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.
