That's not the half of it. I have handicapped placards because I have two fractured vertebrae in my back that makes it painful to walk long distances. I also am stuck with using scooters in the stores to get from place to place. I get dirty looks all the time because people think I'm not old enough or not visibly crippled enough to warrant cards. I got news for people...those placards aren't handed out like candy at the DMV. You need a doctor willing to sign off on it to get approval. Don't judge. You're not a doctor and you have no idea the pain or challenges another person is enduring.

As a fairly young disabled person, I totally understand this feeling. I used to try and go to the gym to go swimming and packed in a disabled space, put my disabled badge out and got out the car, a man comes up to me, loudly and rudely told me that I can't park there. When I said I am disabled he replied where is your disabled badge, I pointed it out on my dashboard and he just walked off. People need to learn to admit when they are wrong and apologise.

I've had a blue badge (UK equivalent) since I was 26 because I'm a full time wheelchair user and have had so many instances of people deciding I don't look disabled when I pull into a spot, I've even had to phone the police for one violent guy!

So, Michael McIntyre did a bit about what people who police disabled spots are "expecting" to see when someone pulls in. Basically, the car is parked, the driver's side door opens and a person face plants into the pavement. Anything less and they shouldn't be using the spot! (/sarcasm, even though it should be obvious to anyone with half a brain cell). Personally, I think this comes from a misplaced feeling of envy - why does this person, who is younger/thinner/happier(?) than me get "better/more special" treatment than me? It's almost a twisted form of ableism, and it needs to stop. If the person has a blue badge/sticker/placard, they have been given permission to park there. They do not need some random bint's permission as well!

I've said it before and I'll say it again - there are so many invisible illnesses and disabilities - please - if you ever see someone using the handicapped space in public transport or in a parking lot, don't come for them, no matter how much they look like they don't need it (because they seem able-bodied, they're young, etc.). Most likely they have reasons for using those and shouldn't be questioned that. With parking, they have the card/sticker and that should be enough (most people don't have those for public transport, just let those be). I know some people abuse this system but by trying to fight them you're only hurting the folks who need those aids. Let's be kind.

Both of my arms were amputated, last year. I am still getting used to my new bionic ones. I'm thinking of 3D printing a fun thing for my arms. (using my bionics, of course) -Ashes' human, Kizzie

We have experience from the other side in our family. My father once went to a grocery store when this huge expensive SUV parked right in fron of him on the handicap spot. The driver was young, with all rhose gold accesories like massive chain around neck, the radio in the car played really loud rap, so my father quickly asumed he was some rich lazy jerk just using the spot without right to do it. So he started scolding the man, don't think he was yelling or being rude, but he told him he shouldn't oark there etc. So the driver without a word opened the side doors of his car, took out a wheelchair and pushed himself in it. My father was so embarased! He promptly apologised to the man and I think he got his lesson, never done that again. Every time a see someone in the handicap spot who does not look 'handicaped enough" I remember this story and never jump to conclusion - it is not my busines anyway.

I had a hip replacement that gave me a placard for 3 months. I had the walker, then a cane and then I was good. That short window of time gave me a taste of what these people go through. Had one asshole threaten to kick my walker because I was "faking" not being able to walk without support. One of my Marines lost a leg in the Suck and told me about the crap he experienced. He wears shorts year round- even in the 10 degree winters so people can see he's got a prosthetic. He told me there were people in the VA wanting the uglier models because if it looked "too lifelike" they would attract the bullshit from these self-anointed handicapped spot police that they wouldn't get if they walked on a pipe. People can be such assholes and if you don't take it personally, it's pretty entertaining. Fortunately, the folks I know have good senses of humor about it. At least for now.

"Go ahead and call the police then. I'll wait." Works every time.

People also don't seem to realize that the person they are yelling at may be the caregiver for a disabled person. I've been in this situation when I've been dropping off or picking up my elderly, disabled relative.

