDS and POTS are, EDS is a connective tissue disorder that causes a lot of issues, but is most commonly known for dislocations and subluxations of the joints in your body. It causes a lot of pain. POTS causes your blood pressure to drop and heart rate to spike with positional changes, exertion, heat, and many more. You can pass out or just feel dizzy, nauseas, and exhausted. I am disabled, but I can also go on 2 mile runs, I can drive myself, I can lift heavy things, bend down, and many more. I don’t use mobility aids or braces for my joints. I use my parking pass on bad pain days or when my energy is very low. I use it to conserve my energy so I can do everything I need to. I don’t use it if I’m feeling okay or even good. I don’t use it if there’s a close spot available that isn’t disabled parking. I honestly don’t use it most of the time because I don’t need to, but I am disabled and you can’t tell at all. I’m an example of someone who has disabled parking that looks perfectly fine even to disabled people. My doctor gave me the parking pass under arthritis even though I don’t have it. EDS and POTS aren’t options for the parking pass. I hope this helps anyone who is wondering about invisible disabilities. Oh! And I’m not rich. I don’t drive a luxury car lol

[@iSheree]

I have spina bifida and other spinal issues, cancer, autoimmune disease, severe to profound hearing loss, neurological disorders, POTS, EDS, endometriosis etc over 30+ health issues as a 33 year old and no one can tell I am disabled/sick just by looking at me unless I use a wheelchair or walker. Disability is not visible until you use a mobility aid or other kind of equipment. ❤

[@itsjustusgirls1818]

I have considered getting a disability placard as I too have both POTS and EDS but I have cEDS not hEDS I have considered it because my hr will jump up to a minimum of 150 bpm just from standing up/getting out of the car and by the time I have taken four steps it will be up to about 185 bpm and it just keeps going up from there but usually it will reach it’s peak at around 195 bpm and won’t go down until I sit down but also my joints are very very loose (three months ago my fibula subluxated while grabbing an item at shoulder level at the grocery store and when it went back in place it took and trapped my fibular nerve in my joint requiring surgery and then of course with my luck I fainted three weeks post op and tore my hamstring on my surgery leg) the reason I’m sharing that much about me is do you think it would benefit me to talk to my doctor about getting a placard

[@iSheree]

@@itsjustusgirls1818 get it, why suffer? Save your energy for something important.

[@itsjustusgirls1818]

@ thank you

[@itsjustusgirls1818]

@@iSheree and I wish you well i have a very prominent family history of cancers ranging from skin to rapidyprogressive brain cancer my dream is to be a nurse working in pediatric oncology I know that would require being on my feet a lot but i want to help people fight childhood cancer my inspiration was my brothers childhood best friend who was diagnosed with cancer at 8 they gave him six weeks and he made it six years may he rest in peace 🥺🕊️

[@volcanopro7461]

I have a permanent disabled parking pass (stamped into my license plate) for my car and a placard for when I am in someone else's car. I have a rare disease and have to use a wheelchair to move around. The most frustrating thing is when someone parks on the white lines or idling behind my car. The lift for my wheelchair is in the back of my car, so I have to be able to have enough room to get to it from the sidewalk. When someone parks on the white lines, I usually have to wait until they leave. When I was in high school, parents waiting to pick up their kids would idle all in and around the disabled spots, making it impossible to get out, even though there was a kiss and ride line that they could go to. Another frustrating thing in my area, since covid, a ton of disabled spots have been turned into uber eats pick up spots. So they get rid of and push disabled spots further away from the entrances to places like malls for uber eats. At this point, if I see a spot that says uber eats but its a better location than the actual disabled spots, I'm parking in it. I've also seen electric-only disabled spots. Not only is the exploitation of disabled parking spots on a level of ignorance, but it feels like companies like uber and tesla are paying to put their costumers in more convenient at the expense of disabled people (I don't know this for sure, but the signs I'm talking about have their logos on them).

[@MimI11Butterfly]

I wish they would make it a law where you could open your accessible door no matter who was in your way. So if you have a ramp that opens on the right and someone parks to where you can't access your ramp, then you can "try" opening it and if it hits the car next to you, oh well!!!! You are protected by law!!! I'm the type of person who would video tape, and keep videoing until the person came out, or if I was stuck in my vehicle, I would video the people blocking me. Then post them. Not ever say anything. Just get their license to turn them in, over & over. Our local hospital took the parking lot for disabled drivers away and turned it into a Dr & Surgeons parking lot. Even though they had one not even 50 yards away, but it was across the little road, so now handicap have to come across the road to get to the sidewalk that goes into the hospital, the sidewalk is broken up by a drive thru area that has another parking area that is either for deliveries, other Drs or timed parking. It's INSANE!!!!!

[@vaidahk]

@@MimI11Butterfly We paid nearly 70k for our wheelchair van (over 10 years ago even), doing that would damage the ramp and then we'd be screwed, so that's not exactly something that's doable, no matter the pettiness.

