I am writing in response to a letter in which the writer concludes that YSPE did not discriminate against a young child with life-threatening food allergies.
The writer had a lot to say regarding the quality of the YSPE program in preparing young actors, which has nothing to do with this case. As the chair of a Food Allergy Support Group in a nearby town, I am familiar with this case. It is one that I and many other parents of children with food allergies have followed closely since the beginning.
It is the essence of privilege when one can state that, because they themselves do not feel discriminated against, discrimination must not exist. While YSPE director Suzanne Rubenstein may welcome actors of “widely divergent abilities,” her invitation seems to end with those who have disabilities.
The letter-writer feels that the accusation of discrimination is “unfounded.” However it is important to remember that the federal Department of Justice disagrees with him.
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations. The YSPE program was operating out of a publicly owned building. It was accepting tuition in exchange for a service to children, yet refusing the simple accommodations required for one particular child to attend.
Finally, I find it disturbing that the writer mentions “self-governance.” It is an adult’s responsibility to teach children the skills to ultimately be independent. This doesn’t mean we thrust them into every situation and hope for the best. A 5-year-old needs a crossing guard to help her navigate a busy street, in order that she survive to one day cross independently.
Similarly, a child with a disability requires accommodations in order to learn to safely manage his symptoms in adulthood.
Nicole Sweeney
Longmeadow
The writer is chair of the Pioneer Valley Food Allergy Support Group.