-
Originally Posted by sealfloorboards
This is the third time I've read this entire thread over the past few months. Today, as in past readings, I'm still in awe at some of the obstacles we can overcome. Hy hat's off to all my enabled friends . Life may not have played out like we expected, but I see an awful lot of "Lemonade" out there rather than "Lemons". Bless you all.
Ride in comfort,
John
Thanks my friend. Our lives May change. But our spirit prevails over our trials and tribulations. Ride Safe Happy Trails.
-
I always worry about this When my husband parks in disabled parking spaces. My husband has afib, COPD, and has just had bypass surgery so he can't drive at all for one month or drive a Spyder for 3 months. He had a previous heart attack and gets tired quickly and short of breath walking long distances. But he looks normal, so people don't always see the disability. Just happy he will still be able to enjoy riding with me in the future
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-10-2023 at 09:23 PM.
Reason: parks ;-)
-
Active Member
I have been confronted more than I like to say. Even with a H/C plate on the bike been called a cheat and a few other terms. I have gone thru 29 major surgeries on my legs back hips arms shoulders and #30 happens on the 10th to repaice my Knee and pin into the leg bones due to my bones Die for unknown reason. As long as they can rebuild me I keep on going. Yes a spider has kept me riding and having fun. I even bought a new camper this year, so my "disability" has slowed me down but not stopped me. I agree with all who get tired of people saying you don't look disabled so why are you abusing the system? I did ask one person what a disabled person looked like and he said a few interesting words and walked away. I did one summer when a person wanted to know why I was disabled and didn't look like one I dropped my pants and showed him all my scars. He had nothing to say after that. I laughed all the way home.
-
My uncle had 2 major heart attacks (@ 55). Had to live with extreme limitations (hated it). Looking at him he was built like a bull, if not these attacks would have killed him right away. People were never understanding, it did kill him a short time later. God bless and strength to all of you out there with your own issues, whether they show or not. I now completely understand and sympathize because of this.
Last edited by Saluda; 12-05-2018 at 09:17 PM.
-
Very Active Member
-
-
Very Active Member
I, too have read this thread more than once. It is a good reminder for me to keep an open mind open and not judge others. Right now, I am in a walking boot due to surgery. I am still able to ride because the surgery was on my left foot. I did not ask for, or need any special parking. I am able to negotiate the parking lots for any reasonable distance. I want to leave the handicap parking spots for those in need, weather the disability is obvious or not. My condition is temporary. Having experienced a short term "disability", I have the highest respect for those who live with long term issues and live life to the fullest..... Ride on..... Jim
2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
Semper Fi
-
-
Customer Support
I saw this recently and it impacted me deeply. I don’t think the same way after reading this thread and the saying below:
“BE KIND, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
God bless you all who pave the way for those of us needing inspiration.
2015 Pearl White RTL
Baja Ron Sway Bar
Russell Day Long Seat
Strobe Brake Light
Mirror Mount Turn Signal Indicator
-
Active Member
From my own experience the problem starts with uneducated people and the universal (ISA) symbol depicting a person in a wheelchair.
I’m a 100% disabled Veteran and although I do not look like I have any physical limitations, I have quite a few. I have had a disabled parking placard since 2015. I rarely use it due to fact I know there are persons far worse off than me, however there are some days the pain is unbearable, and I refuse to be on pain meds all the time, so I deal with it and still do the things I enjoy and on those days I parked in the disabled parking.
I have been blasted a few times for parking in the disabled parking spot. Both times I was told well you don't look disabled, I politely asked what a disabled person looks like. Once I was met with the answer that I was not in a wheelchair and that according to the emblem on the placard it shows a person in a wheelchair and that I do not match that description. I explained that is the universal (ISA) emblem and that it does not mean you have to be in a chair to be disabled and then told them to educate themselves.
On a positive note just two days ago I put disabled plates on both my Q7 and Spyder. Maryland has a benefit for 100% disabled Veterans where it does not cost anything, and the tags are permanent never have to register the vehicles again.
-
Thank you for the video! I am still adjusting to my unseen disability as this is all new for me.