[@MimI11Butterfly]

@@vaidahk I didn't think about that. Ok.....hear me out, how about some old pirate ship cannons?! I'll install them on your van myself. 😉 I joke, but I know this is a VERY serious issue. I have a placard myself and I honestly used to park in the van spaces, until someone explained it to me. I was a lot younger then but no excuse. Now I'll park in the single handicap spaces..... actually, I forget, I had my license medically suspended last Feb. I can't believe it was a year ago already. I don't park anywhere anymore. But I did stop using the van accessible spaces. I also had started to park as close to the other side of the parking space to give room Incase there was a ramp or lift that needed more space. But if you ever need me to install a couple cannons, bayonets, ew,ew how about a sideways bulldozer.....lol....give me a call!!

[@vaidahk]

@MimI11Butterfly cannons sound amazing. I'm sorry your license was suspended. :(

[@MimI11Butterfly]

@@vaidahk thanks! I it was actually suspended after a seizure, in TN, you have to go 6 months without having another one before the Dr will write a letter to Homeland to clear you. Well, I've always been an overachiever lol and in those 6 months I started losing my eye sight. I've had Diabetic Retinopathy for years but my eyes said, we're done!!! After surgery in my left eye in Sept, I haven't gotten my eye sight back, I have 2nd surgery soon, then 1st surgery on my rt eye, which I'm terrified since my left eye is no longer working. I can see out if it but not well, at least most people would say it's bad eye sight, I say it's GREAT! Compared to my left eye that looks like I'm looking through a frosted shower glass.

[@WholeFoodSpark]

It’s a big issue in Ontario. Local cops did a blitz a couple years ago and I if I recall, they took over 300 placards. Some were from relatives who had passed away, some were being used without the person in the car, and some were expired. The people who use them illegally (or those who park without a placard) are selfish and just don’t care. I had someone park in my handicap spot at my apartment one day. He had a placard but was picking someone up. I pulled up and was like hey the sign says tenant only parking!!! He shrugged and didn’t move. He actually got angry at ME for wanting to park in MY OWN SPOT! The same thing happened with my mother’s parking spot at her building. The guy was pissed he was going to get a ticket. It’s the “I’ll only be a few minutes” mentality. Drives me nuts.

[@C-G1894]

I can relate so much to your frustration! I'm disabled (AuDHD, with chronic pain and fatigue), and I live in France, in an apartment. We have a small private parking lot, but the company owning the building didn't put any barrier. They just painted "private parking" on the ground and put numbers in front of the spots. Our building and parking are right at the the fence of a post-op clinic. The clinic have their own free parking inside, with disability spots just in front of the clinic's doors. Also, around the clinic and our building, there are other free public parking lots. Even with all this, if we let the three disability spots of our private parking available, you can bet people who aren't from our building will park there. They don't even have the disability placard. They just see empty spots and park there, without even checking if the clinic's parking is full or not (it is NEVER full). Every single day, we have to stop them to park at our spots (disability spots or not), we tell them there's a parking inside the perimeter of the clinic, and often have to force them to leave our private parking. A lot of them are giving the "I'm just visiting my mom, I won't stay long!" excuse, thinking it's somehow okay. It's been almost ten years, and my mom is so fed up, she now threatens to empty their tires if they aren't compliant right away. At first, we tried to put a sign that said "private parking, apartments only", thinking maybe people were confused, since our private parking is really close to the clinic, but someone kept throwing the sign away. Even calling the cops didn't stop anything. The only solution we found was to make sure the disability spots are always taken by someone from our building. This way, when our disabled neighbors who really need them come back, they can message the ones on the spots to come down and let them take the place. Most people don't realize disability "privileges" aren't just convenient for disabled people, they can also be a matter of accessibility and safety. One of my neighbor is in wheelchair, the other one walk with crutches. They can't use their designated parking spot that goes with their apartment, because it's either too small, or too far from the entrance. They really, really need the disability ones!

[@yamitsukikarasu8857]

It's nice to see people who care enough about their neibhors that they'll make an effort to secure them the dissability spots. You are good people.

[@Breathefreemylove]

I had no idea that people bought fake disability placards.... that’s a new low for humanity. People who do that should go to prison for at least a year.

[@Swiftie4Life-b2i]

I started watching your channel when I was 16, I’m 25 now and wanted to say I’ve learned and grown so much from watching your videos Molly.

[@hvfnorth2628]

Preach, sister! I am disabled, live in North Carolina, and have had a parking pass for over 5 years. Saturday, I went to a restaurant where there are 4 spaces designated for handicapped parking. The restaurant had signs in front of 2 of them designated as "pick up order parking." What WERE they THINKING!?! I'm going to report them to the City today.

[@judyguadalupe]

My mom has Parkinson’s and we have yet to get her placard because she says she doesn’t need it , yet. I think that’s the issue. Sometimes those that need it power through to not be a “burden” and those that take advantage don’t give a shit. So frustrating.

