Alexis McBride, 12, has diabetes and wears an insulin pump. The pump functions in place of her pancreas and sits on the outside of her body. Without the pump, Alexis’ health and life would be in jeopardy – and she needs to wear it. It is a small device that is barely noticeable if you are wearing clothing that covers your midriff.
Image Credit: Fox 45
Beth McBride, Alexis’ mother, too her daughter to a water slide at a public park in Ohio so they could enjoy the beautiful summer day. Alexis had put on a two-piece bathing suit, and her pump was visible. Sadly, a lifeguard told Alexis she couldn’t ride the water slides because she had the insulin pump.
Image Credit: Fox 45
Beth is now claiming the that the city of Kettering discriminated against her daughter and had violated the Americans With Disabilities Act. The American Diabetes Association says that public places cannot screen or exclude people because of their disability and that they should be given the same services that people without disabilities get.
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After investigating the incident, the city of Kettering sent out a letter saying that Alexis should have been allowed to ride on the water slides, they also thanked Beth and Alexis for bringing this important issue to light. Obviously the lifeguard had never seen an insulin pump before and was probably just trying to be safe.
Image Credit: Adventure Reef Water Park
In the future, lifeguards should be instructed that people with insulin pumps can ride on water slides. Problem solved! Share away, people.