Utah Behavior Specialist responds to United Airlines "Hot Meal" incident

Behavior Specialist, Kevin Keyes, Columbus Community Center, is calling for greater awareness of people living with disabilities that are NOT always visible or obvious. It stems from this: An Oregon mom's request for a hot meal for her child on a United Airlines flight has become a national incident. Dr. Donna Beegle filed a complaint with the FAA because she said the airlines diverted a flight to Salt Lake City and removed her and her 15 year old daughter, who has autism, after she asked for a hot meal to calm her daughter during the flight. In a statement, United Airlines said it honored Beegle's request for the hot meal but for "safety" and "comfort" of other passengers, diverted the flight "after the situation became disruptive. We rebooked the customers on a different carrier and the flight continued to Portland." Keyes says professionals and the average person need more education when it comes to dealing with people with disabilities.

Photo from Dr. Donna Beegle's Facebook page.