A mum will be taking Harrods staff through the basics of "what a mobility aid can look like" after she was told her son had to leave his wheelchair at the shop's entrance because it "looked like a toy".
Shelly Wall's son Noah has spina bifida and is paralysed from the chest down. He currently uses a low slung ZipZac wheelchair, because at three years old he is too small to manoeuver a larger chair.
Wall was told by a Harrods security guard that Noah's blue wheelchair would have to be left in the luggage department if they wanted to look around the Knightsbridge store on 22 June.
"We were really upset by the guard's comments," the mother-of-three from Cumbria, told HuffPost UK Parents.
"He said it couldn't be a wheelchair because it didn't have handles
"I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I mean what does a wheelchair look like - a chair with wheels and that's what it is."
Wall, 43, is also mum to Steph, 23, and Ally, 18.
She had decided to visit Harrods while on a day trip to London to see Noah sing in a performance of Music Is Magic at the London Palladium and was accompanied by Noah and Steph, as well as the children's aunt, uncle and grandmother.
"Steph was so upset and angry she picked Noah up and showed the guard his legs to prove that he was paralysed, but the guard wouldn't back down," Wall says.
"So Noah's auntie said, 'I think we should just leave' and she burst into tears as we walked out the door."
Later that day Wall took to Facebook to share details of the incident. She posted the photo above along with the message:
"Just left @Harrods #London in disgust Noah's wheelchair isn't allowed in as it doesn't look like a wheelchair," she wrote.
"Noah's sister picked Noah up out of his pram and showed the security man that his legs didn't work!
Wall's post was shared more than 6,000 times in less than 24 hours.
"That is disgusting. What a horrible thing to say to someone: that their chair does not look like a chair. So rude," wrote one commenter.
"ZipZacs are amazing. Hopefully this will educate some people about them," added another.
Wall says she has been blown away by the kindness of the majority of internet commenters:
"The support has been amazing," she adds. "We are very grateful. It does restore your faith in people."
A Harrods spokesperson issued the following statement to HuffPost UK Parents:
“Following yesterday’s incident, Harrods has now spoken to Michelle Wall to offer our sincere apologies and ask how we can make amends.
"We have welcomed Michelle’s suggestion that she comes to the store to train key staff in the different types of wheelchairs available and are in the process of arranging it.
"As part of the visit, Harrods will treat Michelle, Noah, and the rest of their family to a lunch in the Disney Café and a special tour of our toy department.
"Noah is also first on the list for a VIP trip to see Father Christmas in the grotto later in the year.
"Harrods wishes to emphasise that at no point were any of Michelle’s family banned from or denied entry into Harrods and our policy is to welcome all wheelchair users to the store. We look forward to seeing the Wall family at Harrods very soon.”
Wall says she is pleased to have been given the opportunity to educate people about disability.
"I had quite a lengthy chat with Harrods," she said.
"We don't want anything from them, just the opportunity to educate their staff and break down another barrier for people who are disabled."
You can find Shelly Wall blogging at: shellybobbins.blogspot.co.uk.
Child In A Wheelchair? You Might Relate To These
"What is his/her life expectancy?" (01 of11)
Open Image Modal"I can't think of a more insensitive question to ask someone," says author Marcy White. On top of asking about insensitive questions about a child's health, White says people often ask these questions while the child is actually present. (credit:Gettystock )
"Is he/she tired?"(02 of11)
Open Image Modal"I don't always feel the need to explain that when [my son] Jacob is not actively engaged in something, that's what he looks like." Often, people are too quick to judge a child by his or her appearance. Instead, stick to asking general questions about hobbies or the child's day. (credit:Gettystock )
"Let's get down to business..."(03 of11)
Open Image ModalWhite says, often in a medical setting like a doctor's office or a hospital, professionals tend to walk in and start the exams without any introductions. "Disabled children deserve the same respect one would give a verbal child," she emphasizes. Telling him or her about the procedure or how he or she feels today is one way to start. (credit:Gettystock )
Strangers staring (04 of11)
Open Image ModalWhite says there's nothing more annoying than having people watch her struggle in taking her son from his wheelchair into their van. However, she says, for the most part, people tend to step in. "It makes my day when someone comes and helps me. I wish I had fewer stares and more strangers' help." (credit:Getty)
People only looking at the wheelchair (05 of11)
Open Image ModalWhite says people often assume children with disabilities can't do certain things because they're strapped into wheelchairs. Instead of looking at just the wheelchair, White suggests asking what the child likes to do. (credit:Gettystock)
Safety rules that are different (06 of11)
Open Image Modal"When we go to the neighborhood outdoor rink I put my skates on and push Jacob around the ice in his wheelchair. Like most boys, the faster we go, the more fun he has. I wanted to take Jake to a local indoor skating rink one afternoon and was told that he could not go on the ice because it wasn't safe for him." White says parents are usually well aware of potential risks, and when people treat their child differently from other children, it only leads to disappointment — for the parent and the child. "We were offered free ice time to come back and skate alone. We declined because he wanted to do this activity with friends." (credit:Gettystock)
People who talk down to children (07 of11)
Open Image ModalIf you're talking to a child in a wheelchair, go down to their level and don't tower over them, White says. (credit:Gettystock)
People who are scared (08 of11)
Open Image ModalWhite says some people are also too scared to start a conversation or don't know what to say to a child in a wheelchair. She says children often sense hesitation, especially if you don't come close to them. (credit:Gettystock)
"Do you like dogs?"(09 of11)
Open Image ModalWhite says it is common for people to ask her questions they want to ask her son. "People often ask me questions they would normally ask my child right beside me. I like to simply repeat the question for Jacob at his level, for example, 'Jacob, do you like dogs?'" (credit:Gettystock)
Dealing with people who think your child can't hear them (10 of11)
Open Image ModalJust because a child has a speech disability or any other kind of disability, White says this doesn't mean they can't hear or figure out what you are saying. There's nothing more hurtful for a parent than having to deal with intense questions or strange looks when their child is with them. (credit:Gettystock)
Just stop by and say hello (11 of11)
Open Image ModalWhite says the easiest thing you can do to make a parent's day is to say, 'hello.' (credit:Gettystock)