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Original poster

Blue badge - should I apply or not? Your opinions please.

15 replies

bsac15 · 13/05/2009 23:27

Hello!

Now i'm prepared to be shouted at if you think we are not really eligible.......

My DD2 (2yr) has rare chromosome disorder, one of the symptoms being hypotonia (low muscle tone) in her lower body. So she is carried (getting heavier) or in a pushchair.

It has been suggested that I apply for a blue badge to help us out with parking (hospital mainly).

She can bum shuffle and is desperately trying to crawl (but her legs won't currently get or stay into the correct position without intervention).

I really am in 2 minds whether to apply.

On one hand it would be very helpful.
But on the other hand, I might be taking up a parking space that someone else really needs.

Your honest opinions please.
Thanks
bsac15

OP posts:
daisy5678 · 13/05/2009 23:30

Yep apply.

BunnyAndJoon · 13/05/2009 23:46

I applied when DS2 had to go through a series of operations that left him on crutches for a while after each op.

It was basically rubber stamped.

We did it as he was mobile, but got tired, and we needed extra space to get him and his plaster cast out of the car.

I have to say that we never used it when he was between ops and casts and (almost) fully mobile

So I would say, go for it, use it when you need it, and don't when you don't.

The fact you are even asking means (I hope) that you would use it responsibly.

Original poster
bsac15 · 13/05/2009 23:52

Thx Bunny&Joon.

Its just, our little girl is our little girl.

To us, we know something isn't 'right' with her development, but in comparison to others......

I hate the thought of taking something when there may be someone else who really needs it.

We are hoping that if we did apply for the badge - sod's law would come into play and DD will get up and run!

(apologys for the gobble-dy gook, 'deep' reply!)

bsac15

OP posts:
Hangingbellyofbabylon · 13/05/2009 23:55

Of course you should apply - it will get to the stage very quickly where you need an extra wide space in order to be able to open the door wide enough to lift her into her carseat. We got our blue badge when dd was 2 , at this age you just need a GP to sign the form and most are happy to if you explain about your childs condition. I hav e to say our blue badge is the reason I can actually face going places some days.

BunnyAndJoon · 14/05/2009 00:00

There isn't a hierarchy though of who is in more need or not. Undoubtedly there will be other people in more need than you, but then there will also be wankers in convertible BMWs who have no badge at all who will take a space.

You either qualify or you don't.

My DS had a more serious than usual instance of Talipes (club foot), and I understand what you say. He was only ever, and only ever will be my little boy. He is who he is whether or not his feet work properly.

BunnyAndJoon · 14/05/2009 00:00

x post with Hanging (fab name)

misscutandstick · 14/05/2009 07:02

Yes, if your daughter cannot physically walk then she absolutely is entitled to a parking permit

apologies for hyjack...

I went to GP yesterday to ask him to sign the form,

{quick update: DS1 ADHD, DS4 ASD, DS5 GDD+hypotonia and hypermobility - most are 'runners', one VERY unpredictable}

He was happy to support application, However there was nowhere for him to put in his bit or even just sign it! he asked me to ring up and ask what to do. I rang and they said to send in form with GP details, and they would write and ask for his support - takes around 6-8wks!!!

Surely it shouldnt be this difficult???

Phoenix4725 · 14/05/2009 07:23

apply for it there is many who dont need it get it where I live its seems be given out as you reach 60 and trust me mos would put my ds to shame with how sprightly they are.

Misscutandstick sadly it is we got turned down at first for ds to have 1 , gp felt we not need as my son was lazy !!!!not disabled,

but when he hit 3 ds was awarded high rate moblity and got his automatically , oh and we also got a new gp toafter making last one write formalletter apolgising

cory · 14/05/2009 07:56

The blue badge is largely intended for people with mobility problems, the child can't walk. Can't see how anyone could claim that she should not be prioritised. If you don't need this space- who does?

As for her being your little girl first- that's exactly why you want to make all your lives as easy as possible! After 12 years I have totally given up on this idea of making do without aids because I don't want to think of my hypermobile dd as disabled. It's precisely because I don't want her disability to rule her life that I'm bloody well going to grab all the aids there are.

Don't think about where you are in relation to other disabled people. They're not going to deny the badge to somebody paraplegic just because they've given one to your dd and run out of badges.

Think about where you are in relation to parents with NT children.

geekgirl · 14/05/2009 08:19

yes, of course you should apply! Dd2 has had a Blue Badge since she was 2, and she was able to walk (she had just started toddling) when she was assessed. She is now 8 and we've had two renewals without any problems - she is of course a much steadier walker now but compared with other children of the same age her mobility is poor.

The Blue Badge makes such a difference, on a very basic level it's easier to take your child out into town for instance, giving them experiences that they would otherwise have less frequently (as it can be such a hassle with parking). You are more likely to take them places if you know you're not going to have a long walk from the car park. And as for taking up someone else's parking space - around here there are are usually plenty of free disabled spaces. I've never felt that I took someone else's space - just about everyone who needs a Blue Badge will get one, and they are pretty much guaranteed to find a parking space. Also, bear in mind that a BB doesn't just give you the right to park in a disabled space, you can also park free & without time restrictions in time restricted zones and free in most council-owned car parks, and for 3 hours on double yellows. You don't have to use the disabled spaces if you don't want to.

ChopsTheDuck · 14/05/2009 08:25

Yes.

I have one for ds1 who sometimes can't walk, sometimes can and also had asd type problems, so needs close supervision and hand holding. It's a life saver for us being able to park closer to where we need to go in case ds1 is in pain walking and needs to get back to the car. He also needs the door space to get in and out.

If someone with a wheelchair needed the space thoguh, I would jsut park elsewhere. I don't like to take one when the spaces are very limited.

Original poster
bsac15 · 14/05/2009 22:32

Thank you to all who replied.
My Husband & I have read all of your replies and will be filling in our on-line BB form shortly.

bsac15

OP posts:
meltedmarsbars · 15/05/2009 13:04

It might be worth asking your ot or physio to write a supporting letter to send in with the application - that is what were told to do. They said to apply, that it would be turned down, to appeal with letters and it would be accepted. It was. She was 2 at the time as well, with hypotonia, can now bum shuffle but not crawl or stand or walk. (6 now)

Good Luck

RnB · 18/05/2009 13:32

Yes definitely apply. Of course you should x

troutpout · 18/05/2009 14:05

Yep..without a doubt

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