WalMart - SmartStyle Salons ripoff Refuse to serve disabled child Lake Worth Texas

if id gotten that child at my salon. i would had greeted him and served him with a smile! ive had many developmentally challenged customers! he has a right to a hair service. he shouldnt be discriminated against! i believe in my profession,no one should be discriminated against!

Katie,

Do keep at this until you are satisfied. You can't be scared and you just need to make this right.

I get a kick out of those holier than thou here thinking they are so brilliantlike marc in Hawaii. Marc you know nothing and are a pompous a*s or you at least post like one. Robert - Jacksonville, you are one of the biggest idiots posting on the internet today. The few times I am here I see you constantly posting some idiotic rant. please get a job or at least post something useful and intelligent!

I have been cutting hair for 16 years and never have I heard of a story such as this!!!

Keep at this Katie...I would not stop until this girl was fired!! The only down fall is she can get a job anywhere cutting hair.

This stylist did not have the right to refuse service!!!! She did NOT even attempt to cut his hair to even know if either one would be in danger. I have refused to finish a cut in my time, BUT ONLY and only when it was getting to the point of no control and it was dangerous!

Do NOT stop, keep at this until you see something to your satisfaction done.
I would stand out side of that Walmart everyday and tell every person not to get their hair cut in that salon. I bet you will get some attention then from the manager of the salon then.

Good luck!

yes regardless of his condition the stylist has the right to refuse service, but she had no right to talk to you that way. Honey if i was there i would have whooped her a*s for you.

The majority of you have taken my busting on Katie's bizarre belief that the DoJ is going to drop everything to check out her son's haircut, as being a slam on the child. How do you do that? How do you take something that is stated, and twist it to mean something else? I know...you either have to change what is ACTUALLY stated, or just have a complete lack of reading comprehension.

The Department of Justice is NEVER going to do ANYTHING other than throw her letter away. This is not an ADA issue either. There is no law anywhere that says a stylist HAS to cut ANYONE'S hair, much less a child that has "issues".

As has been pointed out by the brighter ones in the crowd, Katie would be whining(and sueing), if the child jerked around(has nothing to do with autism), and got cut. Kids do that. It has nothing to do with ANY disability. Lots of barbers and stylists refuse to cut children's hair for this reason. Why would anyone get upset if the stylist is unwilling to cut your hair. Trying to force that person to do a job he/she is unwilling to do is NOT going to result in a very good haircut.

Life doesn't always go your way. Sometimes, other people are going to get their way, in complete disregard for what you want. This is how it works on REALITY-WORLD. In this case, the stylist got his/her way over the wants of Katie.

Now, if you truly believe the DoJ is going to investigate this issue, please respond. I'd love to read your reasons WHY they would. Leave your emotions out of it. Cold, hard logic is how decisions are properly made. Explain how the DoJ is going to use it's limited recourses to investigate, charge, and prosecute someone for using their God-given right to NOT do something they don't want to do. Remeber, the ADA does NOT say anyone has to do anything that person does not want to do. It only says a business has to make "reasonable accomodations". It is not "reasonable" to try to force a person to do something. It's also illegal according to the 5th Ammendment of the US Constitution.

What a load of freaking crap! I am 100% sure that she did NOT yell for security claming "terrorist". I work with some mentaly challenged individuals and honestly, I would not have cut his hair either. What would happen if he suddenly jerked around and I cut his ear or something? Talk about a rasing hell now! So, maybe the stylist was rude, but I belive that your story has a few "tall tales" in it, shall we say?

Katie,
I applaud your efforts to bring this blatantly poor customer service to the public's attention. For years, we as consumers have given our hard earned dollars to businesses, only to have them treat us as if we have to have their services. There IS competition out there, and it is time we stood up and said, "If you don't treat us with respect and good customer service, we will take our money to your competitor". They need us and our money to stay in business. If this stylist worked for me, her final paycheck would have been printed moments after I got your complaint.

I haven't read of a resolution in your postings yet. Have you even received an apology from the company yet? If not, have you considered contacting the media? We have great consumer advocates here at our local news stations. Also there is the letter to the editor sections of our local newspapers. I know most of the postings are dedicated to legal action, but sometimes you get a quicker response if you cause the company bad press. If they think it might cost them a dollar or two, they will make a great public showing of responding favorably to your complaint.

You are a great mom, Katie. It's nice to know your son will grow up knowing what it's like to have someone stand up for him, so he will learn to stand up for himself when you can't. God has blessed you with this beautiful child for a reason. Sometimes other people need to be reminded that "God don't make no junk".

Best of luck with your fight for what's right.

Walmart claimed they were not responsible for the business, it was simply under their roof. To the OP, don't buy this. It is a typical copout for many businesses that subcontract to provide services.

It has been proven, many times, in court, that allowing a business to operate under the banner of a larger retailer does not absolve the large retailer from responsibility. Walmart is implicitly telling it's customers this salon is a service offered by their company and they do hold a level of responsibility.

To those that scoff at the ADA, you should know that the Attorney General does take violations seriously and there are a myriad of settlements with private businesses for refusing service to disabled individuals.

In general, I don't think it was the business itself. I think it was a rude, underpaid stylist who was simply annoyed at her employer paid television watching time being interrupted.

I have read every thread in this post and am just in awe about how people can still amaze me! Especially Robert! Ha!

I can't tell you how many times I have been in the salon, with or without my kids, and have seen so-called normal kids acting much worse than what it sounds like this child was doing! So he made a sound! Big deal! I would have been every bit as angry as the mom in this case! My 11 year old can't even sit still long enough without getting a nick in his head or his hair! And he doesn't have any known problems other than he is a typical stereotyped athlete! Does that mean he should not be getting his hair cut?

