All About Disabled Parking Placards

Why Should You Get a Disabled Parking Placard? Handicapped parking is one of the more controversial issues in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. Many people have mixed feelings about the need to park in designated parking spaces that offer some level of increased access to public and private facilities. The social stigma and lack of understanding from others can make the decision to obtain a disabled parking permit a difficult one. While I’ve never been subject to insensitive comments — “but you don’t LOOK disabled” or “you really shouldn’t be parking there” — I do remember considering whether getting a permit might be a good idea or not. I had only been diagnosed with MS for about one year and was managing my limitations well, but I knew that it would be easier to get around if I had one. When I first mentioned it to my neurologist, he didn’t seem to seriously consider that I needed one.

But during an appointment only a few months later, he changed his mind. I described to my doctor how I had “tried to walk on air” by stepping off a curb and falling flat on my face in a parking lot outside of a Mexican restaurant. The food in my take-out box was miraculously spared, but my ego and knees were bruised. After this incident, I was more conscious of carefully watching my feet when I walked. That became a habit my physical therapist helped me to (mostly) break years later when I underwent balance/vestibular retraining. When I told my neurologist about this particularly spectacular fall, he asked me questions related to mobility. Had I fallen any other time? Yes, I had tripped up my stairs by catching my feet on the front of the steps. Was it difficult to walk for farther distances? Yes, my legs would get really heavy and feel sluggish. My neurologist suggested that as winter approached, sidewalks and parking lots would become more dangerous. My doctor didn’t want me to be or create a safety hazard by slipping and falling into the street or in front of a car in a parking lot.

He wanted me to get a disabled parking permit and retrieved an application he signed in the office. One person mentioned that his/her neurologist initiated the discussion about disabled parking when they were diagnosed with MS. One person mentioned that “parking was nearly impossible where I worked” and thus needed a permit. Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) establishes criteria for disabilities that qualify for disabled parking permits — for example, reduced mobility, impaired vision, or limited respiratory or cardiac function. People with MS who have a qualifying disability can often apply for a disabled parking permit with the assistance of their doctor. The requirements for permit renewal differ by state as well. Some states and the District of Columbia require a new medical certification form with each renewal application, while others such as Virginia do not. Some states, such as Texas, also require that you submit a copy of the original permit application with your renewal application. Permits are issued as a placard/hangtag or special handicapped license plate (only for permanent disabilities). The advantage of a hangtag is its portability and association with the person not the vehicle. Your DMV may also issue a card to carry in your wallet that verifies the validity of your disabled parking permit. The easiest way to locate the requirements specific to your state is to search “disabled parking permit” plus the name of your state or district. Living with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid Arthritis, Lisa Emrich is an award-winning, passionate patient advocate, health writer, classical musician, and backroad cyclist. Her stories inspire others to live better and stay active. Lisa is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers. Lisa frequently works with organizations in support of better policies, patient-centered research, and research funding. Lisa serves on HealthCentral’s Health Advocates Advisory Board, and is a Social Ambassador for the MSHealthCentral Facebook page.

One space exists on Haviland Street, near the intersection of Hemenway Street. Two more exist in front of 15 Hemenway Street. One space exists where St. Cecilia Street intersects with Boylston Street. Two spaces exist where Massachusetts Avenue intersects with Boylston Street, next to the old bank building. All of these spaces are conveniently located within a short distance from the BPC. Please obey all posted signs. Due to street cleaning, public events, snow emergencies, or construction, the availability and accessibility status of any given space is subject to change without notice. Orchestra Right, Rows A and B: There is room for one wheelchair and one companion in this area. This location is on level ground; however, the floor leading to the seats is on an incline. Orchestra Right, Rows Q and R: There is room for one wheelchair and one companion in this area. This location is on level ground; however, the floor leading to the seats is on an incline.

The rear orchestra where the floor levels off (Rows JJ-LL left, right, and center): these seats are on level ground, and there is no incline. The seating in all these areas is made up of movable cushioned chairs, some with armrests and some without. Tickets for this section are reserved for people with disabilities until no two adjacent seats are available for public sale at the given price level. Even then, seats in this section are released sporadically, so there are accessible seats held until all other seats in the theater are sold out. See "Accessible Ticket Purchasing Information" for details on how these seats may be purchased. There is a large cross aisle in front of Row S in the orchestra. A number or these seats are available for sale through regular ticket purchasing means (the BPC box office, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, and online). A limited number of these seats are held for people who need seats with extra leg room or room to maneuver. There are also a limited number of aisle seats with movable arm rests, which can be lifted to allow for additional room.