Opinions please?

[TwitterMouse]

There's this group that comes into our theatre some weekday mornings because we're empty then and they get the theatre to themselves. They're all special needs kids, some have developmental disabilities, some are in wheelchairs etc. Most of the kids don't seem to be able to talk, a few can though. Many of them have involuntary movements that they do.
I'm just asking the opinions of those here, because you'll know best.
When they come in, I ask which movie they're seeing and make sure that no one closes the theatre doors, since some aides need to come out of the movie mid way through, and shut doors in the dark with a wheelchair and an upset kid gets hard.
If one of the kids needs a drink, I give them the little employee ones, since generally that's all they'll drink (if they want a larger one, I just go with the usual charges, but I'm talking a kid who just wants a tiny bit of fruit punch or whatever).
These are the only kids I ever let play with or hold my SD. They just love him, and he can be such a little lap dog. If a kid wants to hold him (I check with the kid's aide first), than I just put the dog on their lap and they love him. He's calms this one boy right down when he's starting to get upset.
I also let the aides choose the volume/darkness in the theatre. I don't do that for other customers.
One of my co-workers told me off and said if they weren't asking for the extra perks, than I shouldn't be doing it.
I just want to make their trips out a bit nicer/easier. I don't go up and annoy them, I just let them know that the options (like volume, lighting and little freebies) are available. The kids are the ones who insist on petting Pi, and I see no problem with that. He's trained, and he loves the kids.
Is what I'm doing bad? My co-worker sort of made me doubt myself. Like I said, I'm respectful about it, I just want to give them a hand if they need it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think your co-worker is out of line. Next time you get any comments, my suggestion is that the co-worker discuss the concedrns with the theater management, not with you. Making the rash assumkption that you have a decent manager, and who is aware (and then giving tacit appoval) of what you do, I think you co-worker will be surprised to find that you have management support.

 

[TwitterMouse]

I do have management support, when they're around. I usually open the theater on my own.
My managers are actually suprisingly understanding about things like this.

 

[mazz1]

i think it's wonderful of you, you are not patronising nor looking for recognition for what you do and i'm sure your kindness and consideration is rewarded by the childrens smiles

some people like you are just beautiful all the way through

ignore the co worker, your boss is ok and you know you are not being patronising, you're just wanting to make a difference and as a mum with two special needs children i know i would appreciate any help or understanding to make a theatre trip more enjoyable for my children

you're a star

marie

ps we got our first dog a yr ago, his name is Olly and he's a little cavalier king charles spaniel and oh boy he's made a big difference to the childrens lives, my oldest is calmer around him and my silent son is finding his confidence and voice, albeit a whisper he is making progress and is so proud of his doggie friend

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[pcparamedics01]

You are dealing with a lot of different disabiities! You are doing great! But from one business owner to another nothing that is free! You did that from the goodness of your heart, however, you have a business to run. Thanks for doing that!!!! It was not an all incusive, so they need to pay unless you have told them it was all inclusive.

 

[TwitterMouse]

Thanks guys.
Oh, and my managers seem to be understanding of those kids, but not of me!
They're going to fire me because of my service dog. >__<
I won't even get to see the kids next week

 

[Disney1976]

Thanks guys.
Oh, and my managers seem to be understanding of those kids, but not of me!
They're going to fire me because of my service dog. >__<
I won't even get to see the kids next week

If you have a need for a service animal due to a disability, and you are fired because of it, I STRONGLY urge you to speak to a labor/employment lawyer, preferably one who has is familiar in dealing with cases involving ADA issues.

Firing you because of your dog has to be a violation of ADA regulations.

 

[mechurchlady]

The management knows that they are selling tickets and filling up empty dead space with them kids. If your attention to them kids does not impede your job then go ahead. You have a heart of gold and have happy customers who keep coming back.

They could in theory fire you for the service dog if for example the dog was a danger. If they do fire you for the dog then they better be ready for a lawsuit.

 

[TwitterMouse]

My dog isn't a danger. Even if he wanted to be a danger, he couldn't manage it... he's toothless XD
I'm getting fired today (most likely), and my mom said that I need to get it in writing, with the reason I'm being fired so she can give it to her lawyer. :\
If I read it right, it's a violation of EEOC and ADA regulations. On Monday I'll talk to my mom's lawyer and see what happens from there.

And Mazz: Olly is adorable!!!

