Wouldn't it be great for restaurants to hold a special hour of dining for special needs kids? A mom from South Florida is hoping that more restaurants would do this after her experience with her special needs child.
Leah Cohen's son, Ari, was born with Trisomy 9 Mosaic. Rare Disease Org cites that this is a "rare chromosomal disorder" that results in heart malformation and other organ abnormalities. A person with this condition don't have a long lease on life and Leah Cohen was told by doctors her son would not live long.
But Ari is now 13 and continues to hurdle through the challenges of his disorder. One of these challenges is that he has to talk using a device because he can't actually speak. He also has uncontrollable grunts or flails about when communicating. This has resulted in a lot of stares when the family is out in public, including at restaurants.
However, Leah Cohen stressed that despite his condition, Ari loves life and loves food. But eating out hasn't been an easy option knowing that they could disturb other diners. On a recent trip to Brooklyn, New York for a family wedding, a restaurant welcomed their family with open arms.
They went to Kasai, a Hibachi eatery, an hour before the Tuesday dinner rush, upon making arrangements with the restaurant owner, Victor Ebadi. The staff made sure that the Cohens dined in comfort, just like other VIPs, per New York Daily News.
Kasai restaurant in Bkln does #KiddushHashem #ParshatEmor restaurant gives special needs teen great experience https://t.co/fNoi2pEFnv
— Rabbi Roy Feldman (@Rabbi_Roy) May 19, 2016
This experience has inspired Leah Cohen to push for special hours for special needs kids at other restaurants, which received support from other parents with special needs, per WSVN. One mom, Michelle Saka, said she believes in Leah's cause because, like her son with special needs, the kids should know how to function and have the most normal life possible. "[They] need to know how to go out to a restaurant," she told the news outlet.
Leah is starting her push for special hours in restaurants in a Facebook group. While her attempts might be small, she is already making an impact. She has successfully scouted and made arrangements at other restaurants in her area where her family has happily dined with Ari. "All you need to do is ask - or let them know you are coming and you too will see," she wrote on Facebook.
What do you think about Leah Cohen's drive? Would you support this too? Let us know in the comments!
