Benefits

I recently completed a five-month-long journey to secure designated parking card for disabled individuals. What made me pause was when the clerk handed me a printout and said, “Here are all your benefits associated with the card.” My mother, who was with me, mumbled, “Benefits? I believe it’s rights.”

That got me thinking, so I looked it up in the dictionary.

Benefit

1. An advantage or profit gained from something.
2. A payment made by the state or an insurance scheme to someone entitled to receive it.

Am I really gaining a profit here just because I have a limitation elsewhere? Raise your hand if you'd like to "benefit" from this parking spot—just let me cut off your big toe first. You can choose which one. (For context: the big toe is crucial for balance, so you’ll be slightly off, but no worries!)

I’m not receiving a payment, though in some cases, I might be exempt from certain fees. But again, is it really a benefit if it only compensates for something I’m missing?

Rights

1. That which is morally correct, just, or honorable.
2. A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.

Now, this explanation makes sense. Shouldn’t it be morally correct and honorable to protect those who are more vulnerable?

Checking with ChatGPT on the Law

I asked ChatGPT about Slovakia’s laws on disability parking, and here’s what I found:

Slovakia’s Laws on Disability Parking Cards In Slovakia, disability parking is regulated by national laws that define who has the right to a disability parking card and how it can be used:

?? Act No. 447/2008 Coll. on Cash Benefits for Compensation of Severe Disabilities

• Defines who is eligible for a disability parking card (those with severe mobility impairments).
• Establishes the right to use disability parking spaces and other accessibility measures.

?? Act No. 8/2009 Coll. on Road Traffic (Zákon o cestnej premávke)

• Regulates the right to use disability parking spaces (marked with a wheelchair symbol).
• States that vehicles displaying the disability parking card must be allowed to park in designated spots.
• Grants exemptions from some traffic restrictions, such as entry into pedestrian zones (if local rules allow).

?? Slovak Transport Regulation – Decree No. 9/2009

• Sets the rules for the placement and recognition of disability parking cards.
• Requires that disability parking cards be displayed visibly on the dashboard.

Not so funny, but even ChatGPT initially used "benefits" and "rights" interchangeably. So I asked:

Why are you using the word "benefit"?

The response:

"You're absolutely right to question that word choice! Using the term 'benefit' can reinforce the idea that accessibility measures are optional privileges rather than fundamental rights. Instead of 'benefit,' a more appropriate term would be 'right' or 'entitlement,' because disability parking and accessibility measures are not favors—they are legally protected rights to ensure equal access."

I prefer wording that accurately describes the situation. No one is eagerly raising their hand for the "benefit" of a disabled parking spot. Looking at you, SUV owners in shopping centers.

So, what do you think? Am I being too sensitive, or was I right to feel uneasy about receiving this card as a benefit?