[@irhonda31]

I know at least four people who have legitimate placards and they do not need them. They hounded their doctor into giving them one for convenience, or they had a problem in the past, but have now recovered, and are still using them. It really bothers me. Years ago, when my grandmother was ill and I had to take her to appointments, I realized how important it was to have disability parking spaces available for DISABLED people. I would never have parked in one of those spaces anyway, but that really brought it home.

[@MycThePoet]

Yep. I have a neighbor doing the same thing! She's got stuff for TWO cars. Prior to harassing me she would park across the street. She got the second car to take over the street parking. She doesn't use it and it just stays parked.

[@tarynriver]

Which is crazy because my dad does need one and it was so hard for him to get one he has a tear in his hip I think due to arthritis that flares up and he can barley walk

[@MycThePoet]

@@tarynriver that makes me so angry for your dad!

[@tarynriver]

@@MycThePoet thanks he had a temporary one because of a heart surgery and he asked if it was possible to get one because of his hip and they were reluctant to give it to him he like I literally am walking with a cane and in so much pain it’s ridiculous.

[@Meghan1042]

You should totally make a podcast! I would listen all the time

[@RockinRita03]

Likewise

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

It's a tough situation. I have a friend who has cystic fibrosis. On the outside, she looks young & healthy. She gets confronted all the time. To make matters worse, she often has to wear a mask & now thanks tofovid, she gets yelled at about that.

[@CatherineDupuis87]

My mother has had a placard for most of my life, and now my husband has one. Both use mobility aids. The amount of people who have yelled at me (I am disabled but not the type that necessitates a placard) for being with them is astounding, so I am also reluctant to call out "fakers" just in case they aren't. Another frustrating story: I work at a community college and the campus police blocked access to the parking lot on one side of the building, including the accessible parking spaces. It took a Title IX complaint to get them to stop doing it.

[@ytdcp1984]

Some of my worst parking experiences have been as a college student. I've lost count of how many times I've missed class entirely or shown up late and bloody because disabled parking was blocked off for some event or security reason, or just full of cars without disabled placards, so I had to park across campus. I'm glad the problem at your school was resolved. Wish it hadn't required Title IX. You'd think the police would act better.

[@beththebubbly69]

not parking but community colleges are so bad about access. my accessibility team had to fight with residence life because my first year they closed the only accessible bathrooms on my floor because able bodied students were getting sick and not cleaning up after themselves??? which?? is a separate problem and disabled students shouldnt be punished for!

[@SuperYellowcats]

Yeah I often get nasty looks are accused of being a faker. Even friends with casually refer to me as a faker knowing full well I’m disabled. My university thankfully has a ton of disability parking it makes getting to classes so much easier. I don’t drive so I get dropped off but we use the spaces to pick me up and drop me off so I limit my walking.

[@CatherineDupuis87]

@ I'd like to think mine is one of the good ones, but that's because I work in Disability Services.

[@wandagreer2551]

I have CHF, CKD, and have been visually impaired for over 20 years. I got my placard with my CHF diagnosis. When it's hot, I have trouble walking from diability parking to the door. (Texas resident) I also have knee problems that require me to wear heels of 3 inches minimum. I definitely don't look disabled unless you recognize the white cane as a blindness marker. Most people don't even notice it, much less know what it means. There is definitely a "deserve it" bias, and if you don't look "disabled enough" to the Karen or Richard, you will be accosted. Disabled or not, THEY deserve that spot more than you do. Keep being Molly. We love you for your passion.

[@Blahblahblah38999]

I've said for years that driving fines should be based on income not a Baseline fines.

[@megankidd4671]

like taxes, I think thats a really good idea.

[@lijntje266]

germany actually does that :P america has to many ultra rich people like trump in power so they dont want to do that

[@valcomments3045]

YES YES YES!!!!!

[@thesweetlalaby]

Facts. But then there are people who know how to abuse the system. On section 8, welfare, and driving fannnncy luxury cars.

[@BlueMagenta]

Yes or based on the price of the car

[@rusand23]

Molly, you are so valid in your anger and frustrations! There are so many horrible and entitled people who think they can just park wherever they want or have fake documentation for their dogs to show they are service dogs so they can bring them wherever they want. I had a friend who had a boyfriend with a legitimate disability, and had a service dog. He did have an invisible disability. I’m not quite sure why on one particular night he was without his service dog, and my friend was taking care of him, but she didn’t want to miss out on a night out at the bar, so brought the service dog with her. Point blank said they can’t kick him out because he’s a service dog. But he was not HER service dog. She completely abused the system so she can bring the dog out so she wouldn’t miss a night out! 🤦‍♀️😡😡 I was younger at the time I did remember thinking it was kind of gross that she would do that, but didn’t really make a big deal about it at that time or suggest that we leave. I didn’t really like confrontation 😔I truly regret not having spoken up about it at that time. Needless to say, she is a now FORMER friend!!!

