When my parents and I were returning from a trip to England in 2001, there was a woman in the airport, traveling alone, who had an obvious vision problem. I decided to help the woman at least get her lunch (our layover was like 4 or 5hrs long) so I guided the woman into the airport restaurant of her choice, and helped her read the menu.

When she got up to take the order, the kid just looked at me. Didnt say anything to either of us, just stared at me like they were waiting for me to say something. Finally he asked, "what's she want?" (just like that...) I told him to ask her. He said, "dont you have to sign to her?", and I quietly pointed out that she wasnt deaf, she has a vision problem. "You can speak to her.", so he yelled really loudly "WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT?!?".

The lady replied "Your manager". She gave the manager an earful and the kid got a talking to. The lady got her lunch for free. (she could see some, but I think she said she had macular degeneration and could only see peripherally. I think)

I ended up helping her to her gate (which wasnt too far from the gate where my parents and I had to be) and told the airport people at that gate that she had a vision problem and would probably need help. Sat and talked with her a bit and then had to leave for my flight. I hope she got where she was going, and I hope the kid that yelled "what do you want" at her finally got a clue.

My mom and her knees got treated badly like that the last time she used a wheelchair to get into a restaurant. People's brains seem to quit working when they see a person in a wheelchair or otherwise handicapped.