Elderly couple says they don’t feel welcome after restaurant owner comments about disability

WATCH ABOVE: An elderly couple says the husband’s disability is keeping them out of their favourite restaurant. The restaurant’s owner says it’s a misunderstanding. Christina Stevens reports.

ELMVALE, ON — Wasaga Beach residents Gwen and Fred Humphrey feel they can’t go back to their favourite restaurant.

They no longer felt welcome at Pieces of Olde in Elmvale after the owner raised concerns about Fred’s disabilities.

Gwen Humphrey said the last time they were there the owner leaned in to talk to her.

Fred is diabetic. Gwen pointed out his insulin injection is in his stomach so therefore hidden behind a table in a restaurant.

“It really hurts not to go there anymore,” said Fred.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It really hurts not to go there anymore," said Fred.

Global News reached out to the restaurant owner Jill Leiper at home by phone. She said the conversation was misinterpreted.

However, she agreed she had asked them to give Fred his injection in their car before they came in.

An expert at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre said businesses have a duty to accommodate. That includes those, like Fred, who need to take medication.

“It’s like taking a pill in a way so it has to be accommodated,” said Consuelo Rubio.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's like taking a pill in a way so it has to be accommodated," said Consuelo Rubio.

Global News asked Leiper about Human Rights concerns.

“And what about the other customers they have a medical need if they don’t like needles,” was her response.

She insisted the couple was welcome, but if Fred needed an injection, wanted him in a specific area.

“If we could move them to a table on the side instead of the middle of the restaurant,” she said.

Mobility issues

Fred uses a walker and has some difficulty moving. Gwen said they have never asked for help but sometimes staff or customers offered it. She said Leiper went on to tell her staff weren’t comfortable helping Fred get inside.

“She said they weren’t sure if we should be coming because he needed help. That’s as much as saying you know we really aren’t comfortable having you here,” said Gwen.

Leiper said it was a safety issue.

The Humphreys said as much as they miss the home cooking and pies, they can’t go back.

“I came out of there actually I felt like crying,” said Gwen.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I came out of there actually I felt like crying," said Gwen.

“Awful. It really is awful,” said Fred.