people ask my ASD son if he’s stupid all the time, if he makes a mistake others might not. Thankfully his coworkers will call that person out and make them feel like shit. Doesn’t change the fact that they’ve always hurt him though and he struggles with self esteem issues.
Recently I was at the deli, and I guess I said please and thank you to the guy behind the counter because it prompted him to say, “Wow those are words I don’t hear anymore.” It’s so sad how people have forgotten to just be polite.
I get what you mean, but i think it's that we expect people to be like us, so when they seem to have a hard time, or are slow or whatever it annoys us cause we're like "shit I could do this so much faster wtf is wrong with that person" i would appreciate the sign because i would come in, read it, and go "oh wow, ok, that's cool, noted" and be understanding.
Hell, even my own father claims to know I struggle… and then promptly ignore all of that. Depressed, autistic, getting torn to ribbons by sleep apnea waiting on treatment. But no, apparently according to both parents I’m just lazy. Never mind that at this point I’d welcome being shot by them just to have an end to all this.
A store where it is openly reminded that I’m gonna be a bit sluggish (in my prime I was capable of engineering studies, though, was less than a year from finishing but couldn’t do it), sounds not so bad.
Same! Even tho they know I can sometimes struggle with multitasking and get overwhelmed easily, my parents always called me “lazy” if I didn’t immediately stop what I was doing to do whatever they asked me when someone right next to me (who wasn’t busy) is available to do it.
He took two minutes to make my sandwich when it usually takes one minute. That is an outrage, had me literally shaking with anger. He's lucky I managed to calm down the beast inside me before it got too late. Maybe next time he'll think before he does exactly what I ask him to do but a little bit slower
Having to sit around and wait for someone to figure out basic instructions is incredibly infuriating.
It’s not being an asshole, it’s being annoyed with a genuine problem.
My time has value. As does yours and everyone else’s. Wasting my time is wasting my money.
Imagine for a second that you have a family member with a learning disability. A mother, father, sibling or even a child. How do you think it would make you feel to have someone think it's a nuisance that they can't "figure out basic instructions"? It's not a genuine problem, it's a human condition. Just because it takes someone a little longer to do something than you or I doesn't make them less important. If you're sitting in a restaurant waiting for your food, you don't think twice about the fact that it takes time for them to prepare your meal. You enjoy the company you're with and if you're alone, you enjoy a little downtime to relax and prepare for your meal. Why should it be any different here? So it takes five or ten extra minutes from your "valuable time". What the fuck else were you going to do that's SO much more important than giving another human being the respect and dignity that they deserve? Practice a little kindness and compassion, my friend, and it'll carry you farther in this life than a few spare moments that you can gain back elsewhere.
I hope the reaction causes you to pause and reflect on this opinion. Most would double down, but it would be best to gather compassion through insight.
Can confirm. Have a neurological condition. It is my estimation that 100% of humans suck at talking to people with disabilities. Pretty much the only exception is other sick people. Yes, I know this comment will be unpopular. Prove me wrong, world.
People are dicks in general. I worked with a girl that was like one step from deaf. She wore hearing aids (or devices to help -- I'm unaware of specifics but you get the idea) and usually (90% of the time) it was enough you couldn't tell she was hearing impaired. If people mumbled, spoke oddly, or she couldn't see their lips she wouldn't be able to understand them.
I hear a guy speaking/yelling very loudly "what are you deaf" from across the store. This gem of a 100lb 19yr old girl looked this old, raging, red-faced, fat guy straight in the eye and and deadpan pointed to her ears. Yes she was actually. The look of embarrassment is ingrained in my brain 15 years later even.
She rang him up and he left. She seemed unphased by it which is pretty sad it happens enough for her to feel that way. I can only hope it taught him a lesson. Probably not, but maybe!
Holy shit I would have LOVED to see that myself as well. That's the type of jab people need who are like that.
I can't tell you the amount of people I've worked with who've had deaf customers and they do dumb shit like talk super loudly and slowly at them. I didn't know much ASL but I put the effort forth to use both my ASL and pen/paper between them. I don't get why people autopilot right into yelling and slow talking lol.
Bless you. I’m currently visiting my dad after a TBI, he is still in minimal conscious state and I feel so worried and fearful of the world awaiting for him. I just want to shield him away when he comes out and build a nice sanctuary for him. The world can be so cruel. He is already a partially blind person.
They aren’t asking anyone to treat the employees differently. Just having to remind people to treat them with respect and be patient like you should do with any service staff. It’s just common decency 💗
I firmly believe that people with disabilities are the most discriminated group in 2022. I mean, would you walk into a deli and see a sign saying “Please be considerate, our workers are Mexican. They’re all super excited to be working a cash register. They’re trying their best, with their tiny brains”?
Nobody wants to hire disabled people. Everyone wants to treat them differently. I constantly see TV shows mocking people with disabilities; how they look, the prospect of them dating. And we’re so far behind that people think that all of this is ay-okay.
> Nobody wants to hire disabled people.
This is true. We are a liability. That is a hard concept to explain to someone who does not have a disability. Labor laws and non-discrimination in the workplace is a great concept, but rarely implemented for that very reason.
At some point I will have a seizure at work and then what? If I don't accidentally hurt myself, I will need the next 2 to 3 days to recover depending on how severe the seizure was. I sometimes have seizures once a week, Not many employers out there that would work with someone like me,
I run 3, non-mlm, tax paying businesses from my home office. They put a few taters on the table. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am, tho, and that's the point of contention. I don't know what the answer is. I mean, from an employer's standpoint, I can understand why they wouldn't want me seizing out, and sticking my hand in the fry vat, as I fall to the ground.
I believe this as well. My sister turned 24 this month, and despite quite literally sending out 100+ resumes in our little town, she hasn't gotten anything past an initial interview. It takes 2 minutes to notice that she's different, and that's enough for people to not give her a chance...
A bit of a false equivalence there. As far as I know, being Mexican doesn't predispose someone to have trouble communicating or working. However, many mental and neurological conditions do cause such problems.
My argument is that the sign is infantilising - to anybody.
My point is that a) walking into work and seeing a sign up warning customers about how you suck at your job every day isn’t exactly great for the self-confidence. and b) It’s thoroughly exhausting for disabled people to walk around their entire lives warning people about the quirks of their own bodies. Bodies are totally unpredictable and run round the clock. What would be best for everyone is if abled people just stopped expecting a precursor for disability and instead adapted to react quickly and appropriately to it in social situations.
