Blue Badge Rule Change To Allow For People With Hidden Disabilities

[Deskdiary]

Do people who are anxious really need to be able to park a bit closer to the shops?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/29/parking-permits-extended-people-hidden-disabilities/

[spathiphyllum]

Dementia doesn't even compare with anxiety though does it?

[spathiphyllum]

"so let’s advertise the fact with purple parking spaces. "

If people are ashamed of their conditions that's not my problem. They need to either, use the facilities provided to benefit them, or don't. It's that simple. I'm not shaming anyone, an i'm sure no blue badge holder feels shamed by blue badge parking, so why should it be any different?

[sunny-dave]

“it’s that simple” - oh dearie me - there’s only one simple thing in this discussion, spath, and that is you.

Your lack of insight and empathy beggars belief.

[NellieMay]

Ummm, I know. I don't drive any more though. I wouldnt be a safe driver now, so stopped a year ago for the sake of the public ;o). What I was getting at was that because there are never any spaces in the hospital carpark, hubby takes me, drops me off and then searches for a parking space, which doesn't have to be a disabled space. Before I stopped driving I still needed him to drive me because unless I have a wide space in order to get in and out, I wasn't able to park anywhere. I am not obese, by they way! Back hip and pelvic problems means really restricted mobility. Hospital is 30miles away!

[spathiphyllum]

Dave, I see no difference (from the drivers perspective) from parking in a purple space or a blue badge space, and if it affects them that much, you know.. not wanting people to think they can park in a special spot due to their condition, then don't.. park in a regular bay.

[gness]

Spath....you do know that anxiety and panic in different situations are two of the early signs of some types of dementia?

People being ashamed of their conditions is not your problem. That is one of the nastiest things I have read on this site.
It tells me so much about you....you are the one who should be ashamed for posting that.

[Mamyalynne]

Some very disappointing and blinkered replies on this, many conditions and disabilities only become apparent in the way they affect all aspects of life when you are actually in the tick of them - either as the one who has the disability or the one who cares.

Armchair critics rarely have much of a clue.

I have never applied for the Blue Badge I am entitled to and continue to pay my way or rely on family to do likewise. I'm not sure why but I made my choice.

My late husband had one for a couple of years and used it a scant handful of times.

[spathiphyllum]

Fine. I've said my peace if people are getting emotive i'll leave. I'd hate to make more people cry.

Couple weeks half the car park will be blue because there certainly isn't enough blue spaces at the moment for all the depressed anxious millennial's out here. Let alone those who actually need them.

[sherrardk]

Spath, normally I let your asinine remarks just pass me by but your complete lack of empathy just leaves me stunned.

[spathiphyllum]

Urm.. OK?? I'm not sure what else you want me to say.

[NellieMay]

Temporary blue badges would be a great idea guess. I have often wondered why this is not an option.

Whilst I don't agree that anxiety warrants a blue badge, and agree that some sort of evidence to produce to prove you have a medical problem and may need assistance might be a good idea. I wear a medical bracelet and carry a card. I think that extending the blue badges for people with hidden conditions is a good idea, but not for anxiety. The blue badge is primarily for parking issues. I can now see my chances of finding parking space is going to get far worse and I really do need disability parking spaces to cope. I also have to get a mobility scooter out of the car.

[Cloverjo]

From the link //The scheme ... will make a huge difference to those with non-visible conditions such as autism, dementia, Parkinson's and arthritis.//

Nothing about depressed, anxious millennials in there, spath.

[spathiphyllum]

Yes there is.

"This will make it easier for people with conditions such as anxiety disorders or brain injuries to travel to work, socialise and access shops and services."

[Spicerack]

I told you, never retreat, spath. They take it as a sign of weakness and......pounce.

[spathiphyllum]

I have no grievance to people with parkinsons, dementia etc.. to have blue parking. Fine.. It's anxiety.. I don't think it warrens a blue badge unless something else goes along with it.

There is already parent and child parking for those who need extra room for autistic kids or kids in chairs. But even if they had blue parking also i wouldn't care.

I just think so many people have anxiety to a degree or two. Where is the line? OK you're anxious.. you can still walk across a car park.

[Lie-in King]

spath - "...I've said my peace if people are getting emotive i'll leave..."

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Your posts today once again demonstrate your complete lack of knowledge of most of the wider world, the people in it & the differences between them. "Getting emotive" (sic)? Damn straight I am.

[spathiphyllum]

Cheers. Son's crying now.

[pastafreak]

Spath, I am very, very far removed from being a millennial. Going by the level of maturity and insightfulness you demonstrate, I'm about 3x your age. And at your age I was just beginning a long period of anxiety, agoraphobia, and panic disorder. It was frequently bad enough to keep me at home for days on end. It still threatens to rear its ugly head...I avoid open spaces, busy crossings, etc simply to avoid any recurrence. If my fear was as great as when I was younger, walking across a car park would set off panic big time.
Spath, you really need to educate yourself.

[gness]

Nellie....the diagnosis “anxiety” covers a spectrum of different levels of disability. Not everyone, according to the article, will qualify for a Blue Badge.
For those who do qualify the benefits of the badge could be the start of returning to better mental health and a better life.
Who could deny them that chance....the opportunity to try something that would make them well?

[spathiphyllum]

And a blue parking space would have been the answer to your problems, Pasta? It would have really helped?