Should he be using a handicap spot?

Question

So I have a good friend who is technically disabled. He is missing 1 finger, and that is the extent of his disability...those are things I know for a fact.
I was riding with him one day when he parked in a handicap spot and put the sign in his window.
I asked about why he parked there and he said “I’m technically disabled so I can get the plaque. Might as well use it to get to park closer.”
I was a bit shocked that he would park there, because I’m my mind handicap spaces are for people who really need the closer spot. His missing finger doesn’t affect him walking into a grocery store. But it is legal, so nothing to be done about it 🤷🏽‍♀️
So morally, do you think he should be be parking there?

Accepted Answer

Here's the thing. You never know for a fact that a missing finger is the only issue. Maybe he doesn't feel comfortable telling you about the chronic pain missing that finger causes. I'm not a doctor, but before I had surgery for carpal tunnel release I had pain from my back to my neck through my shoulder into my elbow, wrist and fingers. Nerves are funny like that. So I could understand why he may be in pain in other areas even though it's just a finger. I mean, maybe your friend is playing the system. But his injury may be more severe than you know.

Answer

I think he should park in an actual spot. I have a friend who has MS and it upsets me when I see her and her husband having to park way in the back of the parking lot because there’s no handicaps spots open and they have to unload her electronic wheelchair thingy. A missing finger is nothing compared to those who really need those spots.

Answer

This definitely falls into the "just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD" category. I think what he is doing feels wrong.. I just saw in a different post that he is a personal trainer so why would he be against walking a little further?

Answer

Dude's missing a finger, I'll cut him some slack

Answer

He's taking advantage of his situation and honestly doctors will only write those prescriptions for so long. As a nurse I would write them up for my docs and honestly my doctor wouldn't write him one for just that. I'm willing to bet it won't be as long term as he hopes.

Answer

If that's the only issue, no chronic pain, then he should not be parking there. He's definitely abusing his disabled tag. 
In high school l had a friend who's mom would use her father's disabled tag to park closer at stores and at the amusement park. I get the parking lot is a mile long at the amusement park but all the more reason to not use your plaque. People really do need those close spots. I was only 14 at the time and l was in disbelief that l had more integrity than her 40sum y/o mother did.

Answer

There are many handicaps that don't affect a person's ability to walk, or give them a need to be able to get to their car faster, if you are physically able to walk from a regular spot then you should

Answer

I mean technically he has a plaque so he can park there if he wishes to. Is it an asshole thing to do? Yes. But legally there’s nothing you can do about it because he has a plaque.

Answer

My dad had a stoke a few years ago, and has trouble walking if he's on his feet for a while. Handicapped parking spots should only be used by people who actually need them.

Answer

if that's his only disability no. sometimes I have to park in a disabled bay when I'm really bad but if I'm having a good day I park as close as I can without taking up a valuable space. when I have my mam with me she needs a disabled space and we have to wait 20+ minutes for some asshole to run to their car (yes run!). just because you can do it doesn't mean you should, leave them for the people that actually need them.

Should he be using a handicap spot?

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