Hi there,
Thanks for the comments and whilst yes I agree that disabilities are not always visible, why is there such emphasis put on receiving benefits when applying for a badge? I am fortunate to still be working so why should this potentially effect my application?
Twinkle Toes your comment was easy to follow.
Craig
I must be the odd one out in thinking that a blue badge was necessary because of difficulty walking! If you have a medical problem, be it heart or a terminal illness, then I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but if you can walk without difficulty then why do you need a blue badge? I wait to be shot down!
Surely though if they are active enough to go the gym why do they need to take a valuable disabled space. They could walk to the entrance. I do think that disabled parking needs to be clarified.
The idea of the badge is because someone has severe motability issues. I do wonder if the reasons for them has been lost. IF its an invisible illness and they have periods of being well and can walk then why take up that space?
I have to use one i am in a wheelchair or if i am walking i cant walk more then 50mtres so we need to park virtually on top of a shop etc.
This explains it well.
The criteria for a blue badge was tightened up recently.
I get sick of people who use the spaces and are not disabled. I had an occasion to be taken to town the other day and needed to go to building society, there are two spaces. One was taken up by a work van. My care worker rang the number and complained. THAT space was being taken illegally and no there was no blue badge in the window she checked first, as yes the worker may have struggled to walk and be entitled to one.
FROM THE ABOVE LINK.
Some people may also be eligible for a badge if they are more than two years old and have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
Explanation If you are applying for a badge under this criterion you will need to show that you have a permanent and substantial disability which means: • you are unable to walk: or • you are unable to walk very far without experiencing very considerable difficulty. This may include excessive pain and breathlessness, or a deterioration of health brought on by the effort needed to walk. A permanent and substantial disability is one that is likely to last for all of your life.
Eligibility is not determined on the basis of a particular diagnosis or condition. It is the effect of the permanent disability on your ability to walk that is important.
Medical conditions such as asthma, autism, psychological/ behavioural problems, Crohn’s disease/incontinent conditions and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) are not in themselves a qualification for a badge.
People with these conditions may be eligible for a badge under this criterion, but only if they are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking, in addition to their condition.
Your local authority is responsible for deciding whether you are eligible and may ask you to undergo a mobility assessment with a medical professional such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist
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My husband was granted a blue badge because he had severe COPD and could barely walk a few metres without pain or breathing issues and would get really breathless. He had to be assessed and was granted one, and he really needed it as he was the one who went to shops for us. He got sicker though and rarely used our car, and went on his scooter towards the end of his life so didn’t need to use it much, but it was essential before he got too bad. So he didnt have MS he had a life threatening condition which meant he was eligible according to the above criteria. BUT you could see he was struggling and he came home on one visit to the shops laughing as he told me some guy as old as him saw him struggle out of our car and offered to help him to the door lol. Bless him.
Not from me you wont, i just put up the link about the criteria for it. You are correct.
I personally am pleased for people if they get a badge and are in need but have periods of being well kudos to them BUT if they are in a well period then why use up a valuable parking space for a disabled person. They are few and far between as it is.
Hi Jayelle
You wont get shot down for that.
I can walk, with a crutch and pain/discomfort, but I can still walk. My father has severe emphezema and had to have an interview to get his, my mates mother has an electric buggy (age) and gets one, both are justified and both try to help me when I walk.
Those who understand, understand.
Hi Jeff,
I was going to say you’d better take cover but everybody has their own opinion about people who have a Blue Badge.
They’re are those who have one due to a genuine disability (whether for themselves or an appointed person on their behalf) and then there are those that take the michael but at the end of the day it’s up to the issuing authority to make the decision as to whether somebody gets one or not.
Yes, (if I’m correct) they were originally for people who had difficulty with walking/mobility but I think things have changed slightly, and I’m sure I’ve seen about different disabilities now (or will be) taken into consideration.
Twinkle Toes x
Hi Craig,
I walk with a walking stick (for a number of reasons) and if I didn’t have one I wouldn’t be able to actually walk outside.
I do have a Scooter to use (still need L plates for it though) but I can only use that locally (long story) and as I’m unable to drive due to my MS it was brought to my attention that I might be able to qualify for a Blue Badge for somebody (a Carer/friend) being a designated driver for myself thus enabling me to get out of my home and use their vehicle to park nearer to where I want/need to be.
Twinkle Toes x
Hi CC,
Thank-you for putting your post on and including the link as this will help answer our questions.
I’m not very good at explaining things as I get very confused.com easily :-/
Aww, bless Mike he sounded like his humour was still there even with everything he was going through.
Take Care CC 
Twinkle Toes xxx
the above link is updated and PIP with enhancment for mobility you can get the badge automatically with support from GP, it has got HARDER to get a blue badge and each council interpret it differently. I think if you cant walk comfortably and use a stick you should have one, even if you use a scooter.
Of course, things are going to get even more difficult from next year when the changes to the blue badge criteria start to include “hidden disabilities” such as autism or mental health problems.
Hi MS2017,
Thank-you for putting your post on as that’s what I was trying to say yesterday about me hearing that some changes were going to be happening, if they hadn’t already.
Twinkle Toes x
Blue Badges should be for those who have a disability with walking only.
If you can walk unaided then sorry you don`t need a Blue Badge despite having a condition.
Before long, disabled parking bays will become very difficult to find because every Tom, Dick and Harry will want one.
Then what ? A crazy rush to get a parking bay.
Hi All,
Well the lady came today and has applied (submitted my application) online for me to get a Blue Badge and yes, I am entitled to one.
So now I just have to wait for it to be processed.
Twinkle Toes x
What about those with severe asthma?
My definition of difficulty walking includes anything that causes problems walking any distance, especially if there is a danger of falling, but most certainly not laziness! Breathing problems therefore would be included.
?
Hi all,
Just to up-date you - I have received a letter this morning informing me that my application for a Blue Badge has been accepted and is now awaiting my collection.
I just now need to make arrangements to collect it, or for somebody else to collect it on my behalf.
Twinkle Toes x
Great news Twinkle Toes. I got mine too last week.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
That’s great news, I’m really pleased for you.
Twinkle Toes x
Pleased for you both!
Sonia x