AIBU to think that he should not be working with people who have disabilities?

[MilkandCereal]

I don't think I am being unreasonable,but I need to vent/rant anyway.

I volunteer,and I met another volunteer this morning at a meeting, who works with people who have PMLD(Profound and multiple learning disabilities). He's volunteering for the charity to gain some work experience in organising events.

We were discussing events that the charity runs,at break,and he said that he doesn't see the point in taking 'them' that is people with learning disabilities,on outings,as it's just a waste of time and money,and that they get nothing out of it. He said the same of the clients he looks after at a carehomes, that he hates taking them out,says its like a circus parade,and feels that they're better off in their roomsc He went on a little on this theme. The other 2 volunteers who were present went out for a smoke break.

I was so taken aback that all I could say was everyone needs and deserves fresh air,new experiences,and interactions,and that he'd feel differently in their situation,or if it was a close family member.

I really don't feel someone with that attitude should be working with people with disabilities,or volunteering with them. Can I express my concerns to the volunteer coordinator re him volunteering,or should I say nothing?

[ICanSeeTheSun]

I would flag it up.

[MrsWinnibago]

I would. He sounds awful. How does HE know what the people get out of their trips? The arsehole.

[Ilovexmastime]

YANBU

[Shakirasma]

What a cunt! Please flag it up :-(

[Aeroflotgirl]

Please report him to a superior, he should not be volunteering with this attitude. How does he know that the people get nothing out of the trip, has he asked them! (I meant this sarcastically as many are not able to speak but you can tell by non verbal communication sometimes). He is embarrassed by them! No this charity don't need people like that!

[Theodorous]

God none of you have clearly ever worked in elderly care. I agree he is a shit but in all my years of caring and nursing, genuine people who were in it for the job satisfaction rather than the rule. Report him and let's hope Panorama continue to do the work that the cqc find impossible to achieve.

[Flowerfae]

I can ever so slightly see where in his head..he may be coming from (don't agree with it though) people do stare.. which might be what he meant with the 'circus' comment, however so what? people stare at my little boy... but I wouldn't dream of keeping him locked up in a house, people are not meant to be kept inside and need the outdoors.

I agree he doesn't seem to understand and either needs educating or another job.

[Aeroflotgirl]

I have worked with adults who have severe learning disabilities for a number of years and have a dd with ASD and dev delay

[seriously1984]

I'd keep your nose out, he was probably just having a rant and meant nothing by it - We all hate aspects of our jobs sometimes and daytrips are obviously not his thing. He may even have meant that some of the trips are unsuitable for some of the people, which they may be (no idea?) and is just not very elegant with his words.

[MilkandCereal]

Apologies for drip feeding,but I didn't want to include every detail as it may be upsetting for some,but he made it quite plain that he's embarrassed to be seen with the residents,'or freak-show he also referred to them as, when out,and it's not just day trips he doesn't see the point in taking them out of the home,ever,anywhere. Even a ten minute trip to the shop.

[paulapantsdown]

What a bastard. Please tell whoever is in charge of him.

[Honsandrevels]

Report him.

[dawndonnaagain]

Nice first post seriously1984.

[Pheonixisrising]

seriously1984 you are joking ?

OP report ! Report! Report !
You can not work with vulnerable people , actually any people and refer to them as a freak show

I think I would have ripped their face off

Do they think they are second class citizens or something , bloody hell

[Aeroflotgirl]

It's attitudes like that, which can lead to abuse if vulnerable people. If he views them so negatively, how can he do the job properly. Sorry this charity dies not need people like him.

[Aeroflotgirl]

Yes I would tell my supervisor or manager.

[seriously1984]

On the basis of the "freak-show" comment alone I would also report. My previous post was ensuring he wasn't just having a moan (as we all do with our jobs from time to time)

[Kundry]

It's important that you report it. An organisation does have a responsibility that it's volunteers are properly trained and follow a code of practice.

Managing volunteers can be a nightmare as they often feel the organization should be 'grateful' to them - but it doesn't give them carte blanche to behave badly.

I once reported a volunteer for racist language. He had been volunteering at the organization for longer than any staff member had worked there and all hell broke loose as he had come to believe he was running the place. But I got huge thanks from management as they need solid examples in order to confront people about poor behaviour.

[Owllady]

Report him

[hazeyjane]

Please report him. There is no excuse for attitudes like his. It makes me despair.

[Darksideofthemoon88]

I once reported a nurse I dealt with as part of my job who referred to one of her residents as 'not like a person' due to her dementia . I thought that was a bloody awful thing to say - imagine that was your mother she was talking about! Report him, OP.

[Puzzledandpissedoff]

Totally agree about the risk of abuse with views like this. I'm not suggesting that this particular staff member would harm someone, but given his poisonous attitude, would he flag up anything else he saw, or just regard it as being of no consequence??

For pity's sake inform the volunteer co-ordinator at once; you really don't want this on your conscience if the worst happens

[Flowerfae]

if he is referring to the people he is working with as 'freak shows' he needs reporting

[MickiJohn]

Report him. I wouldn't want him working with any Family member of mine with that attitude.

Why is he volunteering with that attitude? Surely no-one is forcing him to do this job?