Instructions for Applications

1. MUST BE A NASSAU COUNTY RESIDENT.
2. All applications must be fully completed and properly executed. All questions must be answered and Medical Certification MUST be completed by a New York State Practicing Licensed Medical Doctor. Under State Law, CHIROPRACTORS NOT ACCEPTED.
    
   * * * * * NO CHIROPRACTOR * * * * *
   (Incomplete application or failure to complete Medical Certification or a copy or fax of the application will result in immediate denial.)

3. In order to expedite the issuance of your permit upon approval, we would appreciate your enclosing 9 1/2 X 4 inch self-addressed envelope.
4. You do not have to be the driver or registered owner of a vehicle to obtain a permit.
   Disabled children are eligible for permits.

5. Any person who has been issued a Handicapped Permit, who abuses any privilege, benefit, precedence or consideration arising from issuance of the permit, may have it revoked. " Section 1203-a(1) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law gives issuing agents the authority to revoke a parking permit, if used by anyone other than the person it was issued to, or misused in any way by the person or facility it was issued to. Duplicating or altering the permit makes it void. Parking permits are not transferable, and can be revoked if used by any other person.

6. Making a false statement or providing misinformation on an application submitted to a public official to obtain a parking permit, is a violation of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1203-a(4). In addition, a person violates Section 210.45 of the Penal Law, which is a misdemeanor, when he/she knowingly makes a false written statement which he/she does not believe to be true, in a written instrument, that contains a notice to the effect that false statements made therein are punishable. These violations are punishable by a fine of from $250 to $1,000. These penalties also apply to physicians/podiatrists who make a false statement of medical condition.

7. Suspension, revocation and refusal to issue or renew any Permit if the Issuing Agent determines that any applicant or parent or guardian of any applicant:
   1. has made a material false statement In the Application (This includes the Medical Certification)
   2. has used or permitted the use of the Permit to any other than the handicapped person.
   3. as failed to comply with or observe any of the conditions of the Application and/or the Permit.
      
    
8. If permit is lost it is your responsibility to report it to our office for a replacement. There may be a replacement fee.
   
   The applicant or parent or guardian of such applicant shall notify the Issuing Agent of any change of address, or disability within ten (10) days after such change, and the Issuing Agent shall cancel such Permit upon failure to give such notice. 

Since the passage of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, revolutionary changes have occurred in accessibility to public and private accommodations for persons with disabilities.

When you see existing or new buildings with curb cuts, ramps, Braille signs, telecommunications devices for deaf people and other accessibility features for citizens with disabilities, you are seeing ADA legislation in action.

Individuals with disabilities now experience the freedom of movement, and all that goes with it including working, shopping, visiting friends and relatives, that the rest of society has always enjoyed.

Here at the Office for the Physically Challenged, one of our most important tasks is to help governments and private owners comply with the law. We also inform businesses of the generous tax benefits and incentives available to help defray their costs.

We stress that complying with the law doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive. In fact, it' s simply good business. In a society which requires the talents of all its citizens, 54 million Americans with disabilities comprise an impressive and largely untapped work force and consumer market.

If you are a private owner or a government official, we want to help you comply with the law. To help us do the job effectively, we ask that you submit all questions to us in writing. We will respond promptly and courteously.

The Office of the Physically Challenged wants all of our citizens to be included in the social, economic and cultural life of our communities. The full inclusion now required by the law benefits all citizens. Negative attitudes and structural barriers traditionally placed limitations on the capacities of individuals with disabilities to live, work and play side by side with the rest of us. Studies have shown that $195 billion in earnings and taxes are lost each year because of unemployment among people with disabilities. Our role is to help individuals with disabilities help themselves by assisting businesses, consumer facilities and government agencies to modify their policies, practices and procedures as well as remove structural barriers where necessary.

Surely, full participation and equal opportunities in the work force, consumer markets, educational realm and technology revolution enrich the fabric of our society as well as empower people with disabilities to realize individual potentials.