Why don’t people understand?

Not all disabilities are visible. I get stopped often because I look “normal”
Ignore the chronic pain and constant panic attacks from PTSD. Some days I feel ok most days I do not and occasionally I walk with a cane. My service dog is my life line. Don’t be like those people

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ThePerfectUsername · 70-79, M

Able bodied people parking in disabled parking spots is a regular occurrence where I live... we have a blue badge scheme - you put your blue badge on the windshield and it identifies you as having a right to be there. The trouble is that said badges go for good money and too many people who've been given one sell it on for profit.

There's a pretty good chance that at least some of the people who'd challenge you about parking there actually have disabled friends/relatives and are trying their best to stand up for the rights of disabled people.

It's not a problem I've encountered personally, one look at me tells people all they need to know about my broken body.

Soramarie · 26-30, F

@ThePerfectUsername the best thing they could to is Nicely ask what my dog is for. Being decent doesn’t take much

ThePerfectUsername · 70-79, M

Most service dogs I've seen have had jackets on with a badge or large writing asking the public not to distract them while they're wearing it. Maybe one of those would serve to highlight the fact that you're disabled and your dog has a right to go anywhere you go. Expecting others to automatically assume you have a right to do whatever you do obviously isn't working is it. But a clue like that might be all they need to confirm you and your dog's rights.

Soramarie · 26-30, F

@ThePerfectUsername my boy is in a full vest with tags. I don’t expect them to assume I expect them to be polite

Soramarie · 26-30, F

The other side says do not pet. His tasks are written in the back of the red tag the front also says service dog.

ThePerfectUsername · 70-79, M

I'm 100% with you then. I honestly can't see what their problem is. I'm sorry you have to experience that it shouldn't be happening in this day and age. @Soramarie

Soramarie · 26-30, F

@ThePerfectUsername this was him today. he held this down stay for over an hour. He’s well behaved, and he helps me so much. They expect me to be lying I guess. He even carries glucose tabs (like clearly labeled Walmart brand) in a clear pouch. You can literally see what part of my condition is on the dog🤦‍♀️. I just find it crazy how I’m left alone when I have my cane but not without it.

ThePerfectUsername · 70-79, M

Maybe you should teach the dog to snarl. 🙁 🤗 @Soramarie

Soramarie · 26-30, F

@ThePerfectUsername right 😂 they allow the fake ones that do. It’s worth a shot

ThePerfectUsername · 70-79, M

This was my last one. He used to carry my heart medication and attract people's attention. I don't get out much on my own now but when I do I have to take one of those pesky humans instead. 😁

@Soramarie

Soramarie · 26-30, F

@ThePerfectUsername he’s beautiful! He gets people if I pass out and braces if my hip dislocates

Soramarie · 26-30, F