Train ride
 

I am on my way to visit a relative with my family. We came on the car and saw some seats that were not only across from each other, but there was a bench that had leg room that made choirs of angels sing.

I should have known it was too good to be true.

The conductor let me know it was their ADA seat.

Now, I am certain my neurologist would write up the necessary paperwork. I may broach the subject.

The conductor was great about it. I have zero complaints, though I really was looking forward to being stretched out. I know to most people I do not appear overly encumbered with problems if it isn't a flare day. Those closest to me or who have known me for years can tell by my posture or by my facial expression.

I get the feeling (perhaps unfairly to him) that this conductor would have looked at my paperwork- if I had any- with contempt. He did find is a row across from each other, which was very nice of him.

I feel like I am on an Agatha Christie ride mixed with Silver Streak.

Have a good trip. I hope you're not cramped up in the train for too long.

My understanding is that they do not have the right to ask for paperwork, that your word is all that is necessary.
I have both handicapped parking plate and tag, which required paperwork. My doctor insisted I get them several years ago, as well as a wheelchair to save walking through parking lots at stadiums, museums, airports, anything that requires a long walk and standing. I did ask him to write a letter stating that I was permantly disabled for the national park access pass, but they have never asked to see it. I was told they aren't allowed to ask for proof. I actually begged the ranger at Zion to look at it just so I hadn't wasted my doctor's time. I do not think the airport personnel are allowed to ask for proof either, so I don't see how a train conductor would.
It does take a thick skin to demand these rights, particularly if you aren't in a wheelchair. Fortunately my husband has one, so he does the talking and I just sit and look slightly addled which is very easy for me.;)
I hope it wasn't a long ride. I know you, like me , are very tall. I have given up going to certain venues because of my knees being bent at an excruciating angle in the effort to cram as many seats as possible, the Comcast Center in Philly being my chief nemesis. We may explore their handicapped seating next time TSO comes to town.

But you don't look sick.....
 

I love how you keep your sense of humor through these trying times. I hope you have a speedy trip and get to your destination without a flare.

I know what you mean about looking fine to the majority of people out there. I want to punch people who say to me, "But you don't look sick" and I use to be a non- violent kinda girl;)

train trip
 

I don't think it is legal for them to ask for proof I do hope you have a good trip I love to go by train :grouphug:

a little off topic but i finally broke down after 14 years and asked for a handicapped tag which i got but havent used yet. i was even asked by doctor in the past are you sure you dont want one...haha. walking longer distances is getting increasingly harder.

have a good trip Jon! its good to get away now and then.

Stuck behind a broken down freight train while Amtrak uses vague terms like "moments away". I'd rather hear concrete bad news. So it goes.

I already sent the e-mail.

Buzzing like Belushi and Ackroyd doing the Bees on SNL.

I can walk for quite a while on soft ground, or could until the wound issues, but it has been a while since I had to give up walking on asphalt in the neighborhood. It makes a huge difference for me. My doctor's reasoning with both the parking and the wheelchair is that I should save what energy I have for the event, not use it all up in the parking lot. I would encourage you to use the permit.
Standing kills me. Last time we went to the Baltimore aquarium, several years ago, one of the museum attendants asked me several times if I wanted one of their wheelchairs. I must have looked pathetic. Now I take my own. Last year I tried to do a small local art museum without it and it was really a mistake.
I think the level of disability really creeps up on you.

ID Proving Handicap
 

In my state, the DMV issues the parking placards with accompanying ID card similar to your drivers license w/o photo, but bearing in bold print the same number/letter combination as appears on the placard which is only being used legally if the individual to whom it was issued is with the vehicle at the time, ID in his/her possession. Failing that, the said vehicle is using the Handicapped spot illegally, and subject to all fines & penalties indicated on the signage. I confess that I encourage officers to request IDs to ensure that (and how many times have all of us seen this?) the driver isn't using spouses placard for mere selfish convenience, getting out of the car and jogging to destination.

I live 10 minutes down the road from the boardwalk/ocean in a very popular shore destination town. Now the state law give the individual municipalities discretion whether to allow free public parking to any vehicle displaying a placard, but Hell would freeze over solid before the afore-alluded to, town, nor any other up and down the coast would even remotely consider giving up one penny of the exorbitant parking fees they exact, whether from a permanent year round resident or day visitor. However several towns I do business in extend that particular courtesy so the placard and ID is always in whichever vehicle we happening to be using.

Also trains and planes transverse boundaries having variously differing laws, so one proceeds precariously when asserting an "imaginary" right not to present ID to anyone requesting, who happens to be displaying a badge or such, accompanied by an obvious air of self-importance (probably the kid who always got wedgied in school)unless you enjoy wasting a lot of breath and blood pressure. It's simply not worth it.