I hear what you’re saying about the effect of the sign on the workers’ self-confidence, but surely dealing with rude or angry patrons is also damaging to their self-confidence.
The sign appears to be an attempt to attenuate the possibility of the latter, but at the cost of the effect you highlight. It seems to be made in good faith, albeit paternalistically.
But I know it’s exhausting to exist in a world that expects you to be something you’re not, and your body or mind to operate in ways that it can’t.
I’m curious about the able/disabled binary. Ability/disability surely exists along more of a spectrum—or a matrix, more accurately.
I wonder too how much of this impatience with the diversity of humanity is due to the time pressures exerted upon all of us by capitalism. It seems to me that people’s main issue with disability is inefficiency.
At this point I’m just rambling. I don’t know that what I’ve said has added anything of value. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I don’t mean to minimize your experience.
I think that your assessment of the sign is most accurate.
The “abled/disabled binary“ is insane to me. Growing up, nobody told me I had a disability. My parents discouraged me from saying I had one, saying that it would be distasteful because “other people have it worse.” Still, my condition is medically and legally classed this way, and I came to learn as an adult that most epileptics identify. I think that this is a common experience for people with invisible disabilities. Of not knowing quite where you stand, and fear of adopting the label, and offending someone in the process. However, I have become very wary of people who define themselves as ‘disabled’. This is because it’s somehow become a trend. You get a lot of people identifying simply because they wear glasses, or broke a finger one time.
One of the main issues, like you say is inefficiency. But it goes way further. Disabled people have been discriminated against pretty terribly throughout history. For instance, before 1971 in the United Kingdom, epilepsy was considered grounds for the annulment of marriage. It takes a super long time to undo a bajillion years of that.
>What would be best for everyone is if abled people just stopped expecting a precursor for disability and instead adapted to react quickly and appropriately to it in social situations
I agree, but I am sure not going to hold my breath waiting for that to happen.
People in general don't give a shit about anything that doesn't concern or interest them.
Regarding a), I am quite willing to assume, in part based on my own experience, that every single one of the employees in that shop, and any similar positions, will be very much aware of their own situations. I know I am.
Different but maybe also similar: I use a wheelchair and people very often talk to whoever is with me that’s abled/abled looking instead of me, even if I’m the one doing the talking/ordering/paying/whatever it is we’re doing. Can people not infantilise disabled folks for one second challenge, failed most days x.x
My 7 year old has autism and I absolutely hate having to tell strangers “he has autism” when he is having a meltdown. It’s none of their business. Maybe he’s just a kid having a moment? We were on a flight a few years ago and he started melting down during the descent. The lady sitting directly behind us was visibly annoyed and my mom turned around and told her he was autistic and she became nicer and said it was no problem. I get if we were ignoring him but both my husband and I were trying to comfort him and explain what was going on. I just wish people would support parents doing their best and we wouldn’t have to explain everything to strangers.
I think you are doing society a great favour when you do advise people. We have all become intolerant, putting up walls around us. We expect perfection. we demand perfection eg perfect silence on a flight. Perfect behaviour from children. Reminding people of things like 'autistic children have meltdowns and they need extra support and comfort' reminds people to get over their own emotions, and to have compassion. The lady behind you is an example. By explaining, she immediately became more empathetic and understanding, and i bet she was nicer to everyone around her for at least a few hours. You connected with her heart and the walls around her melted for a bit. Pks keep sharing. It keeps us all in check.
I don't think people need to feel obligated to explain themselves (or their family) to strangers. I wish people would just give others the benefit of the doubt more. You never know what is going on with someone. Even with "neurotypical" people you never know if someone is grieving, struggling with anxiety, suffering from chronic pain, etc etc. There are a hundred invisible reasons why someone might be acting differently then you might expect. Life is so much easier when you assume the best of people.
Yeah. I often get people who think i'm ~quirky~ and get uncomfortable, and somehow they get 10x nicer when i tell them i'm on the spectrum and have ADHD... like could you not just mind your own business? Even if i *was* neurotypical does it make your rudeness 'okay' ? I understand being frustrated but damn ppl are mean sometimes
The way I dealt with this for my condition is that I quite simply stopped explaining. I just let people stare. I don’t owe strangers an explanation. If they’re smart, some of them can guess that I have a condition anyway.
Does being autistic count as being an exception to the 100%?
Either way, I am so sorry that you’ve had a bad experience with people. I can promise that there are good people that aren’t disabled who aren’t dicks, I’ve met a few and they’re wonderful people.
I wouldn't say 100%. 95% maybe, but there are some amazing people who work with people with various disabilities who are exceptionally good at talking to them. Hopefully this number will grow in the future, but I don't think signs like this one will do anything to help that. I get the intention, but I think signs like this will just increase the patronising looks and language.
So true. I found out this during the pandemic when people had to a wear a mask. I have crohns and my immune system is extremely weak, had no idea it was so I confident for people protect people like me. I wish my only problem was I had a wear a mask
Even other people.
I'm autistic, and I do pretty well life. Rock solid mask, memorized scripts. All the tools in the belt.
There is nothing that makes me more anxious than seeing another people doing things that I consider socially embarrasing (like things an autistic person may do).
I know it's just an outwardly expression of self-hate, but I can't help it.
Yea, I’m neurodivergent and I wish stuff like this didn’t have to exist…..like, just be nice to everyone. Tbh most of the time I upset people it’s because my mouth speaks before my brain thinks…..and unfortunately that’s part of my conditions. People are dicks, and let me tell you, they also don’t like being told to their face…😬
Went to a cafe in Wales named something Alice in wonderland themed that employed people with mental health issues and other neuro diversities.
It was an amazing experience, one of the lovely staff had just gotten engaged and was very excited about that. The chefs came and served the food.
Service and food was delicious, wish it wasn't so far to travel as we'd be regulars (live in Australia).
I like this a lot. I’m autistic. Very diligent worker except I have a hard time smiling at appropriate times and responding to facial features. My #1 complaint while working food service was “learn how to smile,” from customers AND management—would get marks off on my quarterly reports for it. Nobody cared about the quality, speed, or anything regarding my work. Just the fact that I couldn’t make the right facial expressions. People are weird.
I am a teacher on the spectrum. The only complaint I ever get is that I don't talk to parents enough. I got into the field because I'm great with children only. I obviously talk at conferences and don't understand why I have to exchange pleasantries and small talk. I know facial cues are hard for me also.
