California manicure shop turns away teen in wheelchair
PALMDALE, Calif. -- After four months away from home and several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to treat a cancerous tumor in her nervous system, which left her in a wheelchair, 13-year-old Patricia Moore's mom thought she deserved a treat.
After doctors released her, Shannon Moore planned a mall shopping spree for her daughter, beginning with a manicure. But the nail salon turned them away, Patricia said.
"[They] just looked at Patricia and said, 'No,' " Shannon told CBS Los Angeles.
"I tried to explain to them I can use one of my pillows and put it on the chair and try to sit up," Patricia said. "I felt upset and sad."
Now the mother and daughter are questioning whether the salon, Queen's Nails, violated the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, which requires businesses to make reasonable accommodations for people living with physical challenges.
"That someone would tell her no based on her wheelchair, seeing her go into the mall smiling, and then come out crying and sad," Shannon said.
CBS Los Angeles reporters went back to the mall and asked Queen's Nails employees what the trouble was.
One explained because of the way Patricia is situated in her wheelchair, she could not work with her.
But then another employee came out singing a different tune. "We're very sorry for any misunderstanding, and you're always welcome here, anytime, and I'd be glad to take care of you personally as well," said Long Nguyen.
Nguyen also gave a statement, reading in part: "It was never our intention to hurt her feelings in any way. We hope to move onward and possibly have a positive relationship with this amazing young lady."
He also said the salon has made changes since the incident occurred.
"Yes, we have [made changes] ... just more awareness, be more accommodating, more compassionate," he insisted.
Shannon Moore said she hopes speaking out prevents similar things from occurring in the future.
"They have to make sure it doesn't happen again," she said.