Just because a child is disabled in one form or another should not cause the reaction that it caused. It sounds to me like the stylist didn't want to work. Wish I had that luxury! Or maybe that because he made that noise she was able to recognize through her x-ray vision that he was different?!?!?! Robert, that last comment is for you, since it seems that you have that sort of mentality.

To the mom, please don't think that I am making fun of your situation. After reading the comments posted by Robert, and dealing with a disabled child on a frequent basis (not one of mine), I felt I had to let him know how much ignorance I felt he has shown. Robert has no idea what it entails to deal with life, obviously, especially the life that includes a special child.

Good luck to you!

Katie,

I notice that you posted your original report some time ago, I was wondering if you ever got anywhere with your inquiries for ADA. I'm not sure about the state you live in but in FL, our capitol has an ADA Advocacy Office you may want to see if there is one in your state.

My nephew is autistic and even at age 4 he was not as some seem to believe uncontrollable flailing around etc...99% of his protests were verbal and still are..he is now almost 11 and is very bright, his main problems are social skills, if he doesn't like what you are saying or if you speak too loudly he covers his ears as he feels you are yelling at him and sometimes he will yell back but he is not agressive and never has been. You are a wonderful parent as if it were my child I would have probably hit the woman..no this wouldn't have solved the issue but I would have felt better at least for a few moments.

The amount of ignorance in today's society amazes me and I feel for you having to deal with it on a daily basis.

Please post an update as to what was done in reguards to the employee.

I just want to say that in katie's response she said that her son was just making noises and sitting still. The hairdresser just asked if he was going to make noises and said "Ha. No" because he was going to make noises not based that he was going to put up a strogle or anything. Maybe you all are just looking too deep in this that the hairstylist thought he would pose a threat. Have you ever thought that maybe she didn't want to cut his hair because he was just going to sit there make noises and she say that as annoying and was going to annoy her. I hope you the best of luck Katie in filing a lawsuit against her. Your son wasn't doing anything. Heck a normal 4 year old probably would have put up a bigger fuss then your son did if they were taken out of a place they were comphertable in. probaly screemen or something and your son just sat there making noises.
best of luck

So, if you disagree with someone then you are telling the truth. If someone disagrees with you then they are "crying". Seems you are the one who can't handle the truth, Robert. You're an internet tough-guy and a one-tick-pony who is, quite frankly, boring. Your "truth" is simply opinion with snide comments thrown in.

If you respond or not, it's immaterial. You lurk these boards looking to insult so I'd expect nothing less. Have fun in trumping me with another witty post.

My theory regarding Robert is that he is a very lonely man. He grows tired of praising himself, so he needs somebody to put down, just so he can garner some responses from good folks. Robert, when I do have time, yes I happen to notice that you find your way to other threads and wish to attempt to thrash anyone you can. Not calling you a coward, but hiding behind a computer makes it alot easier to do what you do. GOD BLESS you and hope you find something more meaningful in life than ripoff.

GOD BLESSES!!!

"Where did I say you were making fun of the child?

Where did Katie mention the FBI?
In fact you are the only one in here that mentioned the FBI. They are not the only ones in the justice department.

Seems as in 86.9% of any thread you post in you have nothing but negative responses.
If it looks like a rock, thinks like a rock, must be a rock....Bwahahahahahaha"

Here goes:
"I just dont get you. In one thread (Reedy) you are so sympothetic over the mistreatment of children, yet in this report you are not.
Before you go off on me, I relize that this not the same as kiddy porn, but...take a look at what you wrote. Kids are inocent especially at 4 yrs old. You my friend are just as ignorant as Reedy himself....You sound like a very good mom, Keep up the support you have been giving your little boy, I am sure he will grow into a fine young man.
Too bad your mom didnt do the same Robert!!!"

It looks to me like you're saying I made fun of the child. Then you compare me with a pedophile. If not the FBI, who? The Homeland Security guys? The Attorney General himself? Negative responses? Only for people who seem to have missed the clue bus. And that rock? Use it for your ID card.

And for James in Woodbridge...stop crying up there. Telling people the truth is painful...to THEM. 90% of the American public doesn't want to hear the truth. They want to be told they're always right. The problem with that is, they're usually wrong. Show me one post I made that doesn't prove that, and I'll stop. Just because some of you think business is evil, doesn't mean it is. Without business, you'd all be living in a commune somewhere. The Pilgrims tried it the first year, and starved. They nearly died because of it. The Indians showed them how to run things(good businessmen), and the Pilgrims prospered.

I know it sucks to be you, but I still think Katie needs to develop a thicker skin if bad service from a WalMart haircuttery causes her so much distress. I still say the DoJ is never going to investigate. Prove me wrong.

Where did I say you were making fun of the child?
Where did Katie mention the FBI?
In fact you are the only one in here that mentioned the FBI. They are not the only ones in the justice department.
Seems as in 86.9% of any thread you post in you have nothing but negative responses.
If it looks like a rock, thinks like a rock, must be a rock....Bwahahahahahaha

Katie ignore the comments of certain posters, as they have little to do but stir things up to make themselves the center of any topic.

While you may not be able to get the results you hope to in this issue, It is great that you are a carring enough parent to look out for the proper treatment for your child. There are alot of parents out there that would just let it go.
Have a wonderful mothers day.

Where did I say you were making fun of the child?
Where did Katie mention the FBI?
In fact you are the only one in here that mentioned the FBI. They are not the only ones in the justice department.
Seems as in 86.9% of any thread you post in you have nothing but negative responses.
If it looks like a rock, thinks like a rock, must be a rock....Bwahahahahahaha

Katie ignore the comments of certain posters, as they have little to do but stir things up to make themselves the center of any topic.

