A simple way to make your life a little bit easier after a mesothelioma diagnosis is to get a handicapped parking permit. These permits will allow you to park in handicapped spots close to the entrances of your doctor’s office, the grocery store, and other residential buildings.
Handicapped parking permits can save you time and energy if you’re experiencing fatigue that prevents you from walking long distances. Fatigue is a common symptom of mesothelioma and may also be a side effect of treatment.
Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how mesothelioma cancer patients get handicap parking, the different types of permits available, and how long they last.
3 Steps to Get Handicap Parking Permits for Mesothelioma Cancer
Here’s how to get your handicap parking permit for mesothelioma:
- Get an application: Each state has its own handicap permit application. You can download one through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or get a physical copy at the DMV office.
- Complete with your doctor’s help: The application will require proof of disability. This means your doctor needs to fill out part of the form on your behalf to explain how mesothelioma is impacting your ability to walk long distances.
- Submit application: Once the application is complete, you’ll submit it to the authority as noted. This may or may not be the DMV depending on where you live, so be sure to check your state’s instructions carefully. Most states charge a small fee to apply. If approved, you should get the permit in a few weeks.
A disabled parking placard is one of many resources that can reduce daily stress for people with mesothelioma. Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for an in-depth look at treatments, compensation, and other benefits to help you or someone you love.
Types of Mesothelioma Disability Parking Permits
There are two main types of disability parking placards: temporary and permanent. You’ll most likely qualify for a temporary disability parking permit if you have mesothelioma or another cancer.
Temporary disability parking permits usually last for about 6 months, but they can be renewed if they’re still needed. Rules vary by state, so check the renewal process where you live and whether there’s a fee required.
You could qualify for a permanent disability parking permit if you have a co-existing health issue that affects your mobility in addition to mesothelioma. These include legal blindness, reliance on a walker or wheelchair, paralysis, and more.
Permanent disability parking permits last for several years on average, with the specific time frame varying by state. These can also be renewed with help from a doctor.
How to Display Your Disability Parking Placard
Once you have a disability parking placard, you must hang it from the rear-view mirror of your car while parked. You may also need to display it while driving, depending on the laws in your state.
You can use your permit in any vehicle you’re driving or riding in. This makes it easy for friends and family to help transport you to doctor’s visits, grocery store trips, and more if needed. You can even use it in rental cars or taxis during travel.
However, there are limits on using your disability parking pass. You must either be the driver or the passenger of the vehicle. A relative or friend can’t borrow the pass to use for their own convenience. Doing so will put both of you at risk of fines and other penalties.
Do I Need Different Disability Parking Permits If I Travel Out of State?
You do not need to get another disability parking pass if you are going to a different state. Once you get a disability parking permit, it is valid nationwide, no matter which state issued it.
This makes parking easier if you have to travel out of state for mesothelioma treatment, like some patients do. For example, long-term mesothelioma survivor Julie Gundlach lives in Missouri but had to travel over 20 times to New York City to get the care she needed.
“I still go get scans multiple times a year. I now go to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Washington, D.C., to have my disease scanned.”
Before traveling out of state, check the rules for displaying your disability parking pass, as some states require it to be visible at all times. Don’t forget to pack your placard — add it to your travel checklist to ensure you have it for the trip.
More Help for Mesothelioma Patients & Families
Getting a disability parking pass is just one of many ways to make daily life more manageable when facing an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma. It can save you time and energy on essential trips to the doctor, pharmacy, grocery store, and other important places.
At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re here to guide you through every aspect of a diagnosis. Our Patient Advocates will listen to your story and connect you with the resources you need.
Our team may be able to help you:
- Access and afford mesothelioma treatments
- Connect with top doctors nearby
- Cover medical bills and expenses
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide or call (866) 608-8933 to connect with us and receive the support you deserve.
