Emirates criticized for denying Australian man with Huntington’s disease a wheelchair
Mother denounces Emirates and its ‘unskilled staff’ for the airline’s treatment of disabled son
- Aussie mother denounces Emirates airline and its ‘unskilled staff’
- Her son Harley has a disease that affects the brain and movement
An Australian mother has berated Emirates and its ‘unskilled staff’, claiming that her disabled son was treated badly on his ‘bucket list’ trip.
Harley, who has Huntington’s disease, which affects a person’s brain and mobility, was traveling with his mother Katherine when he went through the very traumatic experience with the United Arab Emirates airline.
Katherine was at Dubai Airport with her son when she requested a wheelchair for him, but said it was refused.
“I’m so upset,” she wrote on TikTok.
“Not only did the first leg of Harley’s bucket list journey go horribly wrong with wrong seats (but there was also a) lack of understanding of disability.”
Australian mother Katherine slammed Emirates and her “unskilled staff” for how she said her disabled son was treated on his “bucket list” trip. Harley’s bruised and bleeding leg is depicted
Katherine claimed staff told her she did not need a wheelchair and that her son could walk.
However, when Harley tried to walk through the terminal, he fell, slashing his leg and bleeding profusely.
She asked Emirates staff for help for the cut which was “bleeding everywhere” but claimed she “just rushed us onto the plane”.
The mother said she also lost her wallet after desperately searching her bag to find urgent first aid for Harley.
She said it is “unacceptable” for a person with a disability to be treated the way she said Harley was treated.
After the disturbing experience, Katherine filmed a short interview with Harley on the plane, posting the phrase “shame on you” along with the video on TikTok.
“Did you get the seats you wanted, that we booked and paid all that extra money?” she asked Harley.
Her son shook his head sadly.
“And what happened every time Mom tried to make things better for you, to get things right?” she said.
“Nothing,” he replied.
“You didn’t think it made a difference, you’re pretty screwed up,” she asked.
Harley nodded in agreement as his mother replied in a calming voice, “That’s okay, mate.”
“They just don’t seem to care. Of course you mean nothing to them,’ she said.
“Well done Emirates for ruining Harley’s bucket list trip.”
The video then showed a large cut and blood on Harley’s leg.
“How does it feel, Harley?” his mother asked.
‘Not good. Bad luck,’ he replied.
There was a lot of support for Katherine and Harley on social media.
Harley, who has Huntington’s disease, which affects the brain and movement, was traveling with his mother Katherine when he had the very traumatic experience
Harley (right) and his mother Katherine (left) are pictured together in happier circumstances
“This makes me so angry. I am so sorry this happened to you beautiful people,” one wrote.
“I’m still so angry about this. What can I do to help,” another wrote.
“(Harley’s) eyes said enough! I’m so sorry you started your journey like this,” a third poster said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Katherine and Emirates for comment on this story.