Washington Handicap Parking Placard
Introduction
In Washington State, individuals with mobility impairments are eligible to apply for a Handicap Parking Placard, which provides access to specially designated parking spaces closer to building entrances. These accessible spaces reduce the distance a person must walk, making it easier for those with mobility issues to access services, stores, and workplaces. To obtain a Handicap Parking Placard, an individual must first be certified by a licensed medical professional, such as those at Cascade Health Clinic, who will evaluate whether their condition severely limits their ability to walk.
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At Cascade Health Clinic, our healthcare providers are well-qualified to assess your medical condition and help you obtain the required documentation for your Handicap Parking Placard. We assist in completing the necessary forms, verifying your eligibility, and ensuring your application is accurately submitted to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).
What is a Handicap Parking Placard?
A Handicap Parking Placard is a permit issued by the state of Washington that grants the holder the ability to park in designated accessible parking spaces. These spaces are located closer to entrances, which is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments. Having a placard helps those with disabilities park more conveniently and reduces the physical strain of walking long distances.
In Washington, two types of Handicap Parking Placards are available:
- Permanent Placard: This placard is issued to individuals with permanent disabilities that are expected to last for five years or more. It must be renewed every five years.
- Temporary Placard: This placard is given to individuals with a disability expected to last less than one year. It may be issued for conditions such as post-surgery recovery or an injury. Temporary placards are typically valid for six months to one year, and you will need to re-apply or be re-evaluated to renew it.
Both placards allow individuals to park in spaces designated for those with disabilities, helping to improve mobility and access to necessary services.
Who Qualifies for a Handicap Parking Placard?
To qualify for a Handicap Parking Placard in Washington, individuals must have a condition that substantially impairs their ability to walk. Washington State’s Department of Licensing (DOL) sets clear criteria for who is eligible. Conditions that may qualify for a handicap placard include severe mobility impairments, certain cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and significant cognitive or developmental disabilities.
Some examples of conditions that may qualify include:
- Mobility impairments caused by conditions like amputations, paralysis, or the use of mobility devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, or crutches. If an individual cannot walk a significant distance without severe discomfort or pain, they may qualify for a placard.
- Severe arthritis or other chronic conditions that affect the joints and significantly hinder mobility.
- Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, or cerebral palsy that limit motor function and walking ability.
- Heart and respiratory conditions, such as congestive heart failure or severe asthma, where the person’s ability to walk is limited by a lack of stamina or breath.
- Visual impairments that result in severe loss of vision, such as blindness or a restricted field of vision, may also qualify a person for a placard.
- Cognitive or developmental disabilities that substantially hinder an individual’s ability to walk, navigate public spaces, or access services independently.
In these cases, a licensed healthcare provider must evaluate the individual and complete the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (Form TD-420-073) to verify that the condition meets the DOL’s criteria.
How Cascade Health Clinic Assists with Authorization
At Cascade Health Clinic, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments receive the necessary documentation to obtain a Handicap Parking Placard. Our team of licensed healthcare providers is experienced in evaluating various conditions and determining whether a patient qualifies for a placard.
When you come to our clinic, we will first conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation. Our healthcare providers will assess your physical condition, review your medical history, and evaluate how your condition affects your ability to walk and navigate public spaces. This evaluation may involve performing a physical exam to assess your mobility and discussing any assistive devices you use, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or crutches.
If your condition qualifies, our healthcare providers will complete the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (Form TD-420-073), which includes a description of your medical condition and its impact on your mobility. We will also certify that your condition meets the eligibility requirements set by the Department of Licensing. Once the form is signed by our licensed provider, you can submit it to the DOL for processing.
Cascade Health Clinic offers full support throughout the process, from scheduling your initial evaluation to guiding you through the steps of submitting the necessary forms. We are here to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Steps to Obtain a Handicap Parking Placard
To begin the process of obtaining a Handicap Parking Placard, you will need to follow a few important steps.
The first step is to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at Cascade Health Clinic. During your visit, our healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine your eligibility for the placard.
When preparing for your appointment, please bring any relevant medical records, assistive devices that you use (like a wheelchair or cane), and a valid ID to verify your identity. If you have a history of surgeries or conditions related to your mobility impairment, it’s helpful to bring documentation or reports from previous treatments as well.
During your appointment, one of our experienced doctors will assess your condition in detail. This may involve a physical exam to evaluate how your condition affects your walking ability, as well as a review of your medical history. The physician will take into account any medical treatments or assistive devices that have been prescribed to help you with mobility. If necessary, they may also discuss how long your disability is expected to last.
If, after the evaluation, you meet the criteria for a Handicap Parking Placard, our physician will complete the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (Form TD-420-073). This form includes your personal information, a detailed description of your medical condition, and a statement from the physician verifying that your condition substantially impairs your ability to walk. The physician will also indicate whether your condition is permanent or temporary, which will determine whether you receive a permanent or temporary placard.
After receiving the completed medical certification form, you can submit it to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). You have two options for submission: you can submit your application online through the DOL’s website or mail the completed form to their office. Along with the certification form, you will need to provide proof of identity and, if applicable, proof of residency in Washington State. Once your application is processed, you will receive your placard by mail.
After your application is approved, you will be issued a Handicap Parking Placard, which will be valid for the duration specified by your physician (either permanent or temporary). The placard will be sent to you in the mail, and it can be used immediately for parking in designated accessible spaces.
What is Included in the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (Form TD-420-073)?
The Disabled Parking Application for Individuals (Form TD-420-073) is an essential part of the application process. This form includes several important sections, including:
- Personal Information: Your name, address, and date of birth.
- Diagnosis and Impact on Walking: A detailed description of your medical condition, specifically how it limits your ability to walk and move about. This may include information about pain, the use of assistive devices, or physical limitations that require accessible parking.
- Physician’s Certification: The healthcare provider will assess and certify that your condition meets the qualifications for a Handicap Parking Placard. This section also includes the doctor’s signature, which validates the certification.
At Cascade Health Clinic, we ensure that this form is filled out completely and accurately, which is essential for a smooth approval process.
Why Choose Cascade Health Clinic?
At Cascade Health Clinic, we understand that obtaining a Handicap Parking Placard can be an important step in improving your quality of life. Our licensed healthcare providers are committed to offering thorough evaluations and providing the necessary documentation to ensure that you can access the parking spaces you need.
We pride ourselves on providing compassionate care and guidance throughout the entire process. From the initial evaluation to the submission of your paperwork, our team is here to help make the process as easy as possible.