Toddler in Wheelchair Targeted

August 22, 2008 | Tiverton, Rhode Island | Vetting explained

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My son has cerebral palsy and a host of other medical issues and is wheelchair bound. Ever since we brought him on his first flight our family has been targeted for additional screening. We asked a TSA rep why and we were told that we were on "a list".

To their credit, our most recent flight, through Make-a-Wish, was less strenuous, and the TSA agent who wanded my son, checked him for bomb residue and patted him down was very apologetic that he had to treat an obviously handicapped toddler like a potential terrorist, and was very gentle.

I understand and appreciate their dedication to keeping my family safe. And if wheelchairs must be considered dangerous, then I can live with it. But, something needs to be done to preserve the dignity of those already experiencing a social stigma (like us) by committing to communicating with respect and sensitivity and providing greater privacy than a see-through cubicle for the systematic forensic interrogation of a toddler.

Posted in Assignment:
Are you on the 'No-Fly' list?

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