 

[mazz1]

so sorry to hear you are being fired, i don't wish to be intrusive but can i ask why? don't answer if yo do not want too or it's too personal, just make sure you are being told so you can protect yourself if it's not a lawful reason

Olly is adorable and cheeky, we all love him so much, we were told my son would prob never speak and if he did then no louder than a whisper and to hear him have the confidence to call his dog when we're on the beach is something we could only dream about, he is taking Olly to visit his special class just before the christmas break and i know all the children are looking fwd to meeting him

the US is miles ahead of us in the acceptance of service animals in employment and schools, we have guide dogs and dogs for the disabled but the first i heard of service/assistance dogs in schools was on here, we need to catch up

 

[Joanna71985]

Thanks guys.
Oh, and my managers seem to be understanding of those kids, but not of me!
They're going to fire me because of my service dog. >__<
I won't even get to see the kids next week

They're firing you because of your dog?! That is horrible! I really hope that you get this changed, because what you are doing for these kids is great.

 

[TwitterMouse]

so sorry to hear you are being fired, i don't wish to be intrusive but can i ask why? don't answer if yo do not want too or it's too personal, just make sure you are being told so you can protect yourself if it's not a lawful reason

They are firing me because I refuse to go to work without my service dog, and they "only permit seeing-eye dogs".
And yeah. It's illegal. I know it's illegal, and I'm going to fight them on it.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Yes, it is definitely illegal for them to fire you because of your disability - including firing you because you need the accommodation of a service dog in order to mitigate your disability. Definitely make a formal complaint about it - or bring it to the attention of the media!

NO place in the US can permit only guide dogs (or, even more exclusively, the brand of guide dogs called Seeing Eye Dogs ). ALL types of SDs must be permitted.

They might be able to make you not bring your dog behind the refreshment counter, though, since that is serving food to others so the public health/safety part of the ADA may apply - have your lawyer check on that for you. (If that is the case, you would still be allowed your dog there at work and near you, just not on the serving side of the refreshment counter - or perhaps in a crate just inside the door you use to get behind there.)

Do NOT let them get away with this discrimination!!!

How long have you been working there? How long have you had your SD?

 

[TwitterMouse]

I've been working there for two months. I've had Pi for nine years.
We've worked together at the theatre plenty of times, my managers had no issue with him, it's corporate that's throwing a fit. My GM and I decided to just keep me off concession, there's plenty of other things in a theatre to do. If I'm opening on my own, then when I need to be in concession, I leave Pi in box (ticket selling room), do concession things quickly and go back and get him. Not a perfect set up, but it works.
And trust me- I'm not letting them get away with it. I'm just waiting for Monday to roll around so I can get the lawyer to call them.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Wow, sounds crazy, especially since you're not even bringing him behind the concession area! I s'pose you won't post the corporate company name, but whoever they are, I hope your lawyer is able to talk sense and law into them so it won't be a long, strung-out deal!

 

[WildGrits]

I have a feeling I am going to get totally bashed but I'm a big girl, I can take it.

I would never have a problem with someone having a Service Animal to do their job.

But, I would have a problem getting food from a consession stand where I see someone handling an animal of any kind. I wouldn't eat anywhere, resturant or otherwise, where an animal was housed near the food. Or where employees were continually handling an animal.

I believe there should be laws to protect people with disabilities in reguards to Service Animals, but I also believe when it comes to sanitation, some things just plain trump ADA rules.

 

[mechurchlady]

Wild Grits you bring up a very good point. A bus driver cannot have on his lap a service dog for example. There are people allergic to dogs who could get sick if dog dander got into food and drinks. This is what I was trying to say earlier that while a person is not to be denied having their service animal with them there are limitations.

 

[TwitterMouse]

Wild Grits: You do make a good point.

I settled things with my employer and corporate. I'm now strictly selling tickets. Pi and I don't go into, around or near concession. Box (where the tickets are sold), is locked and no customers can come in. I'm not overly fond of just doing one thing, but it shut corporate up about allergies, because Pi is completely separated from the public, and it stops customers bothering me or management about Pi because they can't see him at all the way box is set up.
It works well enough for me and I got my back pay so I'm happy. It's also kinda nice to be separated from the crowds by a big piece of glass. The hordes of people don't feel quite so overwhelming then.

And I sold tickets to the lady from the group of kids, so they're coming next week to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I'll get to see them again. Yay

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

I agree that in most cases, ppl who make food should have an alternative to having their SD with them in the food area. (And I should hope they all wash their hands already anyway, so that SHOULD be a moot point, even though I know in the real world it isn't ... my OCD and I would just rather not think about it! ) However, SDs do belong in customer areas such as restaurants, bars, in front of the concession stand, etc. to help their humans. And, legally, allergies are not a valid reason to exclude an SD. (Neither is someone's fear of dogs.)

TwitterMouse, that stinks that your job has pushed you around like that. I hope you will stand up and get the rest of your job back. I'd hate to see them win.

 

[WildGrits]

I am so glad you and your employer have come up with a resolution.

It's really nice to hear that you manager cares enough about you as an employee to work things out so it is a win win.

Good for you.