Discrimination of People with Special Needs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The girl refused to eat earlier. Yes, mom likely could/should have been more prepared. Would they let her take food in a thermos on the plane? I don't think so.

At any rate, an emergency landing and removing them from the plane was blowing things way out of proportion.

Then, child was not ready to fly. Yes, they do allow different things for special needs kids. Sounds like kid was having an off day and mom was not prepared.

[Anonymous]

http://koin.com/2015/05/08/fear-of-autism-forces-tigard-family-off-plane/

In this article, mom said the child would scratch/hurt someone. Wrong thing to say. You don't make threats like that. Child did not eat her meal prior to boarding and mom did not make other arrangements ahead of time. Since when do airlines offer hot food to everyone on those flights?

[Anonymous]

Should the mom have been better prepared? Sure I guess. But I'm pretty sure most of us have been in a situation where we were not as prepared as we should have been. It happens.

I think people think suing is just for money, which yes, if that's what you think it is an overreaction. But the other thing to come out of suing is policy changes. Diverting the flight and having them reMoved is such a gross overreaction. From all stories I've seen and read, the daughter did not get violent nor did she threaten anyone.

[Anonymous]

If they fly frequently, maybe this has never been a problem before (buying hot food from first class).

[Anonymous]

I think with all the extra security measures some airline employees abuse their powers just because they can. I had a horrible experience on US Air a few years ago with a delayed flight out of Washington and I was trying to get to my dad in Florida who was in the hospital. The whole situation was stressful. I tried to see if they could put me on another flight, any way to get to Florida asap. I asked the original attendant if I could speak to a manager. I got what I asked for and did not make any threats but the original desk clerk flagged me for security. I had the full pat down, shoes searched, and luggage checked. So far and above what happened on other flights before and since.

The mom probably just ticked the stewardess off. The girl was not a threat and the staff could have shown more compassion. To divert the plane and kick people off for such a non-emergency should be investigated. A total abuse of power and a complete inconvenience to everyone.

[Anonymous]

Could the airline have made a reasonable accommodation for the disabled child by providing the hot food? Yes. The parents were willing to pay and the food was on board the plane.

Was the child's behavior due to her disability? Yes. The girl was howling but not any more disruptive than a crying baby. She calmed down once she got the hot food so at that point, the issue had been resolved.

Was there any danger to the passengers or the flying aircraft? No.

If the argument by United was strictly a safety issue and the girl was so out of control that others were in immediate danger, I could see landing the plane. However, to do so for the "comfort" of other passengers is where the parents probably have a case for discrimination. Many acts or appearances by people with special needs may make society uncomfortable. That is no reason to kick them off the plane.

[Anonymous]

Wow, our compassion for others has sunk to a new low. I will never fly United again. These parents had enough to deal with.

BTW: I once flew United and my seat mate was drunk and rude. I never complainted but others around me were upset.

They never delayed our flight for a drunkard. Why the double standard?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, our compassion for others has sunk to a new low. I will never fly United again. These parents had enough to deal with.

BTW: I once flew United and my seat mate was drunk and rude. I never complainted but others around me were upset.

They never delayed our flight for a drunkard. Why the double standard?

Did the drunk ever say he'd start assaulting people if he didn't get another drink? They didn't divert due to noise.

[Anonymous]

I think the mom coped with the situation in real time as best she could. Which is what all moms do. Not perfectly, as best she could.

Did the plane need to divert and land so that police and rescue squad could board? Absolutely not.

[Anonymous]

As a mom of a child with ASD, I get blamed all the time for my child's behavior. From subtle digs to outright rudeness. My heart aches for this family. Mom tried her best to diffuse the situation. Sure, maybe she should have worded her request differently. But she tried her best.

It seems like so many of you are so prepared and make perfect decisions all the time. Must be nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could the airline have made a reasonable accommodation for the disabled child by providing the hot food? Yes. The parents were willing to pay and the food was on board the plane.

Was the child's behavior due to her disability? Yes. The girl was howling but not any more disruptive than a crying baby. She calmed down once she got the hot food so at that point, the issue had been resolved.

Was there any danger to the passengers or the flying aircraft? No.

If the argument by United was strictly a safety issue and the girl was so out of control that others were in immediate danger, I could see landing the plane. However, to do so for the "comfort" of other passengers is where the parents probably have a case for discrimination. Many acts or appearances by people with special needs may make society uncomfortable. That is no reason to kick them off the plane.

Most sane response on this matter to date.

(check out the hundred of responses on the Off Topic(?) thread and your head will spin).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a mom of a child with ASD, I get blamed all the time for my child's behavior. From subtle digs to outright rudeness. My heart aches for this family. Mom tried her best to diffuse the situation. Sure, maybe she should have worded her request differently. But she tried her best.

It seems like so many of you are so prepared and make perfect decisions all the time. Must be nice.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow... Blame the parents. That's really the kind of reaction that drives me nuts. I hope you are always prepared for any possible situation for your child. No? Welcome to reality.

Except that this was no "any possible situation. The girl only eats warm food. The family alleges that they have been traveling since their daughter was under 1 years old. The parents, in this specific case, should absolutely be blamed for not being responsible for their child in their regular, predictable needs.

The mother tried to feed the girl a hot meal at the airport before boarding. The girl wouldn't eat it. The girl then needed food on the plane and the mother asked for the flight attendant's help.

What the fuck was she supposed to do besides that? Carry on a microwave in her fanny pack? You can't put hot soup or food in a thermos and carry it on. TSA won't allow it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://koin.com/2015/05/08/fear-of-autism-forces-tigard-family-off-plane/

In this article, mom said the child would scratch/hurt someone. Wrong thing to say. You don't make threats like that. Child did not eat her meal prior to boarding and mom did not make other arrangements ahead of time. Since when do airlines offer hot food to everyone on those flights?

I don't perceive that as a threat. It was a statement about why she needed help with her daughter. She was asking for help difusing the sitaution. If the daughter had gotten aggressive, people would be asking why she didn't warn someone that could happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow... Blame the parents. That's really the kind of reaction that drives me nuts. I hope you are always prepared for any possible situation for your child. No? Welcome to reality.

Except that this was no "any possible situation. The girl only eats warm food. The family alleges that they have been traveling since their daughter was under 1 years old. The parents, in this specific case, should absolutely be blamed for not being responsible for their child in their regular, predictable needs.

The mother tried to feed the girl a hot meal at the airport before boarding. The girl wouldn't eat it. The girl then needed food on the plane and the mother asked for the flight attendant's help.

What the fuck was she supposed to do besides that? Carry on a microwave in her fanny pack? You can't put hot soup or food in a thermos and carry it on. TSA won't allow it.

You can if you bring the thermos empty and buy the food post security. Sounds like this girl is not equipped for cross country flying.