NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND!! 

SB-792 Effective Jan 1, 2022

It is now illegal for Texas veterans with a standard DV plate to park in handicap parking spaces without the ISA symbol displayed on our license plates. We cannot even obtain a handicap placard without the ISA symbol displayed on our plates, instead we are made to go to the VA and have our primary care physician fill out paperwork to explain what numerous medical and psychiatrist have already confirmed time and again. We know how busy, overworked, and understaffed our primary care doctors within our VA facilities are, why place an undue burden on us veterans, and these superheroes that have answered the call to care for veterans. 

If you are a disabled veteran in Texas, then you know the rigorous process we go through to obtain our disability status. It is not easy, and it is certainly not a game. The process is time consuming and oftentimes we are met with denial after denial.  

SB 792 was supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of American and the Disabled American Veterans because I quote “ a lack of handicapped parking, especially at Veterans Administration Facilities or the VA”. 

This is a case of frustration and Disablism, and two things can be true at the same time!

Disablism can be defined as discriminatory, oppressive, abusive behavior arising from the belief that disabled people are inferior to others. Disablism refers to prejudice, stereotyping, or "institutional discrimination" against disabled people (https://www.coe.int/ ).

I understand the frustration that arises from seeing young non-paralyzed veterans utilizing parking spaces but that anger stems from PTSD and not fully understanding the invisibility of disability as well as the nuances associated with truly understanding the damage that was done to us.

Veterans-we do not need to fight among each other-that is what the system wants us to do-instead we should unite and make space for all those who have answered the call to serve. Let us use that anger and create legislation that benefits ALL veterans. 

The petition NO VETS LEFT BEHIND is a win-win solution that works for every single disabled veteran that was willing to give their life and limb for our country. 

I am proposing 2 solutions 1: Paralyzed veterans receive a special designated parking space which will only be utilized by them and 2: Create more parking spaces for the numerous amounts of disabled veterans that reside in the great state of Texas. 

Undoubtedly, the bipartisan bill was passed because our elected officials want to do right by veterans- as they should, but because the bill was supported by prominent veteran organizations: Paralyzed veterans of America & the Disabled American Veterans there was no pushback. Had the bill been brought to the attention of the public and non-paralyzed veterans, I believe our elected officials would have implemented the suggestions above- no question. 

As a veteran who was willing to die for my country, I am not interested in fighting with other veterans who were willing to do the same, instead I am proposing a solution that works for each and every veteran that has fought tirelessly both in and out of uniform to make this right. 

***I am proposing 2 solutions 1: Paralyzed veterans receive a special designated parking space which will only be utilized by them and 2: Create more parking spaces for the numerous amounts of disabled veterans that reside in the great state of Texas***

NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND!