Since Ellen Uusitalo was six years old and lost one of her legs to illness, she has needed to be able to stand in a disabled parking space.
She has great difficulty walking longer distances and not having access to disabled parking at her workplace makes it a challenge to get to work.
- It affects me a lot in everyday life.
Both when I go shopping, but also to get to work.
If I can't stand in the handicap parking, I have to walk around the entire building where I work to get to the elevator or go up three flights of stairs.
That makes it very difficult, says Ellen Uusitalo.
Has been granted permission before
Ellen was previously registered in Jokkmokk municipality and never had a problem getting a parking permit granted until now.
The explanation Ellen received from Umeå municipality was that she does not meet the requirements to get a parking permit after which she is able to walk 300-400 meters.
- I think it is a strange decision.
I tried to explain in the application that I have problems walking shorter distances and have difficulties in everyday life.
Then I also have heart problems and impaired lung function, which makes it even more difficult, says Ellen Uusitalo.
Invited to appeal
Umeå municipality, which rejected the application, cannot comment on individual cases, but urges anyone who is not satisfied with a decision to appeal.
- It is clearly stated in the decision how to proceed.
It is also fine to contact the administrator at the travel service, who handles disability permits, says Annika Kjellson Lind, head of department at Umeå Municipality.
Ellen has appealed the municipality's decision.