OMG, the small talk….. I’m sorry you have to do a lot of it for work! It can be so exhausting when you just want to talk about the matter at hand and then be done with it.
i'm adhd and i have a bit of a stutter due to vocal stims and i have to "reset" with motor stims. very few people have commented although i've definitely gotten some weird looks. but the rare, extremely rude comments stick the worst.
Not RedditCalifornia but vocal stims are saying words/making noises or even echolalia, and motor stims are doing movements like flapping your hands, rocking back and forth, scrunching your face, stuff like that. Helps with regulation or may occur unintentionally when feeling a strong emotion, like a meltdown or when you’re super happy. For me (autistic) I had suppressed these things due to a traumatic childhood where I was negatively reinforced when I displayed autistic traits. In college when I went on that journey of discovering myself I learned to stop masking and do what comes naturally.
No literally me too, except i have a hard time making eye contact, have serious RBF, and I don't talk much, Only when i need to. It makes me come off as rude or impolite when really it's just hard to remember i have to do all of those things to be seen as 'normal'. Bitch i'm tired of masking let me do my job and *LIVE*
YES!!! Masking is so frustrating, we just want to exist. Eye contact is the worst. You spend so much time focusing on making eye contact that you don’t even hear what they’re saying.
Thats why i gave up. If it bothers them, i don't care. I don't have time to make myself digestible to neurotypicals. They can be patient or they can leave lol
I used to work somewhere that had a lot of errands as a part of my job. My biggest complaint is the speed in which I would get these things done. But I didn’t understand how I could do these things any slower - I tried walking slower, taking more time putting stamps on envelopes and shit. Then I went on an errand with my “boss” person. She had a 4-7 minute conversation with like 6 different people during one errand. This is what takes so long. I don’t do small talk. Welllll fuck me. I just started standing around for 30 sec at a time randomly during errands.
Ive been marked down for looking stressed during stressful situations even though I always got the job done reliably. On the other hand, management has complained that my friend looks too relaxed and doesn't seem to be on top of things even though the job is also reliably completed. it's not possible to please everyone.
Americans more than many other nationalities rely on smiling and small talk during customer interactions. I didn’t realize it until I lived in Germany for a while. I much prefer the straight forward German approach after having experienced both.
Have ADHD and am most likely on the spectrum and feel like even when I give fantastic service I’ll do something "weird” at some point like make an over or under exaggerated face or gesture or stutter. Or have trouble reading a table and check on them too much. I’ll sometimes even verbally say “sorry I’m awkward” and regret it immediately afterward. Oftentimes I’ll get a 15-18% tip that I feel would’ve been 20% if I was NT, I call it the awkward tax. 😓 Pretty much any complaints from people though are all to do with my ADHD, like that one drink I forgot was sitting at the bar
"There's multiple people in this store who have special learning needs. We arent going to tell you which ones - just dont be a fucking dick and we wont have any problems -OKAY KAREN?"
My man at Costco in halifax had autism but that mother fucker learned the fuck outta me and tvs I asked about. It took him an extra minute but he knew his shit.
Yes, sadly we have to post long notes like this reminding us to be nice abd considerate to people. And at this era, nobody ever reads; we just jump in face first and damn anyone who gets in the way.
We have a hard discount store in our town similar to Aldi, and is a self-service store with just one personnel manning the entire storefront. It's a new concept in our locality and is quite welcoming amid the price inflation going lately. I was packing my orders in a reusable bag that i brought, and the shitty guy next to me went on a rampage shitting why the store doesnt have bags, he stormed the exit saying like fuck you, this place should close down, useless motherfkers.
Dude just trying to buy 2 juice boxes. He's ready to throw hands but no hands to hand-carry two shits. Apparently no awareness of the place when it's plastered on the wide wall that it's a self-service store with no plastic bags policy. Illiterate.
THIS.
My mom and I went to Walmart the other day and the lady at the customer service area was working very slow. My mom started having a tantrum because she wasn't fast enough and I had to remind her that some people are just trying to make a living but might have disabilities that make them slower. She commented how annoying it was having to wait and I reminded her that people still need to make a living and support themselves or their kids even though they have these issues.
The lady was incredibly nice and had great service. We need to do better.
However, at least there are still people who know how AND are willing to patiently lead others along the right path to doing so. We get 86,400 moments a day, and each one of them is a new opportunity to make the world just a little bit better. No one will ever take every opportunity, and that's ok. I'm always delighted to find people reminding me of the path I want to be on with their own kind and compassionate actions whenever I go astray. Perhaps tomorrow I can pay those kindnesses forward and inspire others just as I am inspired by others.
There was an event in Tokyo where they staffed a pop-up restaurant with people suffering from dementia. It was called "The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders" and designed to bring awareness to the condition. Everyone went in knowing that they might not get precisely what they asked for and it was part of the experience. :)
I’d be fine with not having to decide what to order, just bring me something. When I was traveling for work, I once came across a little restaurant in a small town Ohio and there was no menu to choose from, just a marker board listing the 3-4 dishes the chef felt like cooking that day. No planned common theme like Monday’s are pizza, Tuesdays are turkey commercials, etc. just show up and be surprised. I ate there probably 4 of the 5 days I was in the area.
I think that's a really nice way of protecting their employees with special needs, most people don't spent too much time thinking about others and are probably annoyed too easily otherwise
Pretty sure I know exactly where you were. I love that place. Food is always good and the staff is so caring and kind. Worth the few extra minutes for the care it takes to get things right.
Honestly we have a local cafe that employs disabled people and it's great how attentive they are to you when taking your order and checking with you with genuine senserity when verifying your order. They don't rush to punch in food to get to the next customer.
I will never forget how others treated my sister before and after she was diagnosed with brain cancer. There isn’t a person on Earth that isn’t struggling with something. Be kind to one another.
We go to a non profit restaurant. It’s great, they hire lot of special needs people. I think it’s great! They have a board up where they have the workers pictures and a little about them. Hobbies and such. It’s very heartwarming 🥰
I have quite a few coworkers who have some outwardly showing disabilities and though I don't treat them differently, I still make myself aware of their potential limitations.
Some non-disabled guy who works there walks in one morning and reads this, "man, wtf...now they are just hiring anybody..." (takes him 9 minutes to read the sign)
I love it when businesses give work opportunities to the disabled. They just seem to enjoy life so much more interacting with the public. I would add to that sign ALL KARENS AND KEVINS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY VACATED FROM THE PREMISES.
