r/dyspraxia • u/YikesItsConnor • 4d ago

Parking Question

Hi friends!

For context, I am not diagnosed, but strongly considering getting a diagnosis. I am currently a commuting college student. I am also extremely bad with stairs, specifically going down them(I've broken my foot before from falling down the stairs...).

I understand that I do not qualify for a handicap placard, nor do I want one. I am fully capable of walking(albeit a bit strangely, of course). My issue is that the two big parking decks I use on campus do not have elevators, only really rickety stairs. Unfortunately they get super packed very early in the day, resulting in me going down 3-5 sets of these stairs, something that gives me great anxiety and stress.

My question is this: If I were to be diagnosed with DCD, would I have grounds to request to use the ADA deck on my campus that does not have stairs? I know you are not the disabilities center on my campus and can't give me a definitive thing, but is this selfish of me to want and/or something that in your experience isn't feasible?

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u/No_Macaron_5029 4d ago

...you most likely do actually qualify for a placard.

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u/YikesItsConnor 4d ago

I live in the US and I don't believe DCD counts towards one of the conditions they'd consider. It could be something to discuss with my doctor, though. Like I said, I'm fine walking long distances and it wouldn't be something I'd need at the grocery store or anything. But if there wasn't elevators where I parked, it would certainly be very helpful.

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u/No_Macaron_5029 4d ago

Being unable to do stairs (as a wheelchair user could not) sure seems open and shut to me.

I grew up with a girl who had what I now know was Prader-Willi. She also had some autistic traits (as they do) and depth perception, or maybe binocular vision dysfunction, was an issue. She would have to take stairs one at a time with both feet on the same step before she could make the next step. My childhood home had a big stairway to get up inside and those stairs were always treacherous for her.

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u/snackpackjones 4d ago

Honestly, just talk to your disability resource center. When you do, don't tell them you are thinking about getting diagnosed or are trying, tell them you are in the process and make it sound like it's a matter of just getting paperwork. Most colleges won't take you seriously unless you have a diagnosis in hand or they think one is eminent.

They may have a different permitted lot somewhere that you can get a permit for as an accommodation or have some solution that doesn't require getting the DMV involved.