In my last post, I covered how to get an accessible parking pass in Manitoba. In this one, I cover how to apply for an accessible parking permit in Ontario.
Earlier, I mentioned that losing my mobility was incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally. Basically, I don’t think that you can fully appreciate the luxury of being able to walk until you can no longer do it. Suddenly, everyday tasks became a huge challenge. Parking in accessible parking spaces can help ease some of the physical and mental burdens that come with mobility issues.
There are plenty of reasons someone may want to consider applying for an accessible parking permit. Most importantly, an accessible parking permit enables individuals to reclaim a measure of independence.
Increasing access to the world can help individuals feel more empowered. Here’s what you need to know about applying for an accessible parking permit in Ontario:
Background:
Compared to Manitoba’s, the parking scheme in Ontario is a bit more complicated, as there are several more types of permits.
The complete instructions are online on the ServiceOntario page.
Eligibility:
To apply for an Ontario accessible parking permit, you must have both:
- A health condition that meets the eligible health requirements.
- Authorization from a regulated healthcare practitioner.
To apply, your healthcare practitioner must certify that you have one or more of the following eligible health conditions:
- cannot walk without a brace, cane, crutch, lower limb prosthetic device or similar assistive device or requires the assistance of a wheelchair or the assistance of another individual
- suffers from lung disease to such an extent that his or her forced expiratory volume in one second is less than one litre
- portable oxygen is a medical necessity
- suffers from cardiovascular disease to such an extent that the individual’s functional capacity is classified as Class III or Class IV according to Nomenclature and Criteria for Diagnosis of Diseases of the Heart and Great Vessels, ninth edition, published by Little, Brown & Co. in 1994
- severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, musculoskeletal or orthopaedic condition
- visual acuity is 20/200 or poorer in the better eye with corrective lenses, or whose maximum field of vision using both eyes has a diameter of 20 degrees or less
- mobility is severely limited by one or more conditions or functional impairments
Cost:
The Ontario parking permit is free.
Types of Permits:
In Ontario, there are five types of accessible parking permits:
01
Permanent permit
- have a permanent disability
- valid for 5 years
- can be renewed without recertification from a regulated healthcare practitioner
02
Subject to change permit
- have a disability that is subject to change
- valid for 5 years
- to renew, must be re-certified by a regulated healthcare practitioner
03
Temporary permit
- have a temporary disability
- valid up to 12 months
- to renew, must be re-certified by a regulated healthcare practitioenr
04
Traveller’s permit
- travelling outside Ontario and hold a valid accessible parking permit
- allows you to park your car where you depart (airport, train) and use you regular permit during your trip
- valid for up to 12 months
05
Company permit
- if you are a company or organization
- for vehicles used primarily to transport people with disabilities
- valid for 5 years
- can be renewed if company meets required criteria
Application:
If you are eligible for an accessible parking permit, there are two steps to complete:
- Complete an application form:
- Download the application online or visit any ServiceOntario.
- Complete Part A of the form by yourself
- Have a regulated healthcare professional complete Part B
- Upon completion, submit it with identity documents either:
- online;
- by mail; or
- in-person
A regulated healthcare practitioner includes a:
- physician
- chiropracter
- nurse practitioner
- physiotherapist
- occupational therapist
- chiropodist
- podiatrist
Time Frame:
If you apply online or by mail, ServiceOntario estimates that you will receive your parking permit within 3 weeks.
If you apply in-person at a ServiceOntario centre, it could take 7 weeks.
During this wait period for your permit, you may be eligible for an interim accessible parking permit. You can get one from a ServiceOntario centre.
Rules:
Just like Manitoba, you can only park in an accessible spot if the permit holder is in the vehicle. Breaking this rule could lead to a $5,000 fine, and your permit may be seized.
Additionally, you must clearly display your permit on your car’s sun visor or dashboard when parked in an accessible parking space.
Finally, accessible parking permits must be returned within 30 days where the:
- person named on the permit is deceased
- permit holder is no longer a person with an eligible health condition
- permit contains incorrect information
- permit has been cancelled
Travel:
Ontario allows you to apply for a traveller’s permit. Basically, this allows you to park your car in an accessible parking space at a point of departure, such as an airport or train station, while you travel with your original parking permit.
ServiceOntario recommends that you contact the authorities of the location you are travelling to confirm that you are able to use your Ontario accessible parking permit.
If you are visiting Ontario, you may be able to apply for a visitor accessible parking permit.
Conclusion:
An accessible parking permit is more than just a document; it’s a gateway to enhanced accessibility. Whether you’re living with mobility issues or helping someone else who is, an accessible parking pass can provide significant improvements to everyday life.