Accessing benefits that help individuals with disabilities to live more mobile, functional lives is important for many Americans. If you live in the state of Kansas and are interested in acquiring a disability parking permit for yourself or a loved one who needs it, you may be wondering when it is the best time to apply for one. The answer is short and simple: If you qualify, the time is now! This permit is an important one for those facing mobility challenges related to their disability, so the sooner you get one, the sooner you can reap the benefits that come with it. These permits allow individuals to park closer to the entrances of buildings across the state, making the commute to the door shorter for those who need it. If you’re wondering what the steps to apply are, this quick guide will tell you all the information necessary to set the process in motion.
What Conditions Qualify for a Disability Parking Permit in Kansas
When it comes to applying for a disability parking permit in Kansas, the first thing to look into is if you have a condition that is considered as a qualifier for this permit. There is a large umbrella of conditions for those who are seeking this information, with many disabilities falling under the categories of symptoms. This list below will give you a good reference for the qualifying conditions that are eligible for this permit in the state of Kansas:
- You are unable to walk a distance of at least 100 feet without stopping for rest or without aggravating an existing medical condition including an upsurge in pain
- unable to walk without using an assisting device such as a brace, crutches, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person, etc.
- You must use portable oxygen throughout the duration of the day
- You suffer from a lung disease that is restrictive to the extent that the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest, or when the forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured through spirometry
- You have severe visual impairment but are still eligible for a driver’s license
- You have a class III or class IV cardiac condition as classified by the American Heart Association
- You suffer from an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely limits their ability to walk with or without an assistive device
- You have loss of function of one or both legs
- You are missing one or more limbs
These qualifying conditions are broad enough to leave some room for interpretation, so if you find that you have any questions about whether your particular condition falls into the criteria for this permit, then you may contact the County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office. If you have determined that you do indeed fit the criteria, then it is time to move forward with the next steps to complete your application and apply.
Speak with Your Doctor: Important Steps to Apply for a Disability Parking Permit
After you’ve determined that you definitely meet the criteria for a disability parking permit in the state of Kansas, then you should reach out to your doctor to make an appointment. You must meet with a licensed physician to have your disability certified. A doctor is the only person who can prescribe a disability parking permit in the state of Kansas.
The top portion of your application must be filled out with your identifying information. This is your part, but the bottom of the application must be completed by your doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, you can make an appointment with any licensed physician in Kansas. You’ll need to get the application prior to your doctors office visit. You will need the Certification of Disability for Disabled Parking Placard and/or Plate Form TR-159. You can get a copy of this form from the County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office or print it from the internet. After you’ve gone through your doctors visit, you can then move on to submitting the application.
How to File Your Application for a Disability Parking Permit in Kansas
One big upside of this application process is the fact that there is no fee associated with submitting this application. This is a gracious freedom that allows individuals in need of this permit to acquire it easily. When you are ready to submit the application, you can take it to your local County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office in any county in Kansas or you can send it in via postal mail if a trip to the proper office will take too much time.
Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Kansas
Disability parking permits that are issued in the state of Kansas have two validity periods that are issued to those who apply successfully. Temporary placards are always red and are valid for a length of six months. The permanent placards are blue and are eligible for a period of three years.
What to Do With Your Disability Parking Permit
Placing your disability parking permit placard in the right place is essential in avoiding any fines associated with parking illegally in a handicap space. To avoid any potential fines, always hang tour placard from your rearview mirror after parking in a handicap space. You must remember to remove the placard while you are driving as you can also receive a fine for not complying with this rule.
What to Do if You Have Lost Your Placard
Discovering that your placard has been lost, stolen or damaged will mean that you must replace it to continue using your benefits legally. This means that you will have to fill out the Disabled Identification Application and submit it to the County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office. You won’t have to make another doctors visit to be certified again for a replacement placard.
Conclusion
If you are an individual who is eligible for a disability parking permit in Kansas, then the time to apply is now! The process is quick and easy, and once you’ve gotten your doctors certification you can submit your application to the County Treasurer’s Motor Vehicle Office without a hassle. Make your appointment today and you’ll be on your way to receiving these benefits.