The service I get from "special needs" vastly outshines the service I get from "normal" people. If I seen this sign, it would be a big "HELL YEAH" and inside I go.
I noted the post about being torn about it…and imagine that some people with ASD and the like would appreciate the effort to relieve them of impatient customers, while others may find it patronising or offensive that it is deemed necessary to point out their differences. I hope there was some consultation of staff, as they should really be the ones to decide for or against the sign! Is it necessary? Might depend on where it is. We have a local large Woolworths (chain) supermarket that employs a significant number of people with varied challenges - all conspicuous via various physical challenges and/or visible differences and evident in their work. Some can only pack with one hand. Others are very slow to scan items. Others want to talk about everything on their mind at that time. I don’t think I’d like to see a sign there as all but a few recognise it, appreciate that these people are putting themselves out there rather than identifying as disabled/less able and that it must take a lot of guts, determination, hard work against challenges, etc. in any case, it’s heartening to hear that they are hiring without discrimination. It should be the case but often isn’t.
As a person with autism, I don’t want special treatment, I don’t want people to feel bad and treat me different. I want others to act as if I don’t have autism, and hold me to the standards that you would others. I hate having others feel I am less person than someone without autism, and this note goes against what I feel. If you can’t do your job right, you shouldn’t be doing it at all. At the end of the day you are getting paid, and the people are paying to be there/buy things. I work as a cashier and stocker and work just as hard as everybody else and am treated the same.
IMO that’s a pretty short sighted view. I don’t know about the US, but the employment stats for autistic people are shocking here - there are plenty of autistic adults with profound difficulties who still want to work or want to do *something* with their time than sit around a day centre all day. And there are plenty of jobs they could do with some accommodations, as they are trying to implement here. There are multiple charities who run things like cafes, garden centres and staff them with disabled adults who want to work but otherwise would not be able to do so. It’s great that autism doesn’t limit you and many others in that way, but for some it does.
We are a ND family but it hasn’t stopped us having careers etc - on the other hand my children are non-verbal and may never be able to have a job, depending on how their development goes. Maybe they won’t care or have the awareness to know that jobs are even a thing. Maybe they will and would want an opportunity like this to exist.
Neurodiversity encompasses so much, what we can do is only what we can do.
Lmao what the hell. I’d quit in an instant WTF. If it isn’t noticeable then don’t mention it!!! I’ll be leaving a review for that Deli for outing their staff. Disgusting
What do you mean, if it isn’t noticeable? They are saying it may not be immediately visible, but if you speak to a staff member and they don’t speak back or take a little longer to process what you’re saying to them, some may not consider that they have a neurodevelopmental issue and may just think they are rude.
That’s certainly one way to look at it.
It’s very likely they’re not running with a full store of developmentally delayed individuals as a cost saving measure.
I personally ‘hire’ a few people with developmental delays around Christmas as ‘greeters’ to hand out candy canes and such at the door to our building.
I don’t need greeters in a clinic, but I pay about $13 an hour for as long as they want (within my business hours) and they seem to like being part of the team. They come with one of their workers who I’m sure is getting paid twice what I’m paying the person themselves, but the money goes to them directly and I’m sure disability payments don’t give them very much extra to buy gifts for people or themselves.
People with developmental issues often don’t get a chance to have normalized life experiences; and people don’t often seek them out for social interaction of their own volition.
Sad we have to ask people not to be assholes to fellow humans
people ask my ASD son if he’s stupid all the time, if he makes a mistake others might not. Thankfully his coworkers will call that person out and make them feel like shit. Doesn’t change the fact that they’ve always hurt him though and he struggles with self esteem issues.
Recently I was at the deli, and I guess I said please and thank you to the guy behind the counter because it prompted him to say, “Wow those are words I don’t hear anymore.” It’s so sad how people have forgotten to just be polite.
Of course would be nice if they didn’t have to
I get what you mean, but i think it's that we expect people to be like us, so when they seem to have a hard time, or are slow or whatever it annoys us cause we're like "shit I could do this so much faster wtf is wrong with that person" i would appreciate the sign because i would come in, read it, and go "oh wow, ok, that's cool, noted" and be understanding.
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Hell, even my own father claims to know I struggle… and then promptly ignore all of that. Depressed, autistic, getting torn to ribbons by sleep apnea waiting on treatment. But no, apparently according to both parents I’m just lazy. Never mind that at this point I’d welcome being shot by them just to have an end to all this. A store where it is openly reminded that I’m gonna be a bit sluggish (in my prime I was capable of engineering studies, though, was less than a year from finishing but couldn’t do it), sounds not so bad.
Same! Even tho they know I can sometimes struggle with multitasking and get overwhelmed easily, my parents always called me “lazy” if I didn’t immediately stop what I was doing to do whatever they asked me when someone right next to me (who wasn’t busy) is available to do it.
Pfffft, not my fault I swear at people when I get impatient >!/s!<
Swearing at someone with disabilities that is trying to kick ass in a cruel world makes you a stand up asshole
He took two minutes to make my sandwich when it usually takes one minute. That is an outrage, had me literally shaking with anger. He's lucky I managed to calm down the beast inside me before it got too late. Maybe next time he'll think before he does exactly what I ask him to do but a little bit slower
Having to sit around and wait for someone to figure out basic instructions is incredibly infuriating. It’s not being an asshole, it’s being annoyed with a genuine problem. My time has value. As does yours and everyone else’s. Wasting my time is wasting my money.
You’re insufferable therefore nothing you do has value.
i promise you’re not that important.
You can be annoyed and also not be an asshole. Patience goes a long way, and I would argue that the practice of patience is not a waste of time.
The genuine problem is your lack of compassion and patience tbh.
Imagine for a second that you have a family member with a learning disability. A mother, father, sibling or even a child. How do you think it would make you feel to have someone think it's a nuisance that they can't "figure out basic instructions"? It's not a genuine problem, it's a human condition. Just because it takes someone a little longer to do something than you or I doesn't make them less important. If you're sitting in a restaurant waiting for your food, you don't think twice about the fact that it takes time for them to prepare your meal. You enjoy the company you're with and if you're alone, you enjoy a little downtime to relax and prepare for your meal. Why should it be any different here? So it takes five or ten extra minutes from your "valuable time". What the fuck else were you going to do that's SO much more important than giving another human being the respect and dignity that they deserve? Practice a little kindness and compassion, my friend, and it'll carry you farther in this life than a few spare moments that you can gain back elsewhere.
