I’ll start off by saying that if people are not disabled but are using the placard to avoid paying parking fees I hope those people are found and fined.

But, I am weary of a “hidden camera investigation” that assumes someone is not disabled because they are not using a wheelchair or crutches or a cane.

If I requested a handicap tag for my car I most likely would get it with little difficulty (I have multiple sclerosis). I’m blessed enough to have a husband who is happy to do shopping or whatever if I am having a tough day. As for the women who were “caught” exercising…really? If you are disabled you are required to stay home and get fat? What kind of physical shape were the women in when they left the gym? Before I was diagnosed I would go to the gym and use the elliptical for 30 minutes. On the way there I was fine. While on the machine, I was fine. As soon as I stepped off of it, I collapsed because my legs were too fatigued to carry me.

One last thought as I’m getting ready to take my energetic puppy on a 1 mile walk (which will cause me to be halfway useless for the rest of the day): you cannot tell by looking at someone if they have a chronic health condition or not. It is best not to assume they are liars or cheats just because they might not look sick.

This is the best way I’ve found to describe living with a chronic condition: Spoon Theory