What is hard, is actually parking in the disabled spot. People look at you funny if you don't "LOOK" disabled. I have a limp, and multipal health issues. My brace is usually hidden and does not show with pants. I am 60 and I hate using the placard. Necessary yes, have to. There are times I won't use it either, when I have the energy and pain control to park further down. Mostly I use it when there are HUGE parking lots, like at a festival, or Art show, where walking is an issue just by itself. do what you have to do, to save yourselves from pain. I just don't like the way people look at you, if you are not in a wheelchair, just hurting. Pain is silent in public, doesn't mean you don't have it. I wish you all the best. I hope more empathy can be developed with the publics idea on this. ginnie