A while ago, I was reading this article about a mother's reaction to her disabled son being given free doughnuts out of pity from an incorrect assumption that the boy couldn't talk.
The staffer was in the wrong for making an assumption like that, and I can understand why the parents were upset, but my first thought upon reading this article was "It's just doughnuts." The boy obviously wanted a treat and, even though it was out of pity, the staffer still did a nice thing.
My point is that sometimes, free stuff is just free stuff. Regardless of the giver's perceptions, you should be appreciative (especially when it's something this small) of the person's generosity.
Over the years, I've received many gifts and freebies because of my disability, ranging from t-shirts and CDs to artwork and hockey tickets. I even got a cash award at my high school graduation for "being a special needs student going into college or university." Some of those gifts were probably given because of pity, but some of them weren't. I never questioned why. I just accepted them, was polite, and put them to good use.
So yeah, people will treat you or your child differently because of a disability. It's pretty much a given, unfortunately. But when it comes to free stuff, just remember to be polite, be thankful, and just enjoy the doughnuts.
Cheers!