While you may not be able to get the results you hope to in this issue, It is great that you are a carring enough parent to look out for the proper treatment for your child. There are alot of parents out there that would just let it go.
Have a wonderful mothers day.

Where did I say you were making fun of the child?
Where did Katie mention the FBI?
In fact you are the only one in here that mentioned the FBI. They are not the only ones in the justice department.
Seems as in 86.9% of any thread you post in you have nothing but negative responses.
If it looks like a rock, thinks like a rock, must be a rock....Bwahahahahahaha

Katie ignore the comments of certain posters, as they have little to do but stir things up to make themselves the center of any topic.

While you may not be able to get the results you hope to in this issue, It is great that you are a carring enough parent to look out for the proper treatment for your child. There are alot of parents out there that would just let it go.
Have a wonderful mothers day.

What a surprise this guy is here. I've only been on Ripoffreport for a little over a month and have read about 50 complaints and I swear he trolls every single posting! From bad brake jobs to (now) haircuts he'll be glad to beat you with his two cents. In his mind he's "helping" by making belittling statements and goading people into arguments.

Best of luck to you Katie.

What a surprise this guy is here. I've only been on Ripoffreport for a little over a month and have read about 50 complaints and I swear he trolls every single posting! From bad brake jobs to (now) haircuts he'll be glad to beat you with his two cents. In his mind he's "helping" by making belittling statements and goading people into arguments.

Best of luck to you Katie.

What a surprise this guy is here. I've only been on Ripoffreport for a little over a month and have read about 50 complaints and I swear he trolls every single posting! From bad brake jobs to (now) haircuts he'll be glad to beat you with his two cents. In his mind he's "helping" by making belittling statements and goading people into arguments.

Best of luck to you Katie.

What a surprise this guy is here. I've only been on Ripoffreport for a little over a month and have read about 50 complaints and I swear he trolls every single posting! From bad brake jobs to (now) haircuts he'll be glad to beat you with his two cents. In his mind he's "helping" by making belittling statements and goading people into arguments.

Best of luck to you Katie.

You cannot, because I never did.

I made fun of Katie, for thinking the Justice Dept was going to bother themselves with an investigation into her child's haircut, and/or the service she recieved by the salon.

Be honest, do you really believe the FBI was going to stop fighting crime to look into her trivial matter? If they had absolutely nothing else to do, and all criminal activity stopped, do you still believe they would look into it?

I don't, and neither does anyone else with an IQ above that of a rock.

One last thing, try not comparing me to a guy who promoted child pornography. Doing so does not help your case. It's like calling someone a racist, or Hitler. That's how people who have no point to make usually do it.

You obviously had a bad experience at the Walmart you went to when it came to the salon contained in the store,but that is not a walmart entity it is a store that leases space.

I have been to the salon in our Walmart several times with a handicapped child that is also incontinent and smells pretty bad at times and never had a problem with them doing her hair.

She also loves how she is treated and it is always with the greatest respect.

Maybe you should do more about educating people about autism instead of expecting them to know it right off the batt like you did.

Until you do that I suggest you cut your sons hair at home.

Not everyone reads up on disabilities in children and they should not be expected too or we would still be waiting on services everywhere.

One more thing you stated was that the manager of Walmart went with you to help you get the toll free number but then in the rest of the complaint with your rantings he is never evern mentioned did he witness this or not and if not then you lied before you so called inter action even took place.

I just dont get you. In one thread (Reedy) you are so sympothetic over the mistreatment of children, yet in this report you are not.
Before you go off on me, I relize that this not the same as kiddy porn, but...take a look at what you wrote. Kids are inocent especially at 4 yrs old. You my friend are just as ignorant as Reedy himself.

Katie, I have worked for years with the disabled, and as part of my job I had take them for haircuts. Not once did I have a person refuse service for any of them. While the individuals that I worked with were more severe than your son, They all have thier own pesonnality and should be treated as anyone that walks through the door as a customer.

You sound like a very good mom, Keep up the support you have been giving your little boy, I am sure he will grow into a fine young man.
Too bad your mom didnt do the same Robert!!!

I was a Special Education Teacher for a while and I know alot about Autism, Its sad though that alot of people think all autisic kids are evil and bad, which we know they are really good kids usualy who just communicate in a differnt way than us.

I can see that the lady might be scared she might injure you kid, but I feel that she did not refuse service politely, she should have said something like "I am very sorry, I just don't feel comfortable providing service to you as I feel it could pose a risk or something", that would be more acceptable, but what she told you was totaly unacceptable and you should try to sue or talk to the store manager of that place which i am sure you did.

I hope you never face this problem again.
Good Luck with your case.

Paige

Have you looked at the Regis website? Check out the link to Corporate Information then look at the right side and click on Corpoate Governance. Also, thier contact number is listed there. It is not an 800 number.

Especially check out the ethics section:
"You must also respect the rights of your fellow employees and third parties. Your actions must be free from discrimination, libel, slander or harassment. Each person must be accorded equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, sexual preference, color, creed, religion, national origin, marital status, or disability.

Hope this helps in some small way. By the way, ignore those jerks that make hurtful remarks. They don't have a clue what it means to be a descent and caring, human being.

Eva, Fort Worth, TX

Katie-

I have a 5 year old autisic son who does not like having his hair cut. My experiences have been mixed. Most recently I had an exceptional experience at a salon inside the Rogers, AR Wal-Mart. To help the process, we have our son sit in his mother's lap. She can hold his arms and talk to him while he is getting the haircut.

There is a salon in McKinney, TX that specializes cutting childrens hair - especially those with disabilities. The children have a separate room where they get the full attention they need without the outside distractions.