[@pennysyogaexperience6959]

I got my disable parking two years ago because parking lots are not safe for my guide dog and I. I felt guilty at first, however it has been a god send for feel safe walking as a blind person. I think it is terrible that this is going on that people cheat and take places from people that need it . Thank you for talking about this. As a blind person my partner drives me. Maybe you could ask the management to put up signs to remind people that the spots are needed, granted hat may help the more honest people. I love walking and training with my guide, so I never use the disability parking if we can park on the street and have safe access to the building we are waking up to. Thank you for bringing this to the public.

[@sophiahenderson2516]

Thank you for this. I have had my placard in California since I was in my teens and have an invisible disability. I’ve also had multiple surgeries which have required a good amount of metal in my body. During the winter, I have extremely hard time walking far distances and often need to use my pass and in the summer when the heat is bad, I have a condition that causes me to not be able to stand or walk for long periods of time. I only try to use it when I need it and the fear around using it is immense. Seeing all these people with fake passes or no passes is extremely frustrating. I live in an area where there is a lot of wealth and I am constantly finding the same thing with space is being full.

[@Lolalalama]

Research studies have found some connections between wealth and a lack of empathy/altruism/compassion for others (which by no means suggests that this applies to every person who has wealth - more so points to a general pattern). Super disappointing and inexcusable behavior for a non-disabled person to exploit resources for people with disabilities.

[@flagerdevil]

Well, because most often you have to prioritize money over people in order to get wealthy in the first place. They should seriously loose their license for parking illegally in a disability parking spot - or at least when they have a fake disability card too!

[@JessicaPradoHanson]

There are two ways to get rich I observed growing up a millionaire- some create true value and make the world a healthier place. Others pretend to do that as they harm you in a spectrum of ways including evolving slavery. Those people lack empathy and end up fighting with those who actually create value. They hate us because we are what they pretend to be. -my family has been fighting over this since before they came to the USA and fought on both sides of the civil war for and against slavery. So many rich people lack empathy and some have more than most people but our side seems to be losing at the moment.

[@portlandgirlx0x096]

15:09 . Everybody that came today was disabled. 🤔 That was beyond suspicious! So frustrating!😾

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

I had a neighbor who was ambulatory, but did have a disability. I used a motorized wheelchair at times. She consistently parked half on the access aisle. Its bad enough when people do that because they need space on the other side of the car (instead of backing in so the access aisle is on the needed side), but she didn't need extra space and kept blocking my wheelchair until she got a note apologizing for the damage to her car by a pedestrian using the access aisle (which was also the walking path for everyone else) trying to move a large object through, but was obstructed by her illegally parked car. The note was fake, but she learned her lesson.

[@Noemie_Robidoux]

I have the same struggle with bathrooms. I never comment on people coming out of one and ''not looking'' disabled, but most time... my gut tells me they didn't need it, but I think to myself, if they were in ''the wrong'' they will feel bad about it. Parking is more difficult. I always try to have eye contact with people pârking or waiting in a spot when I get out of my car, as if telling them, you see, we exist, we use those spots... but it's tricky, I feel you. I do my best to educate people around me about it

[@sweetsanddandy8639]

The accessible bathroom stalls are just that-accessible. They're not "reserved" just for the disabled.

[@SecretButterflyGarden]

​@@sweetsanddandy8639 They usually have a changing table, easier for mothers with children, the only stall open, helpful for people with anxiety, etc.

[@vinc885]

Can't speak for the US, but in Europe they kinda are. Thre are still some that include the only changing tables, so parents use them too. But besides the social rule and common sense and decency enforceing this, some have acess keys, that you can apply for.

[@RoseyPosiePie]

The least surprising thing to me is that these cars belong to rich people with expensive cars. Nobody else would rather break the law to not spend money.

[@sosaman1vlogs571]

I have a disability, it's amazing to me how many people have stopped and confronted me about it. I even had someone follow me into the bathroom. Forced his way into my stall. Once he saw my leg, he was like my bad. And during this he had called the police. The police didn't believe me either till I showed them my leg.

[@AliFinNoble]

As someone who is also a people pleaser because of trauma and disability I prefers to deescalate situations. BUT You can absolutely deescalate a situation without also pleasing these bad people making you feel this way. It's only something I've learned in my 30s, it takes time but you can always stand your ground and deescalate a situation safety. I think all women should take de-escalation classes, it helped me feel more in control

[@tina4292]

There is definitely a lot of nuance needed for these topics. I'm a part time wheelchair user. My PCP and rheumatologist prescribed me a custom wheelchair, like a $10k wheelchair that my insurance paid for after all the paperwork was put in to prove my need for it and everything. Neither of those doctors will provide me with a permanent placard. I have been having to get new temp placards every 6 months for 6 years and I have to pay for them every single time. Making placards harder to get is definitely not it. Also many conditions that don't seem like they would affect mobility definitely do. Hard to manage asthma can be exacerbated by exercise and cause dizziness, weakness, and even fainting. People with neurological conditions may go in walking fine and come out struggling because it's episodic in nature. People with hemiplegic migraines can lose the ability to walk on the onset of one, with or without pain so they may not even realize it's happening. However, it is suspicious that a bunch of high end cars are always parking there and I will agree with you there. I personally feel like most places need more parking for disabled people but idk that that would ever happen, nor do I know if it would help the problem. And it is definitely like the SD issue for sure. It just really sucks that this is a thing we have to deal with.

