ReadThisStory

If your faith in humanity is diminished down to nothing, fear not, because there are still people out there who spark a little brighter and love a little stronger and restore what seems to be lost.

Meet Amanda – a businesswoman, a respected member of the community, and above all, a loving mother to a very special child with Down Syndrome. Amanda understands firsthand how individuals who are labeled as “different” are sometimes treated by society. She knows their struggles and the impact it has on their self-esteem. Amanda believes that these individuals are an integral part of our community, capable of extraordinary things despite their slight differences.

Recently, Amanda learned about an incident at her restaurant involving a rude customer who harassed her employee with autism. Unable to ignore the situation, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Many of the employees at Amanda’s restaurant have disabilities. She intentionally hired them because she recognizes that they may require more time and patience to learn certain tasks. However, once they master these skills, they become unstoppable.

Amanda’s approach to running her business is unique. Each employee is assigned specific tasks, ensuring that they are responsible for their own duties. When the rude customer asked the employee to refill a bowl with lettuce, he couldn’t fulfill the request because he hadn’t been trained for that specific task. After the manager explained this to the customer, along with their inclusive hiring practices, the customer became even more frustrated. Before leaving Pizza Inn, the customer suggested hanging a “warning” sign, informing people that disabled individuals work at the restaurant.

Surprisingly, instead of getting angry, Amanda saw an opportunity to spread a positive message.

She immediately had a sign placed at the entrance of the restaurant, proudly proclaiming:
“WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND HIRE ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN.”

Amanda believes that this sign serves as an appreciation for her employees’ hard work and dedication over the years. It is also a way to protect their emotional and mental well-being. She explains, “These individuals are like my own children, and it angered me to see them treated this way. I wanted to respond in a way that wasn’t rude, yet effectively conveyed my message.”

As for the rude customer, Amanda isn’t concerned about losing their business. She confidently states, “If they are not comfortable with our inclusive environment, it’s okay for them to not come back. That’s a dollar we don’t need.”

If you find Amanda’s actions heartwarming and admirable, please share her story with your family and friends. Together, we can spread the message of acceptance and kindness towards all.