I was publicly embarrassed at the Santee Walmart after picking up my anxiety medication. An employee blocked my cart and made me pull my medication from my pocket to prove I wasn’t stealing — even though I had just come from the pharmacy.

I live with PTSD and anxiety. I didn’t deserve that treatment — no one with a disability does. Instead of being treated with basic respect, I was stopped, questioned, and made to show my medication in public. That moment made me feel humiliated, distrusted, and unsafe. No one with a disability should be treated that way at a store they trust.

This incident highlights a troubling issue with how Walmart staff manage situations involving customers with disabilities. It's crucial that Walmart reevaluates their policies and provides necessary training for their employees, particularly concerning respect, privacy, and sensitivity towards disabled customers.

Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness indicate that one in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition each year. Many of these individuals rely on medications and local pharmacies like those in Walmart to manage their health conditions. For people like me, this is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity.

Walmart must implement comprehensive training programs that focus on disability awareness and sensitivity to ensure all customers are treated with dignity and respect. Training could involve collaboration with mental health professionals and individuals living with disabilities to create a more supportive and understanding shopping environment. Furthermore, setting clear and respectful communication protocols can prevent humiliating encounters like the one I experienced.

Join me in urging Walmart to take this matter seriously and create a store environment that ensures the trust and comfort of all patrons. Sign this petition to demand better training and treatment of customers with disabilities at the Santee Walmart.