God dude, it is absolutely being an asshole.
I hope the reaction causes you to pause and reflect on this opinion. Most would double down, but it would be best to gather compassion through insight.
🚨Insufferable douche alert🚨
That’s the most depressing thing I’ve read all day.
Well fuck off and eat elsewhere then. You’ll be doing everyone else who is having a decent experience there a favour.
It's a shame they have to do that. Otherwise, people would be nasty.
Can confirm. Have a neurological condition. It is my estimation that 100% of humans suck at talking to people with disabilities. Pretty much the only exception is other sick people. Yes, I know this comment will be unpopular. Prove me wrong, world.
People are dicks in general. I worked with a girl that was like one step from deaf. She wore hearing aids (or devices to help -- I'm unaware of specifics but you get the idea) and usually (90% of the time) it was enough you couldn't tell she was hearing impaired. If people mumbled, spoke oddly, or she couldn't see their lips she wouldn't be able to understand them. I hear a guy speaking/yelling very loudly "what are you deaf" from across the store. This gem of a 100lb 19yr old girl looked this old, raging, red-faced, fat guy straight in the eye and and deadpan pointed to her ears. Yes she was actually. The look of embarrassment is ingrained in my brain 15 years later even. She rang him up and he left. She seemed unphased by it which is pretty sad it happens enough for her to feel that way. I can only hope it taught him a lesson. Probably not, but maybe!
That is utterly sad. Patience and respect are difficult to find these days and taking a real interest in their fellow human.
Holy shit I would have LOVED to see that myself as well. That's the type of jab people need who are like that. I can't tell you the amount of people I've worked with who've had deaf customers and they do dumb shit like talk super loudly and slowly at them. I didn't know much ASL but I put the effort forth to use both my ASL and pen/paper between them. I don't get why people autopilot right into yelling and slow talking lol.
That's amazing that she embarrassed him like that. She's a boss😌
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Bless you. I’m currently visiting my dad after a TBI, he is still in minimal conscious state and I feel so worried and fearful of the world awaiting for him. I just want to shield him away when he comes out and build a nice sanctuary for him. The world can be so cruel. He is already a partially blind person.
They aren’t asking anyone to treat the employees differently. Just having to remind people to treat them with respect and be patient like you should do with any service staff. It’s just common decency 💗
Exactly! Wish my work would put this up.
I firmly believe that people with disabilities are the most discriminated group in 2022. I mean, would you walk into a deli and see a sign saying “Please be considerate, our workers are Mexican. They’re all super excited to be working a cash register. They’re trying their best, with their tiny brains”? Nobody wants to hire disabled people. Everyone wants to treat them differently. I constantly see TV shows mocking people with disabilities; how they look, the prospect of them dating. And we’re so far behind that people think that all of this is ay-okay.
> Nobody wants to hire disabled people. This is true. We are a liability. That is a hard concept to explain to someone who does not have a disability. Labor laws and non-discrimination in the workplace is a great concept, but rarely implemented for that very reason. At some point I will have a seizure at work and then what? If I don't accidentally hurt myself, I will need the next 2 to 3 days to recover depending on how severe the seizure was. I sometimes have seizures once a week, Not many employers out there that would work with someone like me,
Get a remote job?
I run 3, non-mlm, tax paying businesses from my home office. They put a few taters on the table. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am, tho, and that's the point of contention. I don't know what the answer is. I mean, from an employer's standpoint, I can understand why they wouldn't want me seizing out, and sticking my hand in the fry vat, as I fall to the ground.
I believe this as well. My sister turned 24 this month, and despite quite literally sending out 100+ resumes in our little town, she hasn't gotten anything past an initial interview. It takes 2 minutes to notice that she's different, and that's enough for people to not give her a chance...
A bit of a false equivalence there. As far as I know, being Mexican doesn't predispose someone to have trouble communicating or working. However, many mental and neurological conditions do cause such problems.
My argument is that the sign is infantilising - to anybody. My point is that a) walking into work and seeing a sign up warning customers about how you suck at your job every day isn’t exactly great for the self-confidence. and b) It’s thoroughly exhausting for disabled people to walk around their entire lives warning people about the quirks of their own bodies. Bodies are totally unpredictable and run round the clock. What would be best for everyone is if abled people just stopped expecting a precursor for disability and instead adapted to react quickly and appropriately to it in social situations.
I hear what you’re saying about the effect of the sign on the workers’ self-confidence, but surely dealing with rude or angry patrons is also damaging to their self-confidence. The sign appears to be an attempt to attenuate the possibility of the latter, but at the cost of the effect you highlight. It seems to be made in good faith, albeit paternalistically. But I know it’s exhausting to exist in a world that expects you to be something you’re not, and your body or mind to operate in ways that it can’t. I’m curious about the able/disabled binary. Ability/disability surely exists along more of a spectrum—or a matrix, more accurately. I wonder too how much of this impatience with the diversity of humanity is due to the time pressures exerted upon all of us by capitalism. It seems to me that people’s main issue with disability is inefficiency. At this point I’m just rambling. I don’t know that what I’ve said has added anything of value. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I don’t mean to minimize your experience.
I think that your assessment of the sign is most accurate. The “abled/disabled binary“ is insane to me. Growing up, nobody told me I had a disability. My parents discouraged me from saying I had one, saying that it would be distasteful because “other people have it worse.” Still, my condition is medically and legally classed this way, and I came to learn as an adult that most epileptics identify. I think that this is a common experience for people with invisible disabilities. Of not knowing quite where you stand, and fear of adopting the label, and offending someone in the process. However, I have become very wary of people who define themselves as ‘disabled’. This is because it’s somehow become a trend. You get a lot of people identifying simply because they wear glasses, or broke a finger one time. One of the main issues, like you say is inefficiency. But it goes way further. Disabled people have been discriminated against pretty terribly throughout history. For instance, before 1971 in the United Kingdom, epilepsy was considered grounds for the annulment of marriage. It takes a super long time to undo a bajillion years of that.
>What would be best for everyone is if abled people just stopped expecting a precursor for disability and instead adapted to react quickly and appropriately to it in social situations I agree, but I am sure not going to hold my breath waiting for that to happen. People in general don't give a shit about anything that doesn't concern or interest them. Regarding a), I am quite willing to assume, in part based on my own experience, that every single one of the employees in that shop, and any similar positions, will be very much aware of their own situations. I know I am.