[@robertamiller864]

I live in North Dakota. I have handicap license plates on our car. My partner has back problems. When he walks he looks like he has no disabilities. He can walk to far without pain. I do at times use a cane, walker. I also have a service dog that helps me with balance problems. I have nerve issues and can't feel my feet. Some days I can walk fine. On good days we sometimes park in a regular spot and let someone else that needs it more than I. I have been watching this problem since the 1980s before I was disabled. I understand how you feel.

[@ChubbyChic]

I have severe fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and lipedema. I’ve struggled with these my entire adult life. However I never got a disability placard until I was in a bad car accident and now can’t walk without a walker. I felt that despite my invisible disabilities I could still manage and there were people out there that absolutely needed a designated spot more than me. After my accident I now can’t walk without a walker so not having a spot near my destination can literally send me back home without leaving my car. It drives me CRAZY when I see people park in disabled parking and hop out of their car and sprint into whatever place they are going especially in bad weather. You are completely valid in your feelings and I 100% agree with you.

[@livingthedashoflife]

👋🏻 Invisible illness here.....Here in Canada it's tough to get a parking pass without all the paperwork. I also have an invisible illness so have been called out. I usually hit them with "Talk to my transplant doctor or talk to my heart doctor etc..." not everyone is physically disabled... Here in Canada I rarely see luxury cars but am not surprised that there are luxury cars in LA. There definitely is a higher chance that people have luxury vehicles in LA vs here where I live so I definitely wouldn't judge just based on a vehicle. Some people also have their disabled placard as a sticker on the license plate. I definitely get your anger though.

[@chronicallygilliann]

This!!

[@brittssleepsaround]

I've got Narcolepsy & a Service Dog. If I don't have my dog with me, some would assume I'm not even disabled.

[@gretchenrose8869]

Me and my friend parked the other day without noticing it was a disabled spot at first. We got out and immediately moved the car when we noticed. Five seconds later someone without a pass parked there and stayed there. It's wild that two high school girls knew the right thing to do and a grown man didn't

[@angiemarquez06]

I also have a disabled parking pass and it’s kind of frustrating when the spots are being used by non-disabled people because I have a hard time walking long distances

[@chronicallygilliann]

Yep yep!

[@pawprints1986]

But if it came to a yes or no, you can walk. That's the issue I'm taking with this video. I have a valid pass, but to glance at me parking there and going into a store I "look fine" as I'm the only one living inside of my body Nobody sees when you go home and can't do anything else cuz you've used all your spoons doing that errand *with* the close parking accommodation...

[@kellymabel3576]

@@pawprints1986this! I can walk but I can’t walk much (me/cfs/pots) and there are some days where it’s use my spoons up for walking around the store or walking to and from the car. I can’t do both some days and if I do, I’m bedridden for weeks at a time to the point I need someone to carry me to and from the bathroom. Just because someone looks like they can walk doesn’t mean they don’t pay for it later.

[@juliechlebovska1838]

YES!!! THIS!!! IT HEATS ME UP SOOO MUCH! My husband is a quadruplegic and what we often struggle with is, someone blocks his car by parking too close, not respecting the whole parking spot, which means that the path in between his car and that other car is too narrow and he cannot get through and inside that car! So somone else needs to get in his car and move it for him so that he's got room to get to the car or he can't go at all (for ex to his work or doctor!!!) Also, I NEVER use his card, when he's not in the car!!

[@erinmalone2669]

If you see a shopping center where disabled parking abuse is a problem, contact the management and call them out on social media. Make the problem known to those who have the power! All of us, disabled or not, should demand better of each other in regard to decency and the social contract!

[@therawler8]

I live in Alberta and my brother, mom, and I all have RP and in Alberta blind people are not eligable for a disabled parking pass. This is so frustrating and I really wish that at the very least my mom could have a parking pass. The ice is so dangerous for us in the winter and she has fallen a few times in the past couple of years.

[@cindycameron3539]

I agree...my child has a vision disability and they would not give hime one for that..but when we added his other diagnosis of cerebral palsy, developmental disability, etc it was easy. That makes no sense to me.

