Co-Workers Making Fun of Disabled Interns

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I got into work this morning and two of the summer interns, who happen to be disabled, were preparing to drive up to DC for a meeting, a place neither had ever been. I do not know what their disabilities are, but I do know they are not physical issues, so they must be learning and/or mental stuff.

Anyway, as soon as the two interns left the building, the rest of my co-workers got together and started making fun of them. Joking about how they are likely to get lost or mugged in DC. Comments were made about not being paid enough to go with them. Then it really got ugly. They all started making fun of their lack of social skills and their awkwardness. These kids are recently out of college, so they are new to the workforce. One person made fun that one of the interns has been sheltered and doesn’t understand the basics of socially accepted behavior. Apparently he dresses odd. I never noticed. Somebody just said, “Don’t worry, they’re wearing pull-ups (as in diapers).” My co-workers are lame.

The part that gets me is that these same people know I have AS. They know I am socially awkward and do not hang out with them, keeping to myself. They know I come to work in the summer in shorts and a t-shirt and then change into long pants and a polo shirt later in the morning. They know I wear my hat all day and have the lights disconnected above my cubicle. And this whole time, I was ten feet away from them as they were laughing it up about the two disabled interns. I’m kind of sick to my stomach at the moment.

How about writing an anonymous note to Human Resources? Maybe you don't even have to put their names on it, just ask that all employees be warned about acceptance of diverse populations.

Get them fired, somehow.

I agree with wonderwoman, you don't have to give your name, just send an anonymous letter to them first, If that does not work try contacting an equal rights group for disabled people and asking them what other action you can take. It's bullying and it is as bad as homophobia or racism, it needs sorting before some jerk takes things too far.

<boyish fantasy> blow the place to hell with a sobitol and fertilizer bomb. and kill their families. and their pets.</boyish fantasy>

on a serious note, try talking to your boss about it. you shouldnt have to accept it. if the mentally diabled were of a different colour, those bastards would have been in jail by now.