Mother reports refusal to enroll atypical child in gym in DF
A mother in Brazil filed a police complaint against a swimming academy that denied enrollment for her 6-year-old son diagnosed with autism.
In Brasília, the mother of a six-year-old boy diagnosed with autism has taken legal action following the gym's refusal to enroll her child in swimming classes. The incident occurred on October 2, when the mother revealed her son’s diagnosis, prompting the gym to inform her that individual supervision would be necessary during lessons to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Citing a lack of available staff to provide this support, the gym denied the enrollment request.
The mother expressed feelings of discrimination, stating that her son did not require any special needs that could not be accommodated by the currently available monitors, who are employed by the gym. She expressed outrage at the refusal, emphasizing that such discrimination should not be tolerated in the modern day. Her complaint highlights broader issues concerning how individuals with disabilities are treated within public settings and raises questions about inclusivity within sports and recreational facilities.
The gym, Unique, has issued a statement regarding the situation, reiterating its concern for safety but also pointing out logistical challenges in attending to children who require singular attention. This case underscores the need for facilities to adapt and offer inclusive programs that can cater to all children, regardless of their individual needs, particularly in a society striving for greater inclusion and equality.