There are some things that are weighing on my mind heavily and it all came to a point yesterday, while I was at a local grocery store buying milk for Noah. It made me think of how society views those who they perceive as weak and disadvantaged. It made me question how our current structures support families who care for loved ones who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. I ranted over at twitter already. Before I go on and build a post around what I experienced, I will need to clear my head first and my heart as well. I was filled with disappointment more than anger that some businesses would choose to further disadvantage an already marginalized sector of society by depriving them of what they’re entitled to under the law for the sake of profits. (Yes they broke the law). Anyway, I won’t name names here and I am waiting for the head of legal of that business to contact me to clarify their policies.
So to the owners of the supermarket chain, I leave with you with this picture:
When your “system” said NO to me, you said NO to our family. You said NO to our Noah. You said NO to families who are all caring for a child/children with disabilities.
That’s what you did.
sarah says
April 11, 2013 at 6:44 amI have three kids with special needs and all of them have Persons With Disability IDs. The eldest among them is an incoming second year high school and has learning disabilities. I have told her early to always take care of her ID and when to use it. It is sad that there are people who are still unaware of the rights of person with disabilities. We should continue to be vigilant, pray and hope that one day more people get to really see and accept our children for what they are.
Anj says
April 11, 2013 at 12:30 amSadly, you will come across more injustices to this neglected and vulnerable sector of society. Only it is no longer just a sector of society for us. It becomes a very personal fight because it involves our children. I feel your pain, Neva.
I have learned the hard way that it is a long uphill battle. Especially for our children’s right to an education (I could rant about this forever!). Our laws look good on paper and unfortunately, that’s all they’re good for. The system has not been challenged enough to test these laws. It really is disheartening.
manilamommy says
April 11, 2013 at 5:03 amhi anj –
i know that there will be more instances like this in the future. it is disheartening for sure but our kids need us to fight for them, and fight i will. i hope that i find the strength to keep doing so and the wisdom to know when to keep fighting and when to let go.
for now, i fight.
Liza says
April 10, 2013 at 9:13 amIts so sad to know that there are establishment that discriminates people with disability i hope they can improve their services and policies.
Hope your much better now!
manilamommy says
April 11, 2013 at 5:04 amhi liza –
yes it is disappointing and i’m hoping that this was just an awful misunderstanding on the store’s part. i am still giving them the benefit of the doubt but they will be hearing from me for sure.
thanks for stopping by.
Mira says
April 10, 2013 at 5:44 amI got concerned about your post. I hope you’ll update us with more details and what really happened.
Mira
redgiantstarr.blogspot.com
manilamommy says
April 11, 2013 at 5:06 amhi mira –
thanks for the comment. yes i will provide more detailed updates soon. i am in the process of drafting a letter to send to the GM of the supermarket and their head of legal. i’ll post updates when i can (and when it’s legal to do so!)