Sorry for your bad experience.

thats awful that your son was denied service. hes a human being just like the rest of us. i would have taken the child. ive taken disabled kids before.i would have told you that if the child moves,i cant guarantee a perfect cut. the noises would not have bothered me. i would tend to suggest using clippers with a guard on his whole head for safety reasons. this is no different than doing a childs first haircut at 1 or 2 yrs of age! ive done those too. id contact regis corporation who owns smartstyle and explain your situation. they might send a coupon for a free haircut!

I am so sorry at what you and your son has been though.As a stylist I deal with kids daily. I can not beleive The things that people have said to you. First though I will tell you that I have 3 autistic children that come to get cuts with me. I let the parents know early on like at the first cut. that the child may not like getting it done but if we are all patient and they bring the child in once a month or sooner to *me* we will have a wonderful relationship. The child gets used to getting there hair done with me and are happy to see me the next time. The company I work for wood never stand to have a employee that treats costomers in that way I would Just go to the corprate level with this matter And tell every one you know Not to got to that salon. I find word of mouth is the best action. I am so sorry that you went though that.

I am so sorry at what you and your son has been though.As a stylist I deal with kids daily. I can not beleive The things that people have said to you. First though I will tell you that I have 3 autistic children that come to get cuts with me. I let the parents know early on like at the first cut. that the child may not like getting it done but if we are all patient and they bring the child in once a month or sooner to *me* we will have a wonderful relationship. The child gets used to getting there hair done with me and are happy to see me the next time. The company I work for wood never stand to have a employee that treats costomers in that way I would Just go to the corprate level with this matter And tell every one you know Not to got to that salon. I find word of mouth is the best action. I am so sorry that you went though that.

I am so sorry at what you and your son has been though.As a stylist I deal with kids daily. I can not beleive The things that people have said to you. First though I will tell you that I have 3 autistic children that come to get cuts with me. I let the parents know early on like at the first cut. that the child may not like getting it done but if we are all patient and they bring the child in once a month or sooner to *me* we will have a wonderful relationship. The child gets used to getting there hair done with me and are happy to see me the next time. The company I work for wood never stand to have a employee that treats costomers in that way I would Just go to the corprate level with this matter And tell every one you know Not to got to that salon. I find word of mouth is the best action. I am so sorry that you went though that.

I am so sorry at what you and your son has been though.As a stylist I deal with kids daily. I can not beleive The things that people have said to you. First though I will tell you that I have 3 autistic children that come to get cuts with me. I let the parents know early on like at the first cut. that the child may not like getting it done but if we are all patient and they bring the child in once a month or sooner to *me* we will have a wonderful relationship. The child gets used to getting there hair done with me and are happy to see me the next time. The company I work for wood never stand to have a employee that treats costomers in that way I would Just go to the corprate level with this matter And tell every one you know Not to got to that salon. I find word of mouth is the best action. I am so sorry that you went though that.

Hello,
I have a quick question. If your son's Autism is limited to speech only, how was the stylist to know that his noises were from his condition and not from unruly behavior?
Did you let the stylist know that the noises stemmed from his condition instead of his desire not to get a haircut?

If not, how on Earth is she supposed to be able to tell the difference without you letting her know.

PS~ Clipppers can cause damage, abraisions, etc just like scissors can. Ask any child who has had a knicked ear during a clipper cut.

Also,if his noises were irritating to her,I would not have wanted her to cut my son's hair anyway.But they may have made her too nervous to perform the cut proficently.

Hello,
I have a quick question. If your son's Autism is limited to speech only, how was the stylist to know that his noises were from his condition and not from unruly behavior?
Did you let the stylist know that the noises stemmed from his condition instead of his desire not to get a haircut?

If not, how on Earth is she supposed to be able to tell the difference without you letting her know.

PS~ Clipppers can cause damage, abraisions, etc just like scissors can. Ask any child who has had a knicked ear during a clipper cut.

Also,if his noises were irritating to her,I would not have wanted her to cut my son's hair anyway.But they may have made her too nervous to perform the cut proficently.

Hello,
I have a quick question. If your son's Autism is limited to speech only, how was the stylist to know that his noises were from his condition and not from unruly behavior?
Did you let the stylist know that the noises stemmed from his condition instead of his desire not to get a haircut?

If not, how on Earth is she supposed to be able to tell the difference without you letting her know.

PS~ Clipppers can cause damage, abraisions, etc just like scissors can. Ask any child who has had a knicked ear during a clipper cut.

Also,if his noises were irritating to her,I would not have wanted her to cut my son's hair anyway.But they may have made her too nervous to perform the cut proficently.

Hello,
I have a quick question. If your son's Autism is limited to speech only, how was the stylist to know that his noises were from his condition and not from unruly behavior?
Did you let the stylist know that the noises stemmed from his condition instead of his desire not to get a haircut?

If not, how on Earth is she supposed to be able to tell the difference without you letting her know.

PS~ Clipppers can cause damage, abraisions, etc just like scissors can. Ask any child who has had a knicked ear during a clipper cut.

Also,if his noises were irritating to her,I would not have wanted her to cut my son's hair anyway.But they may have made her too nervous to perform the cut proficently.

The way that poor woman and her child were treated was horible, and it WAS discrimination.Actually Autistic people are extremely bright, and that salon lady should be held accountable for her actions.

Some of you people are so dumb sometimes. I totally agree with Katies actions. My cousin has autisim and made grunting noises for the first 7 years of his life. He never flailed around or threw fits or anything. Now at the age of 12 he speaks very well and is smarter then most of the adults who replied to this posting. FYI people, just because a child has autisim doesnt make it different then any other kid. Most of the time it just effects speech and in 90% of the kids i have seen with it, learn how to talk later on in life. My cousin is a very smart boy and has a memory like a steal trap. His speech isnt perfect, but you show me someone with perfect speech!

