There is a tv show called “What would you do?”. I have watched clips of it on Youtube. They set up actors in a real-life situation (such as a public restaurant) and see how the real people around respond. I have seen waiters with OCD and one who stuttered, the hired customers were rude, making fun of the disabilities.

I have seen customers who were blind, deaf, have Down’s Syndrome, etc. The actor waitstaff then ridiculed and bullied them. I am pleased to say that many of the unknowing real-life people stepped up to help/defend in a number of impressive ways. That always warms my heart! And hits me hard.

I have been in public with a bunch of high-spirited children, including an autistic one who was kicked out of a Cub Scout activity once because he proudly called out how another child was doing his magic tricks. My son was 6. He just couldn’t understand why he couldn’t do that no matter how hard I shushed him.

I have been in public with groups of developmentally delayed adults who could be loud, silly, sometimes inappropriate and were having a ball. I have seen the stares, heard the muttered comments and felt the disgust that some people showed as we went out to eat, attended the movies, went to ball games, etc.

I have been in public with my older clients who may have trouble eating and make a mess or are very slow walking or just stop in the middle of a crowded room because they don’t know where they are. I have seen the impatience of the others around. I rednow if they ever realize that someday this might be them?

I believe strongly that everyone has a right to live life to the fullest no matter what. So remind them to be quiet, clean up the best you can, tip the waiter well and just go out and have fun.