There is a big issue with companies setting up their parking lots with the handicapped spaces away from the doors. They put the ramps on the end of the sidewalk. This is horrible for ambulatory people because now they have to hobble, crutch, or roll a greater distance instead of just putting the spaces at the front door.

Fortunately, no one has hassled us about parking yet. I may hop out of my car rarin' to go, but I'm dragging after a 10 minute trip on those hard floors. I do have photos from my mris on my phone, and scars are there too. That placard is one reason I could go places, knowing I wouldn't have to try to dodge traffic before I even get to the door to get in!

I have a blue badge (UK) for my son. He is autistic and has extreme hyper mobility. He gets very tired after a short time when we are out and walking through car parks can raise his stress levels. He does not look disabled at all Thankfully we have not had any comments from anyone. The badge has been a godsend to us. However, how can someone accuse this lady of not being disabled enough to park in a disabled bay? Mind boggling.

I had a friend without an arm and maaaaany people bullied him because of it. Once, when a dude, lets call him X, was bullying him, a basketball hit him from behind. he couldn't move his head for a week.

The sad reality. 😭

I am jealous of her strength -I cannot do a single pushup. Some days I hurt so bad I want a handi cap privilege but I certainly don't take it. People have it way worse. And people would give me the same comments but unlike her I cannot show my reason.

Heart issue and I dislocate by my pointing at things. People can be brutal

The only part I will disagree with is the Police do have a right to ask to ensure the person using the spot is the owner of that Blue Placard and not just a family member or friend wanting to have a closer spot. Now with that said, once it's apparent that you are indeed handicapped either visual means or your license is the person on the card. Then it should be "Ok, thank you and have a nice day and walk away". As far as others, no it's none of their dang business.

Whats the problem with just asking politely or take a peek if they have a card? -"Ehm, you know thats a parking spot for disabled people..?!" - "Yes, I am." - "Ah, okay, just hate it when other people block it. Have a nice day." I mean the basic intention is good. But those agressive people just seem to be angry someone not disabled could pick the spot when they didnt -.- But if people think someone has to look "disabled", when he or she ist, they are probably too narrowminded to reflect that anyway.

Can we be mad at the beanheads that park in handicapped because they are lazy or whatever. They are making it bad for handicapped people, and the people that try to stick up about handicapped people.

In the UK we can use a disabled nade in our car for our passengers - it doesn't have to be the driver. My mum has had several strokes which culminating a triple heart bypass. As a result, she has no balance, cannot walk for long & certainly can't drive. We have a disabled badge that we use ONLY when she's in the car. You shoulder the looks I get from elderly folk, thinking I'm taking the piss parking in a disabled bay. Until I open the boot & get mum's walking frame out. Stop being so judgy. A-holes!!!

"She kind of just drove off." Didn't even have the decency to admit she was in the wrong and apologize. SMH.

Sorry to hear about that and oh by the way, she is a hottie!!!

It's because she is young. They assume handicap means old people who cant walk far

There is nothing wrong with people sticking up for handicapped people. If you suspect someone is parking in the handicapped spot without authorization because you don't see a placard, go tell the store and let them deal with it. If you do see a placard/card/whatever, just leave that person be, as everyone else is saying here. I have a sister who has Lyme (chronic, incurable for decades) and multiple sclerorsis. She is in very bad shape, and she can't even get a handicapped sticker to park close to the store. As others have said, it's not easy getting them.

I have two handicapped members of my family. Someone was complaining that I took up a regular space and made them park out farther. I had to explain, I am not allowed to park there without one of them. Their names are on the permit, not mine.

No one has given me grief (yet), but if they do I plan to say "Well, you don't look like an -- oh, wait. You do. Never mind."

OH C'MON NOW! CARIL EMORY I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR REDPONSE I HAVR TO DO SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DO BECAUSE OF NY WALKING PROBLEMS AS WELL!

If Karens understood kindness, they wouldn't be a meme.

That one picture of her is stunning. She is beyond inspirational and it's not about her disability- to me she radiates strength and determination and I can feel it in that one picture.