I felt so bad for you, when I read what happened to your autistic child, I was a nurse for many years, and I see no reason why she could not have cuthis hair, except for the fact maybe you interuppted her favorite show, for the person who suggested you take your child to the salon you have taken him to before, you are narrow minded.

This is a human being that is sick, and the mother has enough to deal with than the ignorance of people like that salon woman, and people like you, who have the NERVE to tell her she should go to the same salon as she has taken him before,

he has rights and he has a right NOT TO BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST FOR HIS DISABILTY!
I bet if it was YOUR child or family member, you would see it differently.

It is one thing to refuse an unruly child, but another to rufuse a child who makes funny noises. I am a manager of a salon in Iowa with SmartStyle, and I know that Wal-Mart could have taken action against that employee right there at that time.

Wal-mart employees are not informed of the relation with Wal-Mart and Regis. If the Wal-Mart has a hands-on STORE MANAGER he/she would have know they could have taken action. Sorry for your inconvience.

It is one thing to refuse an unruly child, but another to rufuse a child who makes funny noises. I am a manager of a salon in Iowa with SmartStyle, and I know that Wal-Mart could have taken action against that employee right there at that time.

Wal-mart employees are not informed of the relation with Wal-Mart and Regis. If the Wal-Mart has a hands-on STORE MANAGER he/she would have know they could have taken action. Sorry for your inconvience.

It is one thing to refuse an unruly child, but another to rufuse a child who makes funny noises. I am a manager of a salon in Iowa with SmartStyle, and I know that Wal-Mart could have taken action against that employee right there at that time.

Wal-mart employees are not informed of the relation with Wal-Mart and Regis. If the Wal-Mart has a hands-on STORE MANAGER he/she would have know they could have taken action. Sorry for your inconvience.

It is one thing to refuse an unruly child, but another to rufuse a child who makes funny noises. I am a manager of a salon in Iowa with SmartStyle, and I know that Wal-Mart could have taken action against that employee right there at that time.

Wal-mart employees are not informed of the relation with Wal-Mart and Regis. If the Wal-Mart has a hands-on STORE MANAGER he/she would have know they could have taken action. Sorry for your inconvience.

Have you gone back and talked to her?

OK I understand the offense of being talked to that rudely by an employee.

Have you mentioned her rudeness to HER? are you trying to sue HER or the COMPANY she works for?

I mean, suing the company for her attitude is wrong. Suing her, though I feel shouldn't happen, would be the way to go.

But I'm just wondering, have you gone back to the salon and TALKED to the employee who refused to cut his hair about her rude behavior and to get an apology? Maybe ask for an explanation?

Whatever happened to people talking to people instead of immediately talking to lawyers and agencies and whatnot?

"To follow up - I have yet to hear back from my letter to the justice department..."

Meanwhile, deep in the J. Edgar Hoover Federal Building...

"Hey chief, we got FISA to authorize that wiretap! We have Osama Bin Laden talking to an operative in San Francisco about blowing up the Golden Gate Bridge at rush hour!"

"Hold on Perkins...we have to get s**t hot on this complaint by Katie in Texas about her kid's haircut!!!!"

Wait fot it.....BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!

You have got to be kidding me.

Just to clarify to a few comments -

I am not taking action against the salon and stylist simply because she refused to cut my son's hair.

I do agree that a stylist should have the right to refuse service if AN IMMEDIATE THREAT is present and obvious.

However, in this situation that was NOT the case. The only "action" my son was taking during my request to have his hair cut, was making some whining noises. Not even a cry, not a shout, not a yell, simply making a noise.

Other than that, he was sitting down on the floor reading a new book.

Her attitude and demeanor were FAR from professional and it only got worse as I explained the situation and the reason for the noises he was making.

She did not refuse to cut his hair because he was an apparent risk. She did not want to listen to "that noise" as she called it, for the duration of a hair cut.

(Also, she would not have been using shears - she would have been using clippers with guards, just to clarify that point also.)

I cannot repeat this enough, I would never knowingly place my child or anyone providing a service to my child in harm's way. If I had thought he would become unsettled and combative, I would have removed him myself. I did not need this hourly stylist to make that determination in such an abrupt and unpleasant way. Completely uncalled for.

Had she simply stated that she felt uncomfortable working with a young child, I would have gone elsewhere without an issue. I don't want someone cutting my son's hair that feels that way to begin with! Common sense is called for.

To follow up - I have yet to hear back from my letter to the justice department or my many calls to the Regis / SmartStyle customer service number.

i have worked as a stylist at a smartstyle in fla. first of all,smartstyle is owned by the regis corporation. the stylists are not independent contractors. they are hourly employees. what that stylist did was very unprofessional. ive cut the hair of disabled children and adults and never would refuse because of unusual behavior or noises. that child didnt ask to be autistic! i even dated a woman with an autistic son once. i honestly believe that stylist should at least be fired. i think she broke the law by refusing to do your sons haircut! its called discrimination and you need to pursue this. katie,if youd like.

The child suffers from a disease and I have seen through reading and experience in everyday life that sometimes their mood can change. With that said, I feel the stylist can say no, it is her right because of one small detail.

She is cutting hair with a pair of very sharp scissor and dont you think that if he starts acting up that he may get hurt? it is always a possiblities and frankly unless she has duct tape and can imprison the child, she has a right to protect herself from people who love to sue.

