02/05/2026
A pizza date night with my daughter didn’t go as planned… but it turned into an opportunity for awareness. 🤍
While inside the restaurant, a woman approached us and angrily “thanked” me for parking in the handicap spot as she had to walk across the lot. I immediately responded:
“Did you see the handicap pass displayed? My child has autism and she has a handicap pass. Thank you for not considering that. BYE.”
She walked away without another word.
As we were getting ready to leave, she came back and apologized. She shared that she had been a teacher for 20 years and was familiar with autism. She acknowledged that she got upset and should not have approached me that way. I thanked her for coming back to correct the situation.
I also shared something I had already thought when I parked — that there should be more accessible parking available in that area of lot for families who need it. We had a respectful conversation about accessibility and how important it is to consider that not all disabilities are visible.
Our experience inside the restaurant was nothing short of wonderful.
The timing feels especially ironic because this was the first restaurant collaboration I am doing with my daughter for the Kansas Autism Mom page. Despite the unexpected moment, the evening ended with understanding and kindness — which is what awareness is all about.
Our server Paige took amazing care of us, the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and it was the perfect comfort dinner for a mom + daughter who love pizza and cheese.
Grateful for a night that reminded me how important awareness, grace, and accessibility truly are.
Use my code AddisSharpe to get $5 off your purchase of $14 or more at PizzaPass.com 🍕
