April 1, 2023
Dear NextDoor User
Dear NextDoor User,
I read your post this morning.
I can tell you there was some perfect timing to it. See, I had just put my autistic son on his special education transportation to school.
A service that I thank my lucky stars for every single day.
I was taking a moment before my other three kids got up to drink some coffee and mindlessly scroll on my phone.
That’s when I saw your post. And I can tell you, I had to read it a few times through.
Can we all take a second to admit that the NextDoor app is the best place to read ridiculous stuff.
But this one, well, it made me immediately irate. And I’ll admit, I didn’t pause. I wrote a response back knowing it will most likely be persecuted too. But I couldn’t help it. Of all the ignorant, ridiculous, actually comical stuff I have read…this one takes the cake.
I mean. A dozen thoughts came to mind. Public street. Watch your kids. You can’t be serious. Lazy drivers…what?! This is a service for individuals with disabilities. My son Cooper. He is not a burden.
And then I got my three other kids up. I made breakfast and put shoes on little feet. The whole time letting my anger grow.
And I thought…why have a platform of a million people if you can’t educate with it. So instead of responding in anger…I’m going to educate.
So here goes.
Metro Mobility is a shared ride public transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. Trips are provided for any purpose.
It is an absolutely vital service for individuals with disabilities.
My son Cooper is 12 years old. He will never drive. He will need transportation long after I’m gone. And we will use a service just like this one.
If his driver happens to turn around on your cul-de-sac, it’s not because they are lazy. It’s because it’s a road that can be used by all drivers.
These posts are why I worry as a mom. My child with a disability is growing up. A group home, a transportation service, lifetime care are all in our future.
And it’s just sad. Good golly it’s an uphill mountain to climb when they are seen as a burden.
Yeah, yeah, yeah…this is my issue not hers. I know that. Believe me.
But belonging to a little human who is different…now he shouldn’t even be able to turn around on your street.
It’s just heartbreaking at times.
Signed,
A Frustrated Mom
