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This Mom Is the Unsung Hero Behind a New Autism-Friendly Checkout Lane
A Philadelphia mom is making waves with her initiative for an autism-friendly checkout line at a ShopRite store. After a particularly chaotic shopping experience, Lisa Thompson decided enough was enough and started a petition urging major retailers to establish a lane that caters to kids on the autism spectrum.
Lisa’s 5-year-old daughter, Mia, is on the spectrum, and the typical checkout experience can be a challenge. “Mia has low impulse control, so she’s always reaching for the candy at the checkout. When I say no, it often leads to a meltdown,” the mother of three explained to Philly Life. In her online petition, she highlighted the judgment she and her daughter face from other shoppers and staff. “I could do without the stares and comments; it makes an already tough situation worse,” Lisa lamented.
While her initial focus was on Target, Lisa was overjoyed to hear that her efforts inspired the team at a local ShopRite. “I was crying tears of joy! It’s a fantastic example, and I hope more stores follow suit,” she exclaimed. The new checkout lane features toys, stress balls, crayons, and other sensory-friendly items, replacing the usual sugary temptations.
Initially, store manager Mark Williams didn’t quite grasp why a dedicated lane was necessary. After doing some research, he quickly recognized its value. “It was a no-brainer. If I have to sacrifice one checkout for a good cause, I’m all in,” he said. The petition also prompted ShopRite to enhance employee training on autism, which is simply amazing.
This is a step forward in the right direction. Companies are beginning to take action to support individuals on the spectrum, which gives us hope. Mark didn’t take long to set things in motion. “I presented the idea to the store owner, and he was all for it,” he noted. When Lisa approached Target, they were excited but mentioned that changes would need to come from corporate. In just a few days, Mark and his team rolled out the new checkout lane.
They even used the autism puzzle-piece symbol to let shoppers know about the special lane. “People are loving it! Even those without autistic children can relate, as everyone knows a child who is,” Mark shared. “Anything that makes our customers feel safe and welcome is a win in my book!”
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In summary, thanks to Lisa’s determination, a new autism-friendly checkout lane is now available at ShopRite, offering a supportive shopping environment for families. It’s a heartwarming reminder that small changes can make a big difference.