Eligibility for disabled parking is being expanded to include individuals with vision loss.
Effective immediately, Albertans with vision loss are eligible for disabled parking placards and licence plates. Accessible parking supports safety, independence and access to everyday activities such as attending appointments, going to work and participating in the community.
Expanding eligibility will help Albertans with vision loss access services more safely by reducing the need to navigate large parking lots and busy traffic areas. This change recognizes that accessibility needs are not limited to those with mobility challenges.
“For many Albertans with vision loss, getting from the parking lot to the front door can be the hardest part of the trip. This change recognizes that reality and helps people get where they need to go safely.”
“Albertans with disabilities have told us that independence in daily life matters deeply to them. By expanding parking placard eligibility to include Albertans with vision loss, we are recognizing the real barriers they face and taking practical action to improve their accessibility, independence and quality of life.”
The expanded eligibility does not replace existing criteria but adds vision-related safety needs as a new category alongside current mobility-based requirements. Applications will continue to be assessed through the standard certification process to ensure placards are issued based on functional need and safety considerations.
“CNIB applauds Government of Alberta’s decision to extend disabled parking eligibility to people with sight loss. This milestone reflects the power of advocacy, partnership and Minister Nally’s commitment to removing barriers and advancing accessibility for all Albertans.”
This update is the first phase of a broader modernization of Alberta’s parking placard program. Future phases will explore opportunities to improve program administration and service delivery to better support Albertans. Albertans will be able to find more information, including updated eligibility criteria and application details on alberta.ca.
Quick facts
- A parking placard allows access to disabled parking stalls for people who cannot walk 50 metres (164 feet) or who have a loss of vision that substantially limits safe and independent mobility, while navigating parking areas.
- Placards are issued to individuals who provide proper proof that they meet the requirements.
- There are three types of parking placards:
- A temporary placard, issued for between three and 12 months.
- A long-term placard, issued for five years.
- A permanent placard that can be renewed every five years by the client without additional medical certification
- These changes were informed by engagement with persons with disabilities, advocacy organizations, municipalities, registry agents, health professionals, law enforcement and government partners.
- Albertans can also get a licence plate that contains the official disabled driver logo.
- Municipalities have the authority to determine where stalls for persons with disabilities are located, how many and what size of stalls are available, the enforcement of stall use, and fines on stall misuse/abuse.
- More than three million temporary and permanent parking placards have been issued in Alberta between 2004 and the present day.