Do You Ever Offer Hidden Perks or Special Treatment to Customers with Invisible Disabilities?

As a Google SEOer, I often come across questions and discussions on the proper way to serve all customers, especially those with disabilities. One frequently debated topic is whether businesses should offer hidden perks or special treatment to customers who claim a disability they cannot easily verify. However, the truth is, there aren’t any perks specifically for being disabled. We may be lucky enough to find a handicapped parking space, but if we’re not close to it, it can be challenging to access the premises. Moreover, winter conditions in places like Minnesota can be harsh, with a heightened fear of slipping and falling. Can you see someone's heart issues? Chronic pain? Arthritis? Most often, disabilities are invisible. They are only visible if we use a walking aid.

What Does “Hidden Perk or Special Treatment” Mean?

The concept of “hidden perk or special treatment” can vary. If you mean “accommodate their disability” by allowing their Service Dog, bringing them a chair if they cannot stand in a long line, etc., I would hope that any business owner or employee would follow the laws of their country or be a decent human being, whether the disability is visible or invisible. If you mean offering discounts, free stuff, or other forms of special treatment, there is no universal rule mandating such actions. Unless the business offers discounts or whatever “special treatment” to all disabled people in a particular set of circumstances, such as discounts for disabled veterans or veterinary treatments for Service Dogs, one must not assume that some perks or special treatment are necessary for any disabled person.

The Ethical Perspective: Treated Like Any Other Customer

Fundamentally, two rules are generally accepted when dealing with disabled customers:

Treat disabled people like you would treat anyone else. Accommodate their disabilities if requested, regardless of whether you can "easily verify" their disability.

By following these principles, businesses can avoid potential discrimination and be in compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. Treating someone with a disability as inferior to the non-disabled is manifested by assumptions that they cannot do things on their own or care for themselves without assistance. Such behavior is not only unethical but also illegal.

A Personal Experience: Being Deaf and Refusing Special Treatment

From my own experience as someone who is deaf, I refuse any special treatment. I believe in being treated equally and respectfully, just like anyone else. Businesses should strive to provide inclusive environments, catering to all customers without the need for special perks or discounts. The focus should be on ensuring that all customers have equal access and the necessary accommodations if requested, maintaining a fair and ethical approach to service.

As businesses continue to evolve, it is crucial to remember that ethical and inclusive practices serve not only to respect and value all customers but also to foster a more welcoming and accommodating community. Treatment that is ethical and inclusive is not just about compliance but about enhancing the overall customer experience for everyone.