How Do I ...?
(for Massachusetts residents with disabilities)
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I get a disabled parking placard?
If you are legally blind or cannot walk more than 200 feet without rest or assistance, you can get a disabled parking placard from the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Your doctor or other medical professional must certify your medical condition. You can get a temporary placard or a permanent placard depending on how long your condition will last. The placard is free.
You can get an application for a disabled parking placard at any RMV Branch Office or from the RMV web site: Disabled Placard and Plate Form. You should complete and sign the first page of the application, then have your health care provider complete and sign the second page. Mail or bring the completed application to:
| Mailing address:
Medical Affairs/ RMV
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205
Allow 30 days for the Medical Affairs office to process mailed applications. |
Walk-in address:
Medical Affairs/ RMV Office
25 Newport Ave EXT
Quincy MA
If you bring your application to the office, Medical Affairs will process it the same day. |
You are allowed to use the placard only when you are in the vehicle, or when you are being dropped off or picked up. For more information, see Disabled Parking FAQs on the RMV web site.
How do I get a health care proxy?
A health care proxy is a simple legal document that allows you to choose someone to make medical decisions for you, if, for any reason, you are unable to make these decisions yourself.
You can find information about health care proxies in our "How Do I ...? section for seniors. Please follow this link: How do I get a health care proxy?
How do I make a living will?
A living will is a document in which you describe the type of medical treatment you want if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. It allows you to make end-of-life decisions while you are physically and mentally competent to do so.
You can find information about living wills in our "How Do I ...? section for seniors. Please follow this link: How do I make a living will?
How do I get a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order?
You have the right to decide if you want medical workers to use CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to try to save your life if your heart stops or if you stop breathing. This is a decision you should make with your doctor, family members, and other people you trust. If you do not want CPR to be used, you must get a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order from your doctor.
You can find information about DNRs in our "How Do I ...? section for seniors. Please follow this link: How do I get a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order?
How do I give someone permission to see my medical records?
A federal law known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects the privacy of your medical information. HIPAA limits the ways doctors, pharmacies, other health care providers, health insurance companies, nursing homes, and Medicaid/Medicare can share your personal health information.
You can find out how to give health care providers permission to share your medical information in our "How Do I ...? section for seniors. Please follow this link: How do I give someone permission to see my medical records?
How do I get a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document in which you give another person (your "agent") the right to handle financial and legal matters for you.
You can find information about naming a power of attorney in our "How Do I ...? section for seniors. Please follow this link: How do I get a power of attorney?
How do I get a Massachusetts ID card?
If you do not have a driver's license and you are a resident of Massachusetts, you can get a Massachusetts ID card to use as official identification and proof of age. You can get an ID card at any full-service Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office.
You can find information about Massachusetts ID cards in our "How Do I ...? section for seniors. Please follow this link: How do I get a Massachusetts ID card?
Other questions?
If you have other "How do I ...?" questions about disability issues that you would like us to answer on the MassResources.org web site, please use this link to send us an e-mail: . If your question is of general interest to Massachusetts residents with disabilities, we will post an answer on this page.
How Do I ... ? for Massachusetts Residents with Disabilities last updated on 5/11/10
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