As a Smartstyle employee I'm sorry to here that your son was treated unfairly my son also has a learning disability, it is unfortunate that one of our people was so rude and not sensitive to your feelings. It is howver true that we reserve the right to refuse service although it was unproffessional of her to behave in such a manner. I always give a child the benefit of the doubt that they will be well behaved unless they are kicked screaming spitted or otherwise being forced I and most other stylist will work with you to the best of our abilities. I hope that your experience with this obviously inconsiderate stylist will not affect the way you view us all one bad apple does not make a bad tree. And as far as the company Regis is very serious about these matters keep calling the 800 number or ask the salon how to get a hold of their area suppervisor. Again sorry this has caused you so much trouble.

For starters I have dealt with many types of autism. Though I do not know the specific names of each type I have dealt with them first hand. I have a friend who is Autistic and with this Autism comes the inability to socialise properly with others. Some find him to be "different" or think of him as homosexual because of the way his voice is heard through his autism.

He doesn't understand facial expressions when they are given. He calls his friends various names that would be considered personal such as "sweety, darling, or honey" but I have never seen him "flail" his arms about in any manner. He is very polite, at times when he understands the situation at hand.

An uncle of mine has a child with Autism that seems just like what Katie has with her son. When he is content with something he seems just like any other child, which of course he is just like any other child. When he doesn't want to do something when told he makes a whining noise to show disapproval.

My aunt has taken my cousin to Wal*Mart several times for haircuts and just like any child he squirms in his chair and when the stylist try's to hold his head still he makes a sort of whining noise. Never once have these stylist refused service to my aunt for this situation.

I am sure that had Katie left Wal*Mart with her son after having his hair cut noticed that there was a bit of a minor error in his hair cut (one spot was a little bit crooked compared to the rest), I am sure she would have been content with it knowing that even though he has Autism it is quite hard to give a haircut to a four year old.

I wouldn't doubt that someone could find it to be child abuse to tie a child to a chair in order to give a haircut. Also by asking if why couldn't she have taken her son to the original stylist, are you trying to say that people with disabilities or handicaps should be subject to a daily routine and not experience a bit of difference in their life just because someone doesn't want to cut their hair? Even if she refused service to Katie for her sons haircut she could have done it in a more professional manner. For those that disagree with Katie taking her son with Autism to Wal*Mart for a haircut because he has autism and cannot sit still for a haircut, tell me how many of you were able to sit through my rather lengthy post without fidgiting, squirming, getting yourself a cup of coffee or just simply clicking out because you didn't want to finish it? (yes I admit and apologize for its length but I had to get my point across)

Dear Rita and Jennifer -

Thank you both so much for your comments! After reading the trollish comments from earlier today I was feeling really down, beating my head against the wall of ignorance and stereotypes that surround a family coping with Autism.

I really needed to read those :smiles:

I printed off some "Autism Awareness" cards to hand out to people that have "issues" next time we're out and about..

For the Robert type posts, they might help you as well, this is what they say :

Our son has Autism, we are working to modify his behavior, please modify yours. Call 1-800-3Autism.

and another -

My child has autism
He / she is not being naughty and we are not
being bad parents for not reprimanding them.
Children with autism can often behave in an
unpredictable manner, because they find it hard
to cope with many everyday situations.
They are quite simply doing their best.
Please be patient.
For more information about autism please visit
www.autism-society.org

and lastly -

I may not be able to understand what you're saying to me. I may have severe temper tantrums.
I many have some odd behaviors. I'm not naughty or spoiled, I have Autism.
Learn more...www.NationalAutism.org


But, back to the point.. I feel that the stylist acted in a discriminatory way and I feel that some action must be taken. And I will take it, come what may. I am my son's champion and his advocate. :)

Thanks again,

Katie, as a mother with an 8-year-old-son of my own with Autism, I am still amazed at the ignorance of images of a flailing child and so much more. Some people even confuse Autism to Down Syndrome and ADD, etc.

I'd like to invite Pete from Valley View Michigan that posted in this thread to come to my home here in Grand Rapids, Michigan for coffee and to see if he can see any of that "not pretty" behavior that Pete spoke of. What Pete would find instead is a wonderful well behaved beautiful little boy that just might hum and sit on Pete's lap. Pete might also find some wonderful things like how gifted my son Patrick is and not some wild animal that has no self control. He might find that my son loves video games and has mastered every one that he's got. He might find my son sitting at the kitchen table absorbed with drawling a picture or writing. He might find the most loving child he's ever met sitting in front of the TV and watching Sponge Bob. Last but not least, he might find such normal behavior as my son Partick fighting with his two brothers. Grins*

Pete would also find a mother that might resort to tears because of the pain endured from people like him that just don't get it.

Pete, (if you're reading this) individuals with Autism, is like north and south ... There is a huge space in between. The same can be said about all human beings, none are the same. By the way, my son just had his hair cut yesterday Pete, and he sat there like the proud big boy that he is, and he did everything that he was told to do just like any person getting their hair cut. He sat still, turned his head when told to or to put his head down for his neck to be shaved. Sometimes the directions for him to turn his head didn't register, so the woman cutting his hair would turn his head for him just like a stylist would do the same for you or I if we weren't paying attention. No big deal there, right? But guess what Pete? He hummed a little to the music playing in the shop. He communicated sounds and words much like you stumbling across someone that doesn't speak very good English. This is what Katie's child was doing while playing in that shop. Verbalizing, making sounds...no different from someone making noise by talking. But Pete, you seem to have it in your head that people with this condition are all out of control and that's just not the case. Yes, some with autism have behavior problems but so do some so called normal people. Remember that north and south deal Pete. Anyway, offer still stands. I'll even pay for the gas for the chance for my son to educate you.

To Marc-Makaha,Hawaii. Your whole post is abnormal behavior.

Robert ofJacksonville,Florida, states... "I know this is mean."

It's okay Robert that you're in the North, south range. Not all people in that range have class.

