I had hoped to end a beautiful day in Claremont by visiting the art exhibit, but unfortunately my…read moreexperience at the museum was disappointing and hurtful.
Earlier that day, I had taken my wheelchair from my home into Claremont, about a mile and a half, to enjoy the bakery,The farmers market ,lunch, and the local shops. Everywhere else I went, I was treated kindly and respectfully. My service dog was calm, controlled, and remained with me in my wheelchair the entire time.
When I arrived at the museum, only one of the double doors was open. Because the building has older, narrow doors, both doors needed to be opened so my wheelchair could enter. Instead of being welcomed or assisted, I was questioned at the doorway in a way that felt cold, suspicious, and humiliating.
I explained that my dog is a service dog and that he assists me by alerting me when I am medically in trouble and helping me regulate my condition. I also tried to protect my medical privacy while answering the question about the service he provides. Rather than opening the second door and allowing me access, I was left outside in the heat for several minutes and then told I had not answered sufficiently. The staff member physically remained in the doorway and would not open the second door for my wheelchair.
This was especially upsetting because my dog was calm, controlled, and not disruptive in any way. I was simply trying to see the exhibit like any other visitor.
I understand that museums and public places may need to ask appropriate questions about service animals. What disappointed me was the tone, the delay, the lack of warmth, and the failure to make the entrance accessible for a wheelchair user. The interaction made me feel unwelcome in a place that should be open to the community.
I hope the museum uses this as an opportunity to better train staff on disability access, service animal etiquette, and how to treat disabled visitors with dignity. A visitor using a wheelchair and a service dog should not have to sit outside in the heat, argue for access, or feel interrogated before being allowed to enjoy art.
I wanted this to be the lovely ending to a good day in Claremont. Instead, I left feeling excluded and deeply disappointed.