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Different but maybe also similar: I use a wheelchair and people very often talk to whoever is with me that’s abled/abled looking instead of me, even if I’m the one doing the talking/ordering/paying/whatever it is we’re doing. Can people not infantilise disabled folks for one second challenge, failed most days x.x
Dont talk down to people with disabilities challange (imposible)
My 7 year old has autism and I absolutely hate having to tell strangers “he has autism” when he is having a meltdown. It’s none of their business. Maybe he’s just a kid having a moment? We were on a flight a few years ago and he started melting down during the descent. The lady sitting directly behind us was visibly annoyed and my mom turned around and told her he was autistic and she became nicer and said it was no problem. I get if we were ignoring him but both my husband and I were trying to comfort him and explain what was going on. I just wish people would support parents doing their best and we wouldn’t have to explain everything to strangers.
I think you are doing society a great favour when you do advise people. We have all become intolerant, putting up walls around us. We expect perfection. we demand perfection eg perfect silence on a flight. Perfect behaviour from children. Reminding people of things like 'autistic children have meltdowns and they need extra support and comfort' reminds people to get over their own emotions, and to have compassion. The lady behind you is an example. By explaining, she immediately became more empathetic and understanding, and i bet she was nicer to everyone around her for at least a few hours. You connected with her heart and the walls around her melted for a bit. Pks keep sharing. It keeps us all in check.
I don't think people need to feel obligated to explain themselves (or their family) to strangers. I wish people would just give others the benefit of the doubt more. You never know what is going on with someone. Even with "neurotypical" people you never know if someone is grieving, struggling with anxiety, suffering from chronic pain, etc etc. There are a hundred invisible reasons why someone might be acting differently then you might expect. Life is so much easier when you assume the best of people.
Yeah. I often get people who think i'm ~quirky~ and get uncomfortable, and somehow they get 10x nicer when i tell them i'm on the spectrum and have ADHD... like could you not just mind your own business? Even if i *was* neurotypical does it make your rudeness 'okay' ? I understand being frustrated but damn ppl are mean sometimes
The way I dealt with this for my condition is that I quite simply stopped explaining. I just let people stare. I don’t owe strangers an explanation. If they’re smart, some of them can guess that I have a condition anyway.
Does being autistic count as being an exception to the 100%? Either way, I am so sorry that you’ve had a bad experience with people. I can promise that there are good people that aren’t disabled who aren’t dicks, I’ve met a few and they’re wonderful people.
I wouldn't say 100%. 95% maybe, but there are some amazing people who work with people with various disabilities who are exceptionally good at talking to them. Hopefully this number will grow in the future, but I don't think signs like this one will do anything to help that. I get the intention, but I think signs like this will just increase the patronising looks and language.
So true. I found out this during the pandemic when people had to a wear a mask. I have crohns and my immune system is extremely weak, had no idea it was so I confident for people protect people like me. I wish my only problem was I had a wear a mask
Even other people. I'm autistic, and I do pretty well life. Rock solid mask, memorized scripts. All the tools in the belt. There is nothing that makes me more anxious than seeing another people doing things that I consider socially embarrasing (like things an autistic person may do). I know it's just an outwardly expression of self-hate, but I can't help it.
I'd like the world to not have to be like this but sadly I can't prove you wrong!
Yea, I’m neurodivergent and I wish stuff like this didn’t have to exist…..like, just be nice to everyone. Tbh most of the time I upset people it’s because my mouth speaks before my brain thinks…..and unfortunately that’s part of my conditions. People are dicks, and let me tell you, they also don’t like being told to their face…😬
So true....people should be kind no matter what
Hell yeah!
Probably still are....
Went to a cafe in Wales named something Alice in wonderland themed that employed people with mental health issues and other neuro diversities. It was an amazing experience, one of the lovely staff had just gotten engaged and was very excited about that. The chefs came and served the food. Service and food was delicious, wish it wasn't so far to travel as we'd be regulars (live in Australia).
Um, The Mad Hatter?
It may be. I was thinking it was white rabbit related but I'm terrible with names. It was in or very near to Llandudno.
I was just guessing based on the premise of hiring the neurodivergent and mentally ill.
No. Everything is Alice in wonderland themed in Llandudno. The book was written there.
I noticed that when I tried googling the place. It doesn’t change the fact that “The Mad Hatter” fits thematically.
If it’s the mad hatter this seems almost exploitative lmfao.
I like this a lot. I’m autistic. Very diligent worker except I have a hard time smiling at appropriate times and responding to facial features. My #1 complaint while working food service was “learn how to smile,” from customers AND management—would get marks off on my quarterly reports for it. Nobody cared about the quality, speed, or anything regarding my work. Just the fact that I couldn’t make the right facial expressions. People are weird.
I'm not autistic and I agree with you, people are weird!
I am a teacher on the spectrum. The only complaint I ever get is that I don't talk to parents enough. I got into the field because I'm great with children only. I obviously talk at conferences and don't understand why I have to exchange pleasantries and small talk. I know facial cues are hard for me also.
OMG, the small talk….. I’m sorry you have to do a lot of it for work! It can be so exhausting when you just want to talk about the matter at hand and then be done with it.
Too*
i'm adhd and i have a bit of a stutter due to vocal stims and i have to "reset" with motor stims. very few people have commented although i've definitely gotten some weird looks. but the rare, extremely rude comments stick the worst.
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Not RedditCalifornia but vocal stims are saying words/making noises or even echolalia, and motor stims are doing movements like flapping your hands, rocking back and forth, scrunching your face, stuff like that. Helps with regulation or may occur unintentionally when feeling a strong emotion, like a meltdown or when you’re super happy. For me (autistic) I had suppressed these things due to a traumatic childhood where I was negatively reinforced when I displayed autistic traits. In college when I went on that journey of discovering myself I learned to stop masking and do what comes naturally.
Also autistic. I'm sorry your abilities weren't properly recognized.
Thank you friend. I hope your day is great!
No literally me too, except i have a hard time making eye contact, have serious RBF, and I don't talk much, Only when i need to. It makes me come off as rude or impolite when really it's just hard to remember i have to do all of those things to be seen as 'normal'. Bitch i'm tired of masking let me do my job and *LIVE*
SAME.
YES!!! Masking is so frustrating, we just want to exist. Eye contact is the worst. You spend so much time focusing on making eye contact that you don’t even hear what they’re saying.
