Urban Cripple

Am I Being Selfish For Using Accessible Spaces Due to Occasional Pain?

Jul 06, 2018

Hey there! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia recently and I’ve been using a cane to help me regulate my energy and gait (I can get wobbly and fall down), and I also have a parking permit for the handicapped spots. My problem is I’ve been harassed as being “too young” to use the space (I’m 26). I only use it if I’m too exhausted to walk any more than I need to. Am I selfish for using the spots even when I’m exhausted and in pain?

Anybody who says you’re too young to need a cane deserves to be beaten with it. No, you’re not selfish. You have both a diagnosis and a permit (you need the former to get the latter). You deserve to use those spaces whenever you damn well please.

I may rant and rave on here about people using spaces they shouldn’t, but I want you to know that I’ve never gone out of my way to confront anyone about their supposed abuse of a given space. I am not nor have I ever been, the Cripple Police. If you need to use the space, then you need to use the space and I will support and fight for your right to do so.

According to your doctor and the state that issued that handicapped parking permit, you have a right to access handicapped parking spaces and other related accommodations. Anybody who thinks they have a right to argue with you about it can shove their opinions way, way up inside their butthole.