A mother from Colorado, named Lisa, shared her distressing experience after she and her seven-year-old daughter, Mia, who has disabilities, faced harassment at a political rally. The mother reported that the incident left her daughter feeling upset and confused after they decided to leave early and were subsequently approached by rally attendees.
Lisa, who is still undecided on her vote, attended the rally to understand the event’s atmosphere, especially regarding inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Mia was born with several congenital challenges, including facial abnormalities and internal organ issues. She relies on a feeding tube for her nutrition and has undergone numerous surgeries, with more planned for the future. As a concerned mother, Lisa wanted to gauge how the rally might address the needs of families like theirs.
During the event, Lisa noticed other families with disabilities in attendance. After about 20 minutes, she chose to leave, but as she was exiting, a supporter questioned her decision. “Someone asked, ‘Why are you leaving?’ and it really hit a nerve,” Lisa recounted. After all, it’s nobody’s business why they chose to exit early. Haven’t we all had to leave places unexpectedly as parents?
Responding to the inquiry, Lisa boldly asked the supporter, “Why are you here? He makes fun of people like you.” This seemed a fair retort, given the context. Realizing the situation was becoming increasingly uncomfortable, Lisa decided it was time to go. However, a woman followed them, yelling that if Lisa truly cared for her daughter, she would support the candidate, insisting that he never intended to mock anyone.
This troubling incident referenced a moment when the political figure had infamously mocked a reporter with a disability, showcasing a culture that seems to embrace bullying. Lisa expressed her feelings saying, “It made me sad; it made me want to vomit.” Thankfully, they were escorted out by Secret Service, which likely prevented the situation from escalating further.
Just take a moment to think about that—a mother and her disabled child needing Secret Service protection. While the incident left Lisa and Mia shaken, she remained proud of standing up for her daughter. “Mia is my entire world,” she said with conviction. “I live to advocate for her and support her every step of the way.”
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In summary, Lisa and Mia’s experience at the rally highlights both the challenges faced by families with disabilities and the importance of standing up for one’s rights in an increasingly complex political landscape.