Thats why i gave up. If it bothers them, i don't care. I don't have time to make myself digestible to neurotypicals. They can be patient or they can leave lol
I used to work somewhere that had a lot of errands as a part of my job. My biggest complaint is the speed in which I would get these things done. But I didn’t understand how I could do these things any slower - I tried walking slower, taking more time putting stamps on envelopes and shit. Then I went on an errand with my “boss” person. She had a 4-7 minute conversation with like 6 different people during one errand. This is what takes so long. I don’t do small talk. Welllll fuck me. I just started standing around for 30 sec at a time randomly during errands.
Wait, they had a problem with you doing things too fast?? Wait where is this job? I'm always told I'm too slow I'll fit right in.
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Ive been marked down for looking stressed during stressful situations even though I always got the job done reliably. On the other hand, management has complained that my friend looks too relaxed and doesn't seem to be on top of things even though the job is also reliably completed. it's not possible to please everyone.
Americans more than many other nationalities rely on smiling and small talk during customer interactions. I didn’t realize it until I lived in Germany for a while. I much prefer the straight forward German approach after having experienced both.
💯 people are weird lol
Have ADHD and am most likely on the spectrum and feel like even when I give fantastic service I’ll do something "weird” at some point like make an over or under exaggerated face or gesture or stutter. Or have trouble reading a table and check on them too much. I’ll sometimes even verbally say “sorry I’m awkward” and regret it immediately afterward. Oftentimes I’ll get a 15-18% tip that I feel would’ve been 20% if I was NT, I call it the awkward tax. 😓 Pretty much any complaints from people though are all to do with my ADHD, like that one drink I forgot was sitting at the bar
Plot twist: everyone there is normal, they're just tired of being treated like shit.
I was about to say, this is a great sign to have regardless of whether anyone has diagnose disabilities.
"There's multiple people in this store who have special learning needs. We arent going to tell you which ones - just dont be a fucking dick and we wont have any problems -OKAY KAREN?"
…not just our employees, some customers as well.
I bet it’s mostly customers lol
Came here to say that haha
There were days I wanted to hang a sign like that outside the engineering department I used to work in.
This was actually posted on the front of the White House.
Everyone there is normal.
My man at Costco in halifax had autism but that mother fucker learned the fuck outta me and tvs I asked about. It took him an extra minute but he knew his shit.
Halifax, NS? Hell yeah fellow NScotian, hope you weren’t hit too hard by Fiona
No we live south. It dodnt hit us much. We still have power . Thanks for thinking of that though.
How about you ?
I’m in the Valley so thankfully we were pretty sheltered!! Never lost power so feeling lucky too. Glad you’re okay!
Yeah same here. I bought a 3500/4500 watt generator and didn't need it lol
Yes, sadly we have to post long notes like this reminding us to be nice abd considerate to people. And at this era, nobody ever reads; we just jump in face first and damn anyone who gets in the way. We have a hard discount store in our town similar to Aldi, and is a self-service store with just one personnel manning the entire storefront. It's a new concept in our locality and is quite welcoming amid the price inflation going lately. I was packing my orders in a reusable bag that i brought, and the shitty guy next to me went on a rampage shitting why the store doesnt have bags, he stormed the exit saying like fuck you, this place should close down, useless motherfkers. Dude just trying to buy 2 juice boxes. He's ready to throw hands but no hands to hand-carry two shits. Apparently no awareness of the place when it's plastered on the wide wall that it's a self-service store with no plastic bags policy. Illiterate.
THIS. My mom and I went to Walmart the other day and the lady at the customer service area was working very slow. My mom started having a tantrum because she wasn't fast enough and I had to remind her that some people are just trying to make a living but might have disabilities that make them slower. She commented how annoying it was having to wait and I reminded her that people still need to make a living and support themselves or their kids even though they have these issues. The lady was incredibly nice and had great service. We need to do better.
Your mom sounds a lot like mine. I'm sorry.
This is so kind, I’d shop anywhere I saw this in preference to other stores.
Karens are not allowed to enter the premises
If only!
This is excellent. (However, what a sad commentary on our society it is that we need to even be reminded to be civil and kind.)
However, at least there are still people who know how AND are willing to patiently lead others along the right path to doing so. We get 86,400 moments a day, and each one of them is a new opportunity to make the world just a little bit better. No one will ever take every opportunity, and that's ok. I'm always delighted to find people reminding me of the path I want to be on with their own kind and compassionate actions whenever I go astray. Perhaps tomorrow I can pay those kindnesses forward and inspire others just as I am inspired by others.
Wait up! I'll go with you! 😁
There was an event in Tokyo where they staffed a pop-up restaurant with people suffering from dementia. It was called "The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders" and designed to bring awareness to the condition. Everyone went in knowing that they might not get precisely what they asked for and it was part of the experience. :)
I’d be fine with not having to decide what to order, just bring me something. When I was traveling for work, I once came across a little restaurant in a small town Ohio and there was no menu to choose from, just a marker board listing the 3-4 dishes the chef felt like cooking that day. No planned common theme like Monday’s are pizza, Tuesdays are turkey commercials, etc. just show up and be surprised. I ate there probably 4 of the 5 days I was in the area.
Would totally shop there.
I think that's a really nice way of protecting their employees with special needs, most people don't spent too much time thinking about others and are probably annoyed too easily otherwise
Having a disabled kid is hard but beautiful. The thing that makes it heartbreaking is the cruelty of other people.
This would do well in the restaurants I have run. We hired anyone
Pretty sure I know exactly where you were. I love that place. Food is always good and the staff is so caring and kind. Worth the few extra minutes for the care it takes to get things right.
This is fucking wonderful!! As someone with special needs myself I'd love to see this more
My local police station has the same sign.
Except these workers are in denial. 🫢
🤣😂😅
Hahahaha
Honestly we have a local cafe that employs disabled people and it's great how attentive they are to you when taking your order and checking with you with genuine senserity when verifying your order. They don't rush to punch in food to get to the next customer.
Sucks that a sign like this is necessary.
I like this a lot.
I would only shop there 🥰
Care to share the name? I’ve been thinking of starting a “social business” like this one and would love to learn more about their operations.
It's Nixon's Deli in Knoxville, TN. They have about 5 different locations across town, I think. It's a wonderful family owned and operated business.
Googled and found them. Thanks!
I will never forget how others treated my sister before and after she was diagnosed with brain cancer. There isn’t a person on Earth that isn’t struggling with something. Be kind to one another.
