Mall Cops

 Yesterday I took a student to the mall to practice some of his skills in a real-life environment. I love community mobility days. Being out of the physical schools makes the practice more fun and the time goes quicker. As a bonus, I usually get to enjoy a snack in the food court!

To say that I am proud of my student would be an understatement. Yesterday he navigated through the mall, located the Bath and Body Works, solicited assistance and made his purchases without me. While I was still supervising, he was essentially 100% independent which is an amazing accomplishment. Unfortunately, he may be too comfortable in public.  

While he was in the store I was surrounded by three mall cops. In a chilly tone, I was asked why I was following around a blind individual. "There have been reports that you are suspiciously stalking this individual."  Sigh. Apparently the school employee badge that I was wearing around my neck and the mobility training cane in my hand was not a signal enough that we were on a school trip. 

I was able to quickly justify my role, my student found the exchange hilarious. I was frustrated but I tried to frame the incident in a positive light. At least the community was truly looking out for each other. Somebody was concerned about his safety and spoke up. That isn't a bad thing.  

The fact that they failed to notice the teacher bad is simply moronic, but their intentions were well placed.