[@therawler8]

@ Sorry to hear you were having trouble getting one too! I'm happy you were able to get one for him at least :)

[@jeniferalvarez2914]

Thank you so much for talking about the struggles we, disabled people deal with in a daily basis! I’ve bad so many issues with people just parking in disability or blocking the parking spots! It’s infuriating! I cannot walk far due to severe chronic pain in the low back, hips, knees, legs, ankles and feet. It’s infuriating that people just don’t care that they are hindering us from being able to do the things that we need to do! 😡

[@auntielhandmade2099]

Rheumatoid arthritis here, i have had a placard for a while, before i started using mobility aids. I looked fine, but pain in my feet and ankles made walking distances difficult. Now i need a leg brace to support my foot so that i don't fall. Again it doesnt show when i am wearing a long dress or pants

[@shelleylynn3033]

Legistration suggestion: Start making digital Handicap license based on plate number. Have cars towed at owners expense for violation. Repeat offenders will have license suspended.

[@LauraNanoVargas]

I work at a laundromat. We have 2 disability parking spots. Literally all able bodied people use them because they're closest to the doors and it gets me very mad. People are so inconsiderate.

[@annepeterson3626]

I’m so sorry this is happening. Thank you for sharing your experience! Admittedly, this is something as an able bodied person that I have not thought about. How frustrating!

[@dawdly]

That's so frustrating. People should not be abusing the system in place that provides accessibility to the disabled community.

[@AdelMyBell]

My grandma carries hers in her purse. She is 83 and can't drive, she falls. When family gives her rides we all pull it out.

[@Worldwheelchairwarriors]

Call the non-emergency police number and speak to the managers of the businesses. The police can scan the numbers, and it usually does NOT show up on their database.

[@sandy.art.lapetitedoe2301]

Same here-I deal with this in Texas. I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user, and 95% of the time when I'm out, I need my wheelchair. The only exceptions are short trips to shallow stores and where I know I'll be sitting the entire time. When accessible parking spots are taken, I'm often forced to take a more dangerous route to get where I need to go, which is incredibly frustrating.

[@bunnyslittlespace9811]

we used to have a Burger King in my hometown and they would always leave the bins in the disabled parking spot, I’d always complain about it and tell them they needed to move it and they never did. It was incredibly frustrating

[@Hey_im_Viv]

Thank you for this video! I live in The Netherlands and I have a disability card. In NL there is a code linked to your card that police can check to see if it's an active card or not. The biggest problem here is people parking without a card and there not being anyone who cares to check and tow or write fines AND aggression. I have a variety of invisible illnesses, but the ones that limit me most are Ehlers Danlos, Fibromyalgia and Crohn's. I usually use my wheelchair, but that won't be visible until I get out. Often times even before getting out of the car, someone already approaches me to curse or yell at me, because I don't like disabled. I'm also a people pleaser and I have experienced this so many times I am afraid to use my card when I'm by myself. On very good days I can walk or use my stroller, but it is still vital that I have close parking to make sure I can get to the car quickly to grab my wheelchair or stroller in case I need it or to get home or to a store quickly when my crohn is flaring. Is there a way you can get this video to a newsoutlet?

[@Cagurachan]

I am the mom of two Autistic boys. Want to start by saying my kids don't look Autistic despite one being a lvl2. I have been told by our pediatrician that I can acquire a disability placard for my son because he is an elopement risk. Problem is that I would feel guilty using it because he is only an elopement risk during a meltdown and I never know when that will happen. However, he has had many meltdowns where he has run directly into traffic in busy parking lots. During those meltdowns I kind of wished we had a disability card so I could get him to safety faster than If we are far away and I have to try and get a kid in the middle of a meltdown to a safe place. I do know some parents with ASD kids do get the placard for this reason, so if you see a parent with a kid who may look normal at the time, maybe this is why (and in many cases can be completely invisible until its not).

[@phoenixdiamondsandcrafts2126]

As I watch your video I completely understand your frustration. I have an invisible disability. I have Psoriatic arthritis and there are days I do not need to use my plaque because it is a good day, but then there are days I have to use it. I look young and will get dirty looks when I get out of the car. I have my hip fused and multiple knee surgeries. I won’t use it on good days because I feel there are people that need it more than I do. Thank you for bring this to people’s attention. As my disease gets worse but it still may be invisible.

[@foreversweaterweather]

Absolutely infuriating. Just disgusting selfish ridiculous behavior. I wish the fine for using one when you don't need it was way bigger and more enforced.

[@gabyfaye3219]

I relate to so many of these comments. I was at a concert venue and to park in handicap they make you prove you have a handicap placard and it is registered to the person and vehicle being used. The female security guard proceeded to tell my friend it was expired (it was not for at least a few years…) and question why we even needed that spot to begin with…. I’m paralyzed from the waist down and so I’m a full time wheelchair user. After several minutes of fighting back and forth we did finally give up and tried to just get back in the car and drive away. She decided to charge at my friend once we finally did get parked. The rest of the security (where male) saw what happen and proceeded to tell the women to back off and defend us and say it wasn’t worth it and let it go. We called the next day and filed a complaint and they told us she has been taken care of. We been back a few times since but that specific security guard we never have seen again.