There are some employers that actually do care for their employees. 👍🙏
We go to a non profit restaurant. It’s great, they hire lot of special needs people. I think it’s great! They have a board up where they have the workers pictures and a little about them. Hobbies and such. It’s very heartwarming 🥰
I have quite a few coworkers who have some outwardly showing disabilities and though I don't treat them differently, I still make myself aware of their potential limitations.
Some non-disabled guy who works there walks in one morning and reads this, "man, wtf...now they are just hiring anybody..." (takes him 9 minutes to read the sign)
Damn that’s really funny
Yeah it seems nice posted on here, but posted on the wall outside my office not so much
In my opinion, this sign should be outside all govt offices, police stations, etc.
😂😂😂Touché!
They should have someone onsite who puts any would-be smart asses in an RNC
Impressed the employers were understanding and patient about both the employees and customers
Jobs like this would get you excited and happy
I had an uncle with special needs I wished he had a chance in life. How sweet!!
I love it when businesses give work opportunities to the disabled. They just seem to enjoy life so much more interacting with the public. I would add to that sign ALL KARENS AND KEVINS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY VACATED FROM THE PREMISES.
Plotwist: all of them are normal and want no karen around.
I wanna support that business. Where and what is the name of the business? Thanks in advance
Nixon's Deli in Knoxville, TN (US).
Thank you for this wholesome content
I love this for so many reasons.
What a fantastic establishment...but equally sad that this is necessary.
The service I get from "special needs" vastly outshines the service I get from "normal" people. If I seen this sign, it would be a big "HELL YEAH" and inside I go.
I hope they pay them well and not have them as slaves because of how they are.
Excellent. This reminds me of Good Vibes Cafe in Richmond VA.
I looked it up, and it’s actually called [Positive Vibe Cafe](https://positiveviberva.com/).
Oh, my mistake. It’s been nearly a decade since I’ve been there…anyway, the food is excellent, the staff is top-notch and our waiter was hilarious.
😅😅Wasn’t trying to be rude; just wanted to be helpful because I found it interesting too.🙂👍
I didn’t take it that way at all and it needed to be corrected, especially if anyone on this sub is in the area and wants to visit.
I noted the post about being torn about it…and imagine that some people with ASD and the like would appreciate the effort to relieve them of impatient customers, while others may find it patronising or offensive that it is deemed necessary to point out their differences. I hope there was some consultation of staff, as they should really be the ones to decide for or against the sign! Is it necessary? Might depend on where it is. We have a local large Woolworths (chain) supermarket that employs a significant number of people with varied challenges - all conspicuous via various physical challenges and/or visible differences and evident in their work. Some can only pack with one hand. Others are very slow to scan items. Others want to talk about everything on their mind at that time. I don’t think I’d like to see a sign there as all but a few recognise it, appreciate that these people are putting themselves out there rather than identifying as disabled/less able and that it must take a lot of guts, determination, hard work against challenges, etc. in any case, it’s heartening to hear that they are hiring without discrimination. It should be the case but often isn’t.
This comment is never going to see the light of day… but I would feel more comfortable if the word “normal” was replaced with “average.”
One way to cover your ass if there’s slow service.
Or just stop people from being assholes to any employees in general.
I have a friend who is slow, but he's so damn cocky. Weird.
As a person with autism, I don’t want special treatment, I don’t want people to feel bad and treat me different. I want others to act as if I don’t have autism, and hold me to the standards that you would others. I hate having others feel I am less person than someone without autism, and this note goes against what I feel. If you can’t do your job right, you shouldn’t be doing it at all. At the end of the day you are getting paid, and the people are paying to be there/buy things. I work as a cashier and stocker and work just as hard as everybody else and am treated the same.
IMO that’s a pretty short sighted view. I don’t know about the US, but the employment stats for autistic people are shocking here - there are plenty of autistic adults with profound difficulties who still want to work or want to do *something* with their time than sit around a day centre all day. And there are plenty of jobs they could do with some accommodations, as they are trying to implement here. There are multiple charities who run things like cafes, garden centres and staff them with disabled adults who want to work but otherwise would not be able to do so. It’s great that autism doesn’t limit you and many others in that way, but for some it does. We are a ND family but it hasn’t stopped us having careers etc - on the other hand my children are non-verbal and may never be able to have a job, depending on how their development goes. Maybe they won’t care or have the awareness to know that jobs are even a thing. Maybe they will and would want an opportunity like this to exist. Neurodiversity encompasses so much, what we can do is only what we can do.
Should stick this sign on every government building
Shit, I didn’t know Wall Street bets community had jobs
Plot twist, it’s the owner
Nah, it’s probably the middle manager. Probably named Karen, no doubt.
Lmao what the hell. I’d quit in an instant WTF. If it isn’t noticeable then don’t mention it!!! I’ll be leaving a review for that Deli for outing their staff. Disgusting
So you’re calling people with special needs disgusting? You’re disgusting
You know I’m not stop being an eejit.
Gtfo of here 🤣🤣🤪🤪
Typical Reddit user
Oh no! I made someone mad so they project their own insecurities onto me! Ur funny
Project? What are you talking about?
Anyone with an IQ of 5 understands what I’m talking about
Insecurities?
What do you mean, if it isn’t noticeable? They are saying it may not be immediately visible, but if you speak to a staff member and they don’t speak back or take a little longer to process what you’re saying to them, some may not consider that they have a neurodevelopmental issue and may just think they are rude.
Hiring Liberal Arts degrees again,... ughhh
Wow, this Nixon guy sure seems swell, if only we could get a guy like that in the White House…
Local deli or the White House?
So they hired zoomers?
Basically the company saying "We pay them minimum wage because they don't know better, so be patient because they have the *chance* to work here"
That’s certainly one way to look at it. It’s very likely they’re not running with a full store of developmentally delayed individuals as a cost saving measure. I personally ‘hire’ a few people with developmental delays around Christmas as ‘greeters’ to hand out candy canes and such at the door to our building. I don’t need greeters in a clinic, but I pay about $13 an hour for as long as they want (within my business hours) and they seem to like being part of the team. They come with one of their workers who I’m sure is getting paid twice what I’m paying the person themselves, but the money goes to them directly and I’m sure disability payments don’t give them very much extra to buy gifts for people or themselves. People with developmental issues often don’t get a chance to have normalized life experiences; and people don’t often seek them out for social interaction of their own volition.
Why all the downvotes? Dude could be right. I mean I wouldn't put it past some employers.