July 2,2023 I had a massive stroke at 44 years old. I got very lucky in both where I was and my recovery (link to video below) but it has slightly limited the use of my left hand. Life has changed some as I learn my limitations (I hate that word) and finding the spyder allowing me to return to riding is amazing. The video link to my story is below. I am luckily avoiding the pacemaker by having an ablation on Friday (Mar 1) .. They talk about it being routine but messing with one's heart is scary ..They do them as out patient now with no hospital time so that's a plus. At this point I have had catheters in my brain so why not my heart I guess.
I can't thank you enough for the encouragement!!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/...73878214938165
-
Very Active Member
I don't have no disabilities, just a few minor inconvieniences. The car load of teenagers driving grandmas car and parking in the disabled spots are the ones with disabilities.
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by spades2319
Thank you for the video! I am still adjusting to my unseen disability as this is all new for me.
July 2,2023 I had a massive stroke at 44 years old. I got very lucky in both where I was and my recovery (link to video below) but it has slightly limited the use of my left hand. Life has changed some as I learn my limitations (I hate that word) and finding the spyder allowing me to return to riding is amazing. The video link to my story is below. I am luckily avoiding the pacemaker by having an ablation on Friday (Mar 1) .. They talk about it being routine but messing with one's heart is scary ..They do them as out patient now with no hospital time so that's a plus. At this point I have had catheters in my brain so why not my heart I guess.
I can't thank you enough for the encouragement!!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/...73878214938165
.... I have severe arthritis, and it prevents me from walking long distances .... I'm sure some folks will look at me and think " WHY DOES HE HAVE A DIS-ABLED PLACARD, He doesn't look at all dis-abled ..... I have actually been questioned at the Ski area I go to. So I keep a copy of the registration with me in my Ski jacket ..... So far I'm still able to ski, but only on the shorter trails .... no more top to bottom runs .... Mike
-
Very Active Member
201AF50D-0CE4-4333-9175-831D12D573C0.jpg
Thankfully only one confrontation (full parking lot) & I made sure to thank the person for their effort, but to check license plate first. Proceeded with removing my hat revealing cranial scars, while sharing the story of what God has gotten me through. That person then apologized & we continued a conversation bout troubles of blocked parking & more importantly, the “Loading zones” striped areas beside the parking slot, often filled with buggies & or whatever else that doesn’t belong. People just don’t realize the troubles others can have until helping someone close (family/friend) or they themselves are injured such a way. Can’t blame them as we are trying to hide it & be normal (-ish). Those that just don’t care, however...
987323B1-210D-4B95-A71C-FCDD73E5C297.jpeg - this person probably just littered the paper driving off & considered it a sunshade.
On different note -
014FC0EF-1764-4CDF-886A-50B40BC05B32.jpeg
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 02-25-2024 at 05:50 PM.
Reason: **
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
-
Member
I'm a little late to the party, but wanted to say thanks for this thread. I read the whole thing over a cup of coffee this morning.
I'm a 100% Totally and Permanent disabled Veteran. In my state placards are VERY common and permanent plates are not. However, as a disabled vet I qualify for such plates and had them on a car and when I parked in designated parking I would get "the look" from people next to me waiting for me to hang my placard on the rear view mirror. Some would stop me and ask me where it is and I would just tell them to check my license plate.
I just got my Spyder because I made the decision that I can't ride 2 wheels anymore as it's too painful. This is a great solution so I can still go 2-up with my wife and enjoy everything. When I registered the bike I was talking with our locally Registry office about disabled bike plates for vets and they don't have them (yet, the law is about to change). So I settled for a regular plate and asked for an application for a placard.
The next day I had a physical with my private primary care doctor and asked her to fill out the form for a placard. She refused stating "I don't think you need it". I then had to tell her that I already qualify regardless of how she felt. She still refused to sign, and told me to have my Veterans Affairs doctor do it. I then told her she better get ready for the law change because in a few months any veteran rated 60% or above will be able to get disability plates and she responded by saying "what about their disability?". I had to explain to her that we are disabled and were already rated by a grueling process through dept of Veteran Affairs and shouldn't have to go through anymore B.S. and that is all she had to say.
Ignorance is everywhere
Current Ride: 2015 RT Limited
Previous Rides
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600
2006 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600
1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 w/2003 ZRX1200 Stage 3
-
Active Member
An update since I posted in February 2018, besides her two artificial hips my wife had breast cancer. She had surgery and then 16 rounds of chemo and 20 rounds of radiation. Her strength and stamina are not what they once were. I have had 2 more knee surgeries with one being a total replacement. I had a pacemaker put in when my pulse got down to 31. Additionally 2 back surgeries and a stent in the left carotid. So yeah we get the looks when we park in the handicap spaces because we can walk usually without a cane.
Dave....
2016 Red/Black F3T w/ Audio
Bajha Ron Swaybar, BRP driving lights
F4 Windshield, Ultimate Tallboy Seat
BRP Passenger Backrest
Custom Dynamics fender lights
Tricled Rear Bag lights w/ Flashing Brake Modulator
Wolo Horn, Lamonster's Bungee Buttons
Spyderpops Bumper Skid
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by f110tech
I'm a little late to the party, but wanted to say thanks for this thread. I read the whole thing over a cup of coffee this morning.
I'm a 100% Totally and Permanent disabled Veteran. In my state placards are VERY common and permanent plates are not. However, as a disabled vet I qualify for such plates and had them on a car and when I parked in designated parking I would get "the look" from people next to me waiting for me to hang my placard on the rear view mirror. Some would stop me and ask me where it is and I would just tell them to check my license plate.
I just got my Spyder because I made the decision that I can't ride 2 wheels anymore as it's too painful. This is a great solution so I can still go 2-up with my wife and enjoy everything. When I registered the bike I was talking with our locally Registry office about disabled bike plates for vets and they don't have them (yet, the law is about to change). So I settled for a regular plate and asked for an application for a placard.
The next day I had a physical with my private primary care doctor and asked her to fill out the form for a placard. She refused stating "I don't think you need it". I then had to tell her that I already qualify regardless of how she felt. She still refused to sign, and told me to have my Veterans Affairs doctor do it. I then told her she better get ready for the law change because in a few months any veteran rated 60% or above will be able to get disability plates and she responded by saying "what about their disability?". I had to explain to her that we are disabled and were already rated by a grueling process through dept of Veteran Affairs and shouldn't have to go through anymore B.S. and that is all she had to say.
Ignorance is everywhere
Thank you Brother for serving our country. Thanks for sharing.
100% DAV here also.
Here's what I say about all the hate.
SCREW EM!
Last edited by Dasmoetorhead; 06-12-2024 at 03:51 PM.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
-
Very Active Member
-
Active Member
Funny Story.
I'm a combat disabled veteran with C-PTSD and Multiple TBI's. As I was renewing my driver's license and disability placards, the question of disability came up. When I explained my disabilities, they decided since they don't have PTSD or TBI to put COPD on the back of my license.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 06-13-2024 at 09:19 AM.
Reason: thry...
-
Thanks for sharing! I have a bad heart but for 77 years old look healthy so I know first hand about the looks. But I am thankful for my Can Am and each new day I say Thank You Lord.
-
I have a disability that's likely my fault. My two knees need replacement, likely due to too many moguls and PLF's over the years. They often go unnoticed but are becoming increasingly obvious. I have handicap plates on my truck and soon to be coming to my spyder. I recently bought a Polaris (with tracks for snow and wheels for dirt) and applied for a conditional hunting license so I'm legal to road hunt and can shoot from a vehicle during hunting season. They require I have a capable passenger along with me to help recover the game I've killed. And by the way, I do not return my shopping cart to the store after I use it, I leave it in the parking lot for the next disabled person to use. Screw those who think otherwise. Hum, maybe I'm mentally handicapped also but I don't give a *%#@. Whatever opinion you have of folks with disabilities seen or unseen remember, it could become you someday. So be kind to your fellow man, or woman because you never know what's around life's next corner.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|