[@garrison9862]

I have Pots Syndrome, and it causes my heart to flutter sometimes if I walk too far or am just stressed in general. Sometimes it’ll just happen for no reason at all. When my heart start to flutter I have a panic attack, and when I have a panic attack my heart starts to flutter even more and it feeds off itself. I’m a young guy who looks not disabled. I’ve never actually had someone say anything to me about parking in a disabled space, and I’ve been doing it for probably 3 or 4 years now.

[@maddierivers485]

I work with a wheelchair user and drive their accessible van with a ramp. We were at the park on a walk and when we came back to the car someone was parked in the blocked off lined spot next to us blocking the space where the ramp comes out. The van also has a sign on it asking people not to park next to us. I had to leave the individual outside by themselves and move the car in order to get her in the car. I can’t believe someone would have the audacity to do that and it frustrated me so much for her and her family

[@angelwolfpup5928]

Here in Iowa, I have so many people parking either in the lines or just parking without a pass. I am a part-time wheelchair user and do not always use/need my wheelchair, but I will always have mobility issues. That being said even on my good days I still use disabled parking because that good day can turn bad quickly, and it could be a day I am walking around without my wheelchair. My service dog is almost always with me unless she's not feeling good, but I will still use disability parking because I like to have enough of a safe space to load and unload her from my car.

[@SilverRose142]

I recently got a placard for parking. I am a college student and my campus is very inaccessible without the placard. And without a placard from the state I couldn’t get a school one to be able to park on campus during the day. Even on my good days where I might not need it I have to use it or I will risk injury or spend energy I don’t have. Sometimes tho I will use my crutch more than necessary just because I fear getting yelled at for using my disabled pass on one of my better days where I’m not clearly injured. Off campus I only use it when there are no nearby spots.

[@dawnfurlong1797]

I'm not disabled but it is my pet hate people parking in disabled spots !! ... I think it's a problem all over the world as I'm in ireland...... love you and your content ❤️ 💕

[@pluto.not.the.planet]

I have POTS, EDS, and FND. I use my placard all the time because of chronic pain, fatigue and a bunch of other stuff. Because i use a cane, rollator, and or a service dog most of the time i wouldn’t completely say i have an invisible disability. But the thing about people with chronic illnesses/ invisible disabilities is that they are only invisible to the untrained eye. Most people with invisible disabilities are always in pain or have some kind of symptom that shows in some way sometimes you just have to pay attention.

[@katrabbit]

Never in my life have I or anyone I know parked in a spot reserved for persons with disabilities. I get HORRIFIED when I have to use the wheelchair accessible stall in the bathroom when I'm about to wet myself, and I rush like crazy because the thought of opening the door and seeing someone waiting for me who can't use any other stall is just.. 😫 I'll never be able to wrap my mind around people who do that just willy nilly.

[@amillionago4466]

As a wheelchair user, I officially give you permission to use the accessible stall if all the other stalls are full.

[@cadensnow10]

I have a disability where some days I use mobility aids and some days I am just invisibly disabled, my main issue is fatigue, so I always will use a spot even on my good days because limiting my time walking will decrease my likelihood of having a flare up. There are also days where when every spot is taken I either have to wait for a spot to open, or not go into the place. Which when it’s my university to attend classes that’s a challenge

[@C2R1]

I have a pass and honestly I’m scared of someone coming up to me and yelling I shouldn’t be parking there. My mobility sucks and I’m currently being tested for multiple sclerosis, you said the frustration correctly why do so many have passes? I ran in to a person I went to school with and we got on to the topic of passes and her husband has snapped his achilles tendon and how they’ve been using her mother’s disabled pass for months and now have a right to use it, but they shouldn’t have been using it before. The one thing you didn’t mention (and for obvious reasons) but the way people park in disabled spaces are crazy. I need space to be able to get in and out of the car but they take it as a massive space! Be petty girl be petty

[@amiliastorm]

I really appeicate how you are so passionate about defending the invisably disabled users. My mom had a disablity placard for a year due to a blood clot in her leg, nothing was visably wrong but she really did need the space. Its so frustrating that people take advantage of that though.

[@TuggerAbbey]

Since Covid they have taken away more than half of the handicapped spots in order to put their pick up spots instead! It makes me so angry! Now I can never find a spot. Another issue I find is that stores block parts of the disabled spots with their displays, making it difficult for people in wheelchairs to get out of their vehicles! Another is giving spots to police officers or pregnant women. So, they give our spaces away to able bodied people.

[@shespeex8413]

Here to say three things. 1) I hear you and see your struggle. Feeling safe is a universal need, and I wish the public in general had more practice at empathy for their fellow human. It is a scary world as a sighted person, and I am losing my vision slowly. I am learning so much from you. 2) I am also disabled (multiple issues including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a degenerative musculoskeletal genetic condition affecting my joints, eyes, heart, skin, and digestive system) and it looks invisible on good days; the number of times I’ve been told off for using the state issued, handicapped pass… it’s upsetting. I intentionally only use the disabled spots when I really need it because I know there are less than the necessary amount in many places for my state. Also, people don’t know the many “hoops” we must jump through with doctor visits just to re-certify this condition to the state. I would prefer an option for a renewal that doesn’t require this, but I will follow the rules because it’s often the only way I can go out and participate in daily life. I have kids who have activities, friends, and they shouldn’t continue to miss out because I can’t get them to a location. 3) In California, you can submit a request for a private location to add a crosswalk for the transfer area between the “regular pay parking” and the gym. It’s done in writing to the management company of the location and also to the local government body, depending if it’s in a city limits, county, etc. My family did this successfully in a parking lot in West Hills, and the company responded so positively to the request for more safety for patrons. It was a small amount of work, think 1/2 page essay on the need, your suggestion for a remedy, and specifics on where the change would be best from your perspective. For example, “Would you please consider creating a crosswalk between this foot path and this section of the garage. Signs to watch for pedestrians and or a pressure button to light up crossing signs would be an appreciated bonus feature, as it would offer me an extra feeling of safety and extra visibility for drivers entering your premises.” The company basically thanked us for doing the work they would have needed to hire multiple survey teams to understand. Now, they had a proposed solution that could simply be verified for code and safety with the proper state agencies, etc. Sending you a respectful electronic hug, 🫂 and knowledge you are not alone in your struggles, though we all have different seats in this rollercoaster of life.

[@brittssleepsaround]

Ive been fighting with my city and local authorities over people blocking sidewalks with vehicles, as in their car doesnt fit in their driveway or they arent pulling all the way in. People are entitled "its part of my driveway" or "just go around"... I've had cops argue with me too!! I used to just walk around-- until my service dog and I were almost hit by a large truck.

[@LisaBarlow-h2u]

Molly you are so right. I have a powerchair and a ramp van and I have two little kids. And I'm always trying to sell the fact that all these people have invisible disabilities while my kids lament them running across the street. My daughter is always trying to argue the implausible ratios of 99% of people with tags having invisible disabilities. I know I'm super lucky to even have a van, and because I don't drive myself I'm always in a situation where someone can drop me off and double back, but I do just want to stop people and ask them if they understand how much work it takes for us to just exist in this space.

[@ashleygiebler3578]

My dad has a disability placard. Both my mom and I have 1 in our cars since he can’t drive any more. He has neuropathy and can’t feel from his calves down. He uses a cane when he walks, has type 2 diabetes and is a major fall risk. He falls on average 1-2 times a week. When my co-workers found out I have a disability placard in my car they tried to get me to use it when we went out for lunch. They were SHOCKED when I refused. I would NEVER use his placard without him in the car. I was also appalled that my co-workers thought it was okay to use the placard, especially considering we are Special Education Teachers. They should 100% know better since we teach child with disabilities for a living.

[@emilydavidson50]

I worked in a mid-sized company with a private garage. Spaces were limited, so only employees with enough seniority got to park there. I knew that despite the 3 disabled parking spots, that there was only 1 disabled person with access to the garage. I still couldn’t bring myself to use one of those spots, even knowing that I wasn’t taking it from someone with a true need! I can’t imagine doing it in public. The audacity!

[@moreanimals6889]

Call, the local news and the Mayor. That is how bad it is.

[@luv2icesk8lots]

The mayor of LA is a waste of space imo. Also, right now she is dealing with the aftermath of part of her city burning to the ground, so I’m sure she has more pressing things to tend to than disabled parking ab*se (which is definitely needing to be addressed!).

[@ChromeSkeletons]

This is a complicated issue and I applaud you for raising it in all it's messiness. Growing up with two disabled parents, we often had to turn around and go home if there was no accessible parking when we arrived somewhere so I am very sensitive to people who don't need it taking those spots. I also have an invisible disability (hypermobile EDS) and resulting chronic pain and chronic fatigue. It's completely invisible but leaves me dynamically disabled where some days I am able to walk completely fine and other days I only have a limited number of steps and I need to conserve them to get me through the day. I have a disabled parking pass but never, ever take the disabled spot when there is one available which is within my ability to walk from. Many people with dynamic disabilities are not as conscientious and will park there even when they don't really need to out of convenience and that is another issue. I think the passes are given out pretty liberally in California, perhaps there should be some education that is required in order to recieve the pass teaching people not to use it when not necessary I don't have an answer to the issue, I think we should absolutely call out and educate people who have no reason to use disabled spaces through advocacy online, videos like this, campaigns, etc. but to not go up to people irl and confront or shame them because there are tons of reasons people might need those spaces which you can't see

[@charliee769]

Was at the beach the other day. Someone was ranting, saying all the surfers and horse trailers were taking up spaces which disabled drivers need. Like complaining about the distances left and right to the cars next to them. Like the point of disabled spaces isn't so your trailer will fit in a spot it's so car doors can be opened wide for access.