S'porean man, 35, accused of abusing handicap parking space clarifies he has hemiplegia after spinal cord injury

A 35-year-old Singaporean man suffering from hemiplegia was falsely accused of abusing handicap parking spaces after a video of him circulated online.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the 35-year-old, identified as Barry (transliterated), was filmed getting into a car parked in a disabled parking space at a multi-storey car park at Block 570, Woodlands Avenue 1.

The resident who filmed the video claimed that Barry was able to get out of the driver’s seat, and he appeared to move freely.

The video was posted on Facebook, and prompted netizens to question whether Barry had misused the parking spaces.

Barry’s explanation

When Shin Min contacted the 35-year-old, who works as a construction site safety coordinator, he explained that he was qualified to use a disabled parking space.

He said that after a car accident years ago, he was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, resulting in hemiplegia.

According to Cleveland Clinic, it is a symptom that involves one-sided paralysis.

He also suffered a minor stroke on his left side.

Following a doctor’s evaluation and advice, he redid a driving test and received a Class 1 Car Park Label.

According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the car park labels are for drivers who are certified by Singapore-registered medical professionals.

Class 1 Car Park label holders require the use of bulky mobility aids and the need to open the vehicle doors fully to board or alight.

Memories of the accident

Barry mentioned that after the video was uploaded online, the comments caused him and his family considerable distress.

He was forced to explain his need for the parking space, and he claimed that it brought back memories of his accident.

While he does not intend to confront the resident who filmed him, Barry said his sister contacted the Facebook group’s administrator to take the video down.

He also urged that it is wrong to judge a person based on appearances.

Image from Shin Min and SGRV/FB