Disability parking permits

Disability Parking Permits (DPPs) allow cars to park in spaces marked with the international access symbol.

For the first time in 25 years, we have made changes to the legislation to help more South Australians access these permits.

Reason for change

We have modified the scheme to better meet the needs of people with a disability. This includes people who:

• who have a significant condition that prevents them from moving independently. They require continuous support of another person. The significant condition can be intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or neurological.
• who are legally blind (as a passenger).

People often have similar parking needs as those with physical disabilities if they have either:

• cognitive
• behavioural
• neurological conditions.

The changes aim to make the DPP system more inclusive. This will ensure that more people who need accessible parking can get it. These changes won’t affect current DPP holders.

The changes

We have made the following changes to expand the eligibility criteria:

• Include applicants who are legally blind without needing to meet further mobility criteria. A legally blind person being transported as a passenger in a vehicle will be eligible for a DPP. They do not need to hold a driver’s licence.
• Include applicants that have a significant intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment. This results in being unable to mobilise without the continuous support of another person.
• Removed the requirement that the impairment must significantly inhibit an applicant’s ability to use public transport.
• Amend the term “disabled person” to “person with disability”. This change will be consistent with the language guide published by People With Disability Australia.
• Retain existing physical mobility impairment criteria.

Eligibility

Mobility impairment criteria

A person may qualify if they:

• use a mobility aid or device due to a physical impairment, or
• have a medical condition or impairment that:
  • severely limits how quickly you can move, or
  • makes it difficult to walk short distances without stopping due to pain, fatigue, or balance issues.

If either of these apply, they may be eligible for a permit.

Cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment criteria

A person may qualify if they:

• have a significant cognitive, behavioural or neurological condition, and
• need ongoing support from another person to move safely.

This includes conditions such as autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities. This applies to children or individuals who require supervision from a parent or guardian.

Legally blind criteria

If the applicant is legally blind and travels as a passenger in a vehicle, they can apply for a permit. They do not need to hold a driver’s licence.

There is no age restriction to be issued a disability parking permit.

Who can complete DPP assessments

An eligible health practitioner must complete the DPP assessment.

Eligible health practitioners vary by impairment type.

Impairment	Health practitioner
Mobility devices and aids	A medical practitioner or specialist, or an occupational therapist.
Other mobility impairments	A medical practitioner or specialist, or an occupational therapist.
Vision impairments	A medical practitioner, or optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairments	A medical practitioner or specialist, an occupational therapist or a psychologist.

Enforcement and availability of accessible parking spaces

The changes cover the eligibility to get a DPP. This does not include the enforcement of accessible parking spaces or their availability.

The Australian Government sets the minimum number of accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. This is outlined in the national Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010. Standards are applied through the National Construction Code.

Properties can choose to provide more accessible parking spaces.

How to apply for a DPP

Visit SA.GOV.AU to apply for a DPP.

Once applications are approved, we will issue a DPP in approximately ten working days.

These changes will not affect current DPP holders.