Back to you Katie. I'd like to commend you Katie for the class you've shown in this thread. You're a better woman than I. I'd also like to say that you and I are the truly blessed. Blessed that we have these children and they weren't born into some of the ignorance that slaps you and I upside the head every now and then but our kids are worth the fight and so much more.

Hugs to you and your child.

I want to clarify a couple of misconceptions in these rebuttals.

First of all, to the person who said that the stylists are independent contractors, that is not always true. I don't know about this particular salon, but considering it is in a WALMART I would assume it is similar to chain salons such as Great Clips, Fantastic Sams and Supercuts - most chain salons pay their stylists an hourly wage. If you go to a higher-end salon, those stylists rent their stations, and therefore are independent contractors.

As far as autism goes, as a preschool teacher, I have had experience in working with several autistic children. One job I had I was solely the teacher of one autistic child, and I have worked with a few that were mainstreamed into preschool centers. I don't know why everyone assumes an autistic child would be flailing or misbehaving at all. Autism for the most part is a communication problem. Hence the grunting noises. Most autistic children live in their own little worlds, with little or no communication abilities with others. There are varying degrees of autism, and it is a poorly understood disorder. Some of the children I have seen have had misbehavior issues, but what child doesn't? There are far more problems with children who have ADD than children with autism. Of the children I have worked with, most of them have been very sweet, quiet and well behaved children, and the most noticeable part of their disability is the fact that they don't talk much, or at all, and when they do talk, it often sounds like gibberish. This is FAR FAR AWAY from being a flailing and misbehaving child.

I understand any business has a right to refuse service, but the way this woman responded was totally uncalled for. Therefore she was in the wrong. She could have politely refused service, but she didn't and in my book that makes her discriminating, whether she knew the child was officially disabled or not, she chose not to work with him because he made noises? Come on.

I am glad you found a salon with sensitivity. I wish you much luck, strength and success in raising your son. I know it is challenging.

Katie,

If you choose to ever go back in to a Walmart and experience a problem, NEVER address it with a "CSM" or even a "Support Manager". These are hourly wage employees and rarely have the ability to rectify any issue other than smile and say they're sorry.

Always ask for a "Salary Manager". These are your Co-Managers, Operation Managers and Store Managers.

I garauntee you the stylist would have had a different attitude than what she displayed to the CSM.

Be persistent. They'll have a Support Manager or CSM attempt to deal with you. Just politely refuse and insist on a Salary Manager. Don't be afraid to ask for compensation for your ordeal.

Don't think for a second that Walmart doesn't have influence over the salon. They do.

You said initially they refused to service a disabled person. But then you admit they did not/could not have known he was disabled/has autism, whatever. He was denied service before the stylist even knew of his condition. Leave his disability(ies) out of it. You already admitted youself they did not know of his autism.

Look, I have a child. I have a son who is six years old. I have had stylists refuse to cut his hair, citing the reason they were uncomfortable with children. Whatever. I tip well, my son is the most well-behaved child I've ever encountered in my life, so their loss as someone else got my money and the happy experience of cutting the hair of a calm, well-behaved child. Who cares. I am happy that you found a place that cut your child's hair and did a good job. I am not an attorney and only an attorney can give legal advice. But, I *believe* that your accusation of discrimination won't hold water because you already admitted no one even knew of his "handicap" before denying service. That is just my opinion. To me, its akin to accusing a blind man of discriminating because of the color of one's skin....Anyway, again, I don't want to sound harsh and I am not an attorney, so maybe, for all I know, you have a real case on your hands. I don't know and I admit that. I am just giving you my opinion....which is the beauty of this website.

I know you must have a handful, and I agree the employee acted like jerk. I wasn't there and didn't witness anything, but if I believe what you wrote (and I do), the employee was out of line.

One of of the places that refused to cut my child's hair was a chain store that has a policy that forbids stylists from turning away children. Check into that (i.e. what the policy is, you can write a certified letter or call the HQ) Good luck to you.

P.S. Telling people to shutup is not nice. I would definitely have called security too and had you removed. I think most people would.

Sorry Katie, not everyone walks around like a bobble-head smiling and being stupid all day. Some of us actually have responsibilities in life. We also don't waste time trying to sugarcoat anything. On the other hand, we're the ones you go to when you want to hear the truth(most people want to be lied to...it makes them "feel" good).

I would suggest you contact the nearest agency that deals with children like yours, and ask them for reccomendations for barbers, etc. A bunch of people want to sue everyone...not going to work that way. The stylists are independent contractors, as is the salon itself. Nobody is under any obligation to cut hair for someone they don't want to.

Good luck.

Perhaps I should have explained in my initial report the main reason that I have taken such a great issue with this situation.

Had the hairdresser calmly and politely stated that she didn't have experience with children and felt nervous about it, it would have ended there. I would not want anyone who felt ill at ease anywhere near my son's head with a pair of haircutting shears or clippers!

As for her recognizing something in his behaviour? He was simply sitting on the floor reading a book, he wasn't fighting or being combative at all. I see quote normal endquote children throwing full on tantrums far worse than my son does, Autism or no Autism.

The fact that she was very young and abominably rude however, has sparked me to take action. Of course it is the stylist's right to avoid a client where an obvious risk is present. That's common sense. But in this situation, her concern was, as she stated "that noise". And with a wave of her hand in my face and a "Ha! No.", she went far beyond the right to refuse service in the face of risk. And then to threaten security, calling me a terrorist for confronting the situation? Absolutely uncalled for. I have no intention of letting that go and chalking it up to "life is tough.".

