Navigating the streets and parking lots of Alberta can be a challenge for individuals with disabilities.
Recognizing this, the Alberta government offers parking placards to facilitate easier access to facilities and services.
If you or someone you know has mobility challenges, here’s a comprehensive guide on obtaining a handicap parking permit in Alberta.
How Do I Get a Handicap Parking Permit in Alberta?
To obtain a handicap parking permit in Alberta, individuals must meet specific criteria that demonstrate a genuine need.
The primary qualification is the inability to walk more than 50 metres.
Get a handicap parking placard from here: Alberta Government – Get a parking placard for people with disabilities
There are three types of placards available:
- Temporary Placard: For short-term disabilities, valid between 3 to 12 months.
- Long-Term Placard: For long-standing conditions, valid for 5 years.
- Permanent Placard: For permanent disabilities, renewable every 5 years without additional medical certification.
Eligibility and Application
- Alberta Residents: Residents facing difficulty walking more than 50 metres due to a physical disability are eligible. Sensory impairments alone, such as blindness or deafness, do not qualify.
- Visitors: Those visiting Alberta can use valid placards from their home province or country. If forgotten, they can apply for a temporary red placard during their stay.
- Organizations: Entities providing transportation to persons with disabilities can obtain placards. However, volunteer drivers aren’t eligible.
- Application Process: Begin by filling out the “Parking Placards for People with Disabilities Application.” A healthcare professional must approve the application, which should be submitted within six months of their signature. The completed form, along with identification, is then submitted to a registry agent.
Usage and Regulations
It’s crucial to use the parking placard responsibly.
The placard, paired with its registration certificate, is exclusive to the person it’s issued to.
When in use, it should hang from the vehicle’s rear-view mirror, displaying the registration number and expiry date.
Misuse can lead to penalties or even cancellation.
FAQs: Handicap Parking Permits in Alberta
- Can I use my placard in other provinces? Yes, Alberta’s parking placards are recognized across Canada.
- What if I lose my placard? If lost or stolen, report to a registry agent and apply for a replacement.
- Are there fees involved? There’s no fee for the placard, but registry agents might charge for their services.
Alberta’s Commitment to Accessibility
Alberta’s parking placard system underscores the province’s commitment to ensuring accessibility for all its residents.
By providing designated parking spaces, the province ensures that individuals with disabilities can access facilities and services with ease.
In Summary
- Alberta offers three types of parking placards based on the individual’s needs.
- The primary eligibility criterion is the inability to walk more than 50 metres.
- Proper use of the placard is essential to avoid penalties.
- Alberta’s placard system is a testament to its commitment to accessibility.
