Perplexed

I always notice people who park in a disability parking space and have no visible functional impairments or noticeable exercise tolerance deficits when they exit their car.

It's none of my business, but this has always perplexed me.

Don’t they know that their authenticity is being questioned?

I suspect they’re using someone’s disability placard and just don’t care what others think, or are the rightful recipient of the placard and, for whatever reason, are currently doing well.

But if they are currently doing well, why don’t they feel that it’s most appropriate to save one of the few disability parking spaces for an individual who currently needs transfer assistance, a gait assist (cane, walker, wheelchair), is on oxygen therapy, etc.?

Today, between pickleball games, a 40-year-old player, shared with me the good news of just having been granted 100% disability benefits.

The individual had no evident functional disability; in fact, was one of the best players on the court in terms of shots, ball placement, and the agility/ability to cover the court.

Of course,  the reason for being granted 100% disability often has nothing to do with a functional deficit.

Disability benefits are often granted, for example, for a mental health diagnosis such as PTSD.

And again, it's none of my business, but I'm still perplexed.

When you appear to be in excellent physical shape, don’t you think some, who don’t really know you or your history, might question the validity of your disability?

While your disability may be completely justified, it seems best to just keep the information to yourself or to a close network of family/friends.

I am not a part of this individuals close network.