Yes, I'm 22 And Use A Handicap Pass, Don't Judge Me
Start writing a post
popular

Yes, I'm 22 And Use A Handicap Pass, Don't Judge Me

It's not a luxury

31198
Yes, I'm 22 And Use A Handicap Pass, Don't Judge Me
wikimedia commons

I know that you're staring at me in the parking lot. I can see you shooting me dirty looks. You're whispering to yourself about how wrong and terrible I am. I pretend like I don't see it but, it's happened too many times for me not to notice. I feel ashamed every time I go out and it happens. I move quickly to avoid confrontation. I put in earphones so I won't hear if someone shouts at me. While I haven't had notes left behind or gotten into screaming matches over it, I know many people who have.

I'm 22 years old. I'm a normal, healthy looking college kid. I don't have mobility aids. But I do have and use a handicapped parking pass.

I was prescribed a permanent handicap pass (the blue sticker hanging from a lot of grandparents rearview mirror) when I was 20. I was at a point in my chronic illness journey where I was struggling with severe pain and chronic fatigue. A permanent handicap pass was a possibility that I had been dreading for years. I had heard the horror stories of notes on cars and mean-spirited comments hurled across parking lots. I knew people wouldn't understand. I don't look sick or disabled, so why would ever need a handicap sticker? Even if I proved it was mine, they would probably still be annoyed. One time, I parked at school and saw the parking officers snickering at me. They "knew" I couldn't have a pass and were excited to write a ticket. (I didn't get one because I had a legal pass, obviously). After that, I've always had anxiety about using it. I try not to use it with others in the car. If I have to, I throw in a joke and hope it blows over. Even on days when I desperately need it, I still stress about hanging that blue sticker.

I try to do everything my peers do but sometimes I can't. There are days where I can run two miles and feel pretty good. Other days, I can't get out of bed. I have joints that don't work right, muscles that don't cooperate and a body that has been through hell. That is the reality of living with chronic illness. On days when my body doesn't want to work, I use a handicap pass to make things a little easier. It helps me not be in as much pain. It makes running errands possible. If I didn't have a handicap sticker in my car, I wouldn't be able to go to class. It would be impossible for me to make the trek across campus. It is not a luxury or a "cool" privilege; it is a necessity.

There are many others like me who live with rare, invisible and chronic conditions. There are people who are scared to get a handicap pass like I was. They don't want to deal with the ridicule or hate that could accompany it. There are disabled people who have been belittled and berated because they don't "look" disabled. Yes, there are those who abuse the system. But please don't judge all of us because of what a few people do. Next time, you see what appears to be an able-bodied person getting out of a car in a handicap spot, please don't roll your eyes. Don't shoot daggers at us or leave mean notes on our cars. Chances are you a giving a dirty look to someone who is truly suffering; someone who is already nervous about using that handicap pass. Please, be kind. We all could use a little of that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71076
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132632
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments