United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Does anyone use a handicapped tag due to their BPI? It just gets harder for me going to the supermarket and carrying my daughter with me for long distances. Do you think they will give me one? Life will become a little bit easier for me, but I am embarrassed to ask for one.

I am sorry I mean handicap tag.

Susana,
I have aone that I used for school because of the long distances I had to walk for building to building and my back pack was extremely heavy! I can use it for whatever but I chose not to just use it for a lazy thing! Im not sure where you live but here in Michigan it is VERY EASY to get one. You just get a paper from Secretary of State, have your doctor fill it out, then take it back and get the tag! I believe it is simply tooooo easy here! Give it a shot, if it will help you out go for it! I am only 23 and I have no kids yet. Maybe I will use it more in the future! I will admitt htat when I go grociery shopping without the roomies, I will use it just to make it easier for me! I just hate that people abuse them. Hope this has helped!

COurt

I'm in the UK. I couldn't get a disabled badge because they say I can walk more than 50metres ok.
That was some years ago. Does anyone else have a disabled badge in the UK because of TBPI? If so which County, how long ago and how did you get it?

I wouldn't consider getting a handicap tag. They are meant for those who cannot walk. If you need help with groceries use the buggy, don't bring kids, get a baby sitter to watch them, have mom come with you, etc. Although I feel disabled when I cannot hang a curtain rod without assistance I would not consider myself handicapped and in need of a tag. sorry.

I had my doctor fill out the form, but never sent it in. I just told doctor that I needed the larger stalls because I drive a pick up truck. Cars are, I find, more difficult to access in and out. Also said I needed due to the fact that when I go shopping, to carry bags and or boxes is not that easy on my back when having to tote a fair distance. I wouldn't use it all the time, only when I know I need to. One canucks advice.

Hi Buddyfan...(sorry I missed you last night!) As you say, here in the UK, if you can walk 50 metres without any problems, you cannot get a disabled badge for your car. I only know of two people who have one; one is a lady with a BPI who is a pharmacist in a London hospital; since she has to carry enourmous heavy bags into work everyday, they gave her one on a Drs advice (I believe)

Another person I know with a BPI has one, but he had a leg injury too making it very difficult for him to walk any distance, so the badge was for that really.

These are the only two with a BPI that I know about...there could be more.

Lizzy B

I got my tag. It really helps.

I can't believe how holier than thou you sound telling someone else they aren't injured enough or in the right way to qualify for a handicap tag. Until you have walked in their shoes a while you have no idea!! I have a tag & I can walk. I also have a R TPBI & paralized r diaphragm. So I'm on oxygen 24/7. My lungs were hurt in my accident also, so my breathing has been compromised.

I don't know if I qualify in your eyes, but I'm glad the state doesn't think like you. I would hardly ever be able to get out & about otherwise.

SusieKaye

I do not believe that tags are meant for people that can't walk... They are meant for people that need a closer parking spot to accomodate their weaknesses. If a tag will help you then you should for sure look in to the process of getting one. I know that it is hard to carry kids and puch baskets and hold groceries. You do not just get a babysitter every time you run to the store that is impossible and ridiculous and someone is not always available to run errands with you. Tags are made to accomodate you and if you think it would do this for you then I support your decision to get one. It is your own personal decision.