As a follow up note, my son's hair was cut today at a small salon nearby, without incident. They have made themselves a new family of clients and we'll be using them for many years to come. The stylist was wonderful and the cut is perfect. My son was happy and chattering away in his special way the entire time.

Robert -

First of all, thank you for your comments, as negative as they may be, they are still appreciated.

As for why I haven't returned to the previous barber, we've recently moved to Texas from Connecticut, where we had a lovely local barber just down the street who cut his hair every few months from the day he was old enough to need his first trim. Always without incident.

I'm unsure where the hostility in your posts is coming from, however, I am a responsible parent who would not place my child in harm's way, or risk harm to someone providing a service for him.

I'm sorry you seem to have had negative experiences in your own past, but this is a different situation. Thanks just the same,

Katie

p.s. Thank you to Steve for the information, I had mistakenly assumed the ADA was an acronym for the Americans with Disabilities Association - needless to say I've never been in a position that required me to seek out such aid or advice before. Much appreciated!!

I certainly agree that the hairdresser was rude, and didn't handle the situation well. However, she obviously noticed something in your son's behavior that made her nervous of cutting his hair. After all, she is a hairdresser, and probably has little or no experience of children with special needs. She may have been afraid that if he moved unpredictably she may cut him, and then be in heaps of trouble. Would you have been able to promise that this would not happen, or if it did, that you would not hold her responsible? That's not meant in a confronting way, just wondering if it was likely.A bit of reassurance that you would be there to help and that you understand that she could accidently nick him if he throws his head around might have helped with her attitude. I can certainly appreciate though that dealing with your son's needs would be hard enough, without the attitude of ignorant people.

The kid is four years old. Surely this is not his first haircut. Why can't you take him back to the place that usually cuts his hair?

I have a feeling we all know the answer to that question. Every place she takes him turns into a nightmare. The kid does NOT sit still, and the barber, or "stylist" doesn't want her business afterwards for a "next time".

I know this is mean. Tough...so is life. I don't blame the cutter for not wanting to deal with it. They are under no legal obligation to do so, and opted out. I can just hear the whining and complaining now if she had attempted the cut, and ended up injuring the boy, or at the very least, butchered his hair.

Sometimes, you just have to fire the customer.

I used to work for a Walmart here in Virginia and I know that they are not responsible for the small businesses that they have in their stores. However, Walmart is supposed to be a place that is very diverse and has a lot of different type of people working there. So, they should know what kind of people they are allowing to run the businesses that can give them a bad name.

I wouldn't take that kind of abuse or discrimination, your poor son is only 4 years old and having to go through such stigma. Thats horrible. I would definatley contact a lawyer. There is no excuse for not cutting his hair if all he does is make noises. Thats just as bad as saying "I can't cut your hair if you are going to make conversation with me"

Disability Rights Section Mailing Address (updated November 13, 2001)

U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section - NYAV
Washington, D.C. 20530

Section Fax Number

(202) 307-1198



Chief

John L. Wodatch
(202) 307-0663

Katie,

The ADA is an act, not an agency. It is a Federal Law. You cannot contact the ADA.

LIke I said earlier, you need to contact the JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. That is the FEDERAL AGENCY that enforces this FEDERAL LAW.

Also, your complaint MUST be in WRITING as they DO NOT accept telephone complaints.

I wouldn't have cut his hair either, and I think you shouldn't have brought your son in there. You imposed your problem onto this person who isn't trained to deal with abnormal behavior. Why didn't you quiet him down if it's no problem? I can imagine what his hair would have looked like had she consented, and then you would've really raised hell. A four year old normal kid is a handful, never mind one that hoots and makes noises while you're trying to concentrate.

First, thank you to everyone who has responded. I am planning on contacting the ADA first thing Monday morning to see what they advise.

To Pete.. regarding your comment of "I have seen Autism and it's not pretty." I challenge that statement for several reasons. First of all, Autism is an umbrella term that covers a WIDE variety of afflictions. My son's level of autism is mild and only affects his speech and abillity to communicate verbally. He does not fail his arms or struggle, as you suggested, any more than the average 4 year old child.

Since this salon advertises their service to children as well as adults, it's safe to assume they are prepared to deal with "the average" child. I would not have considered taking my child to a salon if I thought for one second that he might become agitated and cause himself or a stylist injury.

I do respect the stylist's right to pick and choose her clients, however in this situation there was nothing to warrant such a response. That coupled with her unbelievable behaviour has led me to take this situation farther and seek some sort of resolution.

Sincerely,

I think the woman in the salon handled the situation very poorly, however if she has not been properly trained to deal with an Autistic child she had a perfect right to decline service. I have seen Autistic behavior and it isn't very pretty. Had your son begun acting up, figeting in the chair, flailing his arms, etc., he could have easily been severly injured with the equipment she used. Then you would have been on the phone immediately to 1-800-CALLSAM.

In our area beauticians who work on disabled idividuals of this type are required to take additional training. In so doing they can charge a much higher rate than when working on a person who does not suffer from this affliction. Of course, I believe laws vary from state to state.

You really need to pursue this! This is a blatant violation of federal law.

The United States Justice Department has a hotline for ADA violations, but I suggest that you send a written complaint.

Also I once ran across an ADA website.

Do a search for "ADA" on Yahoo or Google.

Hang these jerks. Send all of your complaints in writing, by certified mail return reciept requested.

Although Wal-Mart is not directly responsible for the actions of the salon staff, they can decide who they rent space too!

This complaint also needs to go to Wal-Mart Corporate.

Katie, that is a very serious situation. If I were you I would contact an attorney. Do you think the Wal-Mart associate would be willing to testify? What happen after the hair salong employee started to hollar for security?

I don't think Wal-Mart could do anything about it. I believe they just rent that space out to whatever company..... What is the name of the hair salon?