Disabilities and Bullying

October has a number of “awareness” observations including Disability Awareness and Anti-Bullying Awareness.  While I appreciate that it’s great to raise awareness about these and other issues, I look forward to the day when – as individuals and a society – we are not only aware, but respectful, of individuals who are different from us.  Sadly, I fear that’s pie in the sky thinking.

Many awareness “issues” don’t necessarily go together, such as October’s observance of Health Literacy and National Pizza Month.  But unfortunately, Disabilities Awareness and Anti-Bullying do fit hand in glove.  A recent video making the rounds on social media shows a father and son making fun of a neighbor child with cerebral palsy.  Another recent viral video shows a news reporter from Wisconsin sharing her reaction to a viewer (read bully) who wrote to tell her that she was setting a poor example for young girls by choosing to be fat.

So, how does all this relate to service dogs?  Often the tasks a service dog performs are obvious such as guiding the blind or helping with mobility.  It is a socially accepted practice to accommodate service dogs for people whose disabilities are apparent.  For people who use a service dog to perform tasks related to an invisible disability, it becomes a bit more iffy.  Having a service dog’s assistance to cope with diabetes, PTSD, seizures, or other life-threatening, yet indiscernible disability, effectively creates a spotlight that says “This person has a disability.”  Seeking the help showcases the need.

Every day people who utilize a service dog to mitigate their struggle with an invisible disability put themselves in a position to be bullied.  Business owners who are unaware of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) see someone who is not blind or in a wheelchair headed through the front door with a dog.  Omigosh, a dog!!  “Hey, you can’t have that dog in here!”  And so the confrontation begins.  What started out as a simple attempt to dine in a great new restaurant, shop in a trendy new boutique, or simply get groceries, devolves into an altercation that creates unwanted public attention spotlighting a very personal matter.  Seldom is the matter handled in a quiet, unobtrusive and respectful manner.

Why should this be considered bullying?  Well, a bully is often self-important and self-righteous using their aggressive behavior to mask an insecurity or lack of knowledge.  And, when someone tries to browbeat another person into giving up their rights, well, that’s bullying.