I work in a high school and we have a cosmetology class. The teacher periodically asks staff to volunteer for hair cuts and recently sent out a desperate email begging for help asap. I volunteered and went to the classroom immediately only to be turned away saying someone else showed up.
She sent another plea again today and I emailed to say I was available. She said no, but continued emailing. One of my teacher friends said she had one of the appointments and would give up her slot for me since I needed a cut and she didn’t. The cosmetology teacher called her and said she didn’t want to cut my hair because I was in a wheelchair. My friend told her it was just for traveling across campus and I‘m capable of walking. She then said that the students weren’t very compassionate and would be uncomfortable working on someone with a disability. I’m pretty sure it’s the teacher and not the kids who has the problem.
I was in a wheelchair years ago in college in the late 80’s and ran into some really disrespectful adults back then. It’s just disheartening to know that over 30 years later this behavior is still happening. It also makes me scared as I’m getting older and lupus is continuing to ravage my body. I know I shouldn’t let it hurt, but it does. Does anyone else experience being shunned for their disability?