Your Thoughts on This Situation? Blue Badge and autism

emberkid
emberkid Online Community Member Posts: 16 Connected
edited September 2022 in Everyday life
I have an autistic friend who wants to get a blue badge because she struggles with executive functioning, and has a hard time navigating busy parking lots.  She loses her car in parking lots regularly, and gets overwhelmed and confused when this happens.  She is not physically disabled.

I don't know how I feel about it.  I'm autistic as well and certainly understand her struggles.  I'm also aware that there are many physically disabled people who can't access a shop at all if the disabled bays are all taken.  What are your opinions?

Comments

  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    Does your friend receive PIP? If so, they are automatically eligible if:

    -You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress.

    If no, they may still be eligible but they must provide evidence which shows they are entitled to one. There are different ways around this so see the link below:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one
  • emberkid
    emberkid Online Community Member Posts: 16 Connected
    Thank you for the input, that's helpful!  She does not receive benefits presently, but is looking into them. I'll pass this info along!

    From a social perspective, what are people's thoughts on people with non-physical disabilities using blue badges?
  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    I have multiple conditions physical and mental and have a BB. My uncle suffers extreme OCD and Anxiety and he also has a BB but he does not claim PIP. There’s no harm in trying to apply because the worst that can happen is a no. I personally think that if you have your application granted then you must need one due to your additional needs, regardless of wether you don’t ‘look like’ you need one.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi there 

    I have physical disabilities and have a bb as a disabled person I recognise that not all disabilities are visible but 8f a bb has been issued then I would accept the person has a need for one 

    The frustration is when spaces are taken by people without a bb 

  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    The frustration is when spaces are taken by people without a bb 
    My thoughts exactly. It’s mayhem as it is near me, very difficult to park anywhere.
  • Cartini
    Cartini Online Community Member Posts: 1,107 Trailblazing
    emberkid said:
    Thank you for the input, that's helpful!  She does not receive benefits presently, but is looking into them. I'll pass this info along!

    From a social perspective, what are people's thoughts on people with non-physical disabilities using blue badges?

    I have cervical &  lumbar spondylosis and lumbar spinal stenosis so my disabilities are hidden.  Someone (anyone) with hidden disabilities are just as entitled to use a BB if they meet the criteria for one.
  • Binky1234
    Binky1234 Online Community Member Posts: 468 Empowering
    I have a bb through the council it costs me £20.00. The answer to your question is no it would not bother me if someone who is physically able has a bb.

    A bb is difficult to get and if someone has one that is their business not mine, no one should judge believe me but unfortunately people do and I have been judged in the past, but I won't go into that all I will say it was extremely upsetting for me.

    Although it is funny that no-one ever comments on my bb when my hubby or sons are with me.
  • emberkid
    emberkid Online Community Member Posts: 16 Connected
    Yeah, I often worry about being judged or called out for my blue badge because my disabilities are not immediately visible. I also worry about people thinking I’m drunk because I have an odd, “floppy” almost staggering gait.  

    It’s one reason I’m looking forward to getting my new AFOs in a few weeks; not only will they help me walk, but they’ll have the added benefit of making my disability more obvious to passers by who may otherwise choose to judge me based on appearance.

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