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A Cuban mother expressed her indignation on social media about an incident that occurred in Matanzas, where her daughter, who requires a wheelchair, was denied entry to a store that operates in MLC.
Yunaidy Pérez Hernández began her story on Facebook by stating that, no matter how sad it might seem, the story was true.
"Yesterday afternoon, December 23, my daughters, my stepdaughter, and I decided to take a stroll around the city of Matanzas, including the beloved MLC stores," Pérez noted, adding that the incident of discrimination occurred at the Plaza de Ayón and Milanés store.
The young woman pointed out that she complied with the rule of handing over her bag, as required, when they were stopped by a man who, according to her, was the custodian of the place: "He told me that my little girl couldn't enter the store in her wheelchair.”
The mother, surprised and moved, explained that her daughter cannot walk and needs the wheelchair; however, the guard insisted that "the wheelchair" had to stay outside and that someone had to watch over the little girl in the meantime.
Pérez recounted that, with a lump in her throat and tears in her eyes, she had to wait outside while her stepdaughter did the shopping: “My girl kept asking me, ‘Mom, when are we going to go in?’”
The mother's sense of helplessness and anger was palpable: "That rude and insensitive man ruined my day and my daughter's," she stated.
"What explanation could there be for a girl in a wheelchair not being able to enter a store? I believe that simply checking the wheelchair upon exiting would have resolved any suspicions of theft or anything like that," the mother said with great indignation, highlighting yet another instance where a person is treated like a criminal in an MLC store.
“We live in a country full of architectural barriers, but not just physical ones; there are also mental barriers, and it's difficult,” said Pérez, who also criticized the inclusion policies proclaimed by the Cuban regime.
The mother, who alerted people about the situation that occurred in the store in Matanzas, also asked where she could go to report the discriminatory behavior of the employee at that state facility.
“Where can I file a complaint? I don’t want to stand idly by because my daughter doesn’t deserve this, nor does anyone else who might go through a similar situation,” she emphasized.
This is not the first time that Cubans have faced discrimination in state facilities. In August, a couple of Cuban tourists was not allowed entry to the Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Hotel in Holguín due to the 20-year age difference between them.
The outrageous situation was reported by the 31-year-old woman, who recorded a video in the hotel lobby, outraged by the violation of her rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Discrimination and Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Cuba
What happened in Matanzas with the girl in the wheelchair?
A girl in a wheelchair was denied entry to an MLC store in Matanzas, prompting her mother's outrage as she reported the incident on social media. The store security guard insisted that the wheelchair had to remain outside, leaving the mother feeling powerless and angry.
Are there inclusion policies for people with disabilities in Cuba?
Although the Cuban regime proclaims policies of inclusion, the reality tells a different story, with numerous reports of neglect and lack of attention towards people with disabilities. Architectural and mental barriers continue to pose significant challenges in the country.
How can Cuban mothers report situations of discrimination or lack of resources for their children?
Cuban mothers, facing the ineffectiveness of institutions, turn to social media to highlight their grievances and pressure the government. From demanding wheelchairs to medical care, these platforms have become a vital resource for asserting their rights.
What is the general situation of people with disabilities in Cuba?
The situation for people with disabilities in Cuba is precarious, marked by a notable abandonment by the state. Despite official propaganda about inclusion and rights, many Cubans with disabilities face significant obstacles in accessing the resources and support needed to live with dignity.
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