Family's holiday turns sour after resort’s disappointing decision
- Replies 5
Imagine planning a much-needed family getaway, the excitement building as you pack your bags, envisioning the sun, the surf, and the precious moments you will share with loved ones.
Now, picture that anticipation turning to dismay when a crucial member of your family–one who provides essential support–is not welcome.
For the Gay family, their holiday dreams were shattered by a popular Queensland resort's refusal to accommodate their son's assistance dog.
Bianca Gay, a mother of four, was looking forward to a relaxing stay at the Islander Noosa Resort with her family, including her son Porter, who is non-verbal and lives with autism and sensory processing disorder.
The family's holiday plans came to a halt when the resort denied entry for their assistance dog Pierre, despite stating that assistance dogs are allowed on the premises.
‘I actually thought it was a misunderstanding and called and learnt really quickly that it was a purposeful exclusion of my child,’ she shared in A Current Affair.
This decision left the Gays with no choice but to cancel their trip, as excluding Pierre was tantamount to excluding Porter.
For seven-year-old Porter, environments bustling with people and noise can be overwhelming.
However, with Pierre, their registered assistance dog, Bianca said Porter has found confidence and comfort, enabling him to engage with the community and enjoy new experiences.
'To refuse my son's service dog, that is essentially refusing him access to a holiday and my seven-year-old son has the right to a family holiday like anybody else's kid,' Bianca expressed, highlighting the painful reality of discrimination that families like hers face.
The resort's alleged actions contradict their policy of allowing assistance dogs, and are now raising questions about the consistency of policies across holiday destinations.
While the Gays received a full refund, the emotional toll and the effort to re-plan a holiday can be daunting.
Fortunately, a hotel chain stepped in with a kind offer of a three-night stay for the family, providing a glimmer of hope amid the disappointment.
Bianca said of the experience: 'It's not the disability itself that makes our lives challenging or exhausting, it's the constant need to advocate... against discrimination and barriers.'
This incident serves as a reminder that the battle against discrimination is ongoing, even in places designed for relaxation and joy.
As we look forward to our own holidays, let's take a moment to reflect on the inclusivity of the places we choose to visit. Let's advocate holiday destinations that not only accommodate but celebrate the diversity of their guests. After all, a family holiday should be a source of joy for every family member, without exception.
Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges while planning a family holiday? Share your experiences and thoughts below.
Now, picture that anticipation turning to dismay when a crucial member of your family–one who provides essential support–is not welcome.
For the Gay family, their holiday dreams were shattered by a popular Queensland resort's refusal to accommodate their son's assistance dog.
Bianca Gay, a mother of four, was looking forward to a relaxing stay at the Islander Noosa Resort with her family, including her son Porter, who is non-verbal and lives with autism and sensory processing disorder.
The family's holiday plans came to a halt when the resort denied entry for their assistance dog Pierre, despite stating that assistance dogs are allowed on the premises.
‘I actually thought it was a misunderstanding and called and learnt really quickly that it was a purposeful exclusion of my child,’ she shared in A Current Affair.
This decision left the Gays with no choice but to cancel their trip, as excluding Pierre was tantamount to excluding Porter.
The Gay family’s assistance dog Pierre is important, especially for their child with special needs. Image Credit: Shutterstock
For seven-year-old Porter, environments bustling with people and noise can be overwhelming.
However, with Pierre, their registered assistance dog, Bianca said Porter has found confidence and comfort, enabling him to engage with the community and enjoy new experiences.
'To refuse my son's service dog, that is essentially refusing him access to a holiday and my seven-year-old son has the right to a family holiday like anybody else's kid,' Bianca expressed, highlighting the painful reality of discrimination that families like hers face.
The resort's alleged actions contradict their policy of allowing assistance dogs, and are now raising questions about the consistency of policies across holiday destinations.
While the Gays received a full refund, the emotional toll and the effort to re-plan a holiday can be daunting.
Fortunately, a hotel chain stepped in with a kind offer of a three-night stay for the family, providing a glimmer of hope amid the disappointment.
Bianca said of the experience: 'It's not the disability itself that makes our lives challenging or exhausting, it's the constant need to advocate... against discrimination and barriers.'
This incident serves as a reminder that the battle against discrimination is ongoing, even in places designed for relaxation and joy.
As we look forward to our own holidays, let's take a moment to reflect on the inclusivity of the places we choose to visit. Let's advocate holiday destinations that not only accommodate but celebrate the diversity of their guests. After all, a family holiday should be a source of joy for every family member, without exception.
Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges while planning a family holiday? Share your experiences and thoughts below.
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