plenty on disability are not physically disabled. They are still eligible for disability and i don't fault them for it.
Sure, but if they're disability is such that they can otherwise seem "normal" to most people (as you seem to allude to), is getting ones mail from a mailbox something that's unreasonable to ask?
Doctor's note? are you serious? have you seen the abuse of doctors notes for handicap parking?
Yes, huge issue. I know people with doctors who will write a note for whatever they ask. Need a few week off work? Stress leave. Had to call in sick on the weekend because you couldn't get that vacation time you wanted but already had plans? You had the flu, right, wink wink...doctors note. You need a handicap pass for your car because you stubbed your toe and walking is going to be uncomfortable for a few weeks? Sure, why not.
It's these people that ruin it for the legit ones.
As for the elderly...seriously??? I challenge you to use a walker in the winter and go 'a few houses down' to retrieve your mail.
Here's my thoughts on that very common response.
Respectfully, how does she do everything else in life that requires one to leave their home? Cut the grass, shovel the driveway, get groceries, go to the bank....social engagements...etc etc etc?
If one is physically able to do all of that, there's an argument to be made that they're physically able to get to their superbox a few houses down at worst. If they are NOT physically able to do all of that, then they clearly have assisted living plans in place, either family, or governmental. Those same people are more than capable of also picking up the mail for those who are unable to because of infirmity, or for perhaps a few weeks a year, the weather.
And as someone else touched on, the "We must have our mail every single day" expectation is part of the issue. Check it once a week, nothing that comes in the mail anymore is so important that it must be picked up every single day. Surely the eldelerly or infirm who may legitimately have the occasional issue with a superbox would accordingly have someone who could, once a week, get their mail for them.
Both my parents, in their elderly years, after selling their home lived in an apartment before going to a nursing home. Both had their fair share of health and mobility issues, but both had no problems getting their mail from the community mailbox, and when they couldn't any longer, we did it for them, or a neighbor, or a friend.
There comes a point where the needs of the few are outweighed by the capabilities of the many. Keeping a bloated expensive home delivery system just because a small percentage of people would prefer it, and an even smaller percentage of people (arguably) need it is ridiculous. There are other solutions.
