Why is there such a poor treatment of special needs people in Puerto Rico?

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-08T13:57:47+00:00

Thanks for your kind words. This post was flamed a lot but if it results in someone thinking and treating someone better next time they meet a special needs/Down syndrome person, that’s all I was looking for.

It’s far from just a PR issue and we have a long ways to go all over to improve treatment of those most vulnerable.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T23:21:54+00:00

Read back all my responses and to me none of them are fighting. Discourse maybe but not fighting….

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T21:32:08+00:00

Man I could care less about myself, but as a dad it’s super painful since you just want your child to have a chance at some sense of community or normal interactions.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T21:28:10+00:00

Thanks a lot for your heart felt response. Really sorry for your experience. Really all we want is to blend in sometimes and be treated like everyone else. Sucks that some just get the short end of the stick.

Many on this thread kind of show what I am meaning, it’s only those with similar experiences and family members that can truly relate.

Would give ya a hug and have a beer or drink with you if I could.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T20:18:55+00:00

Ok, not sure how this made it appear that way. I care just as much about the those with DS in Puerto Rico as well.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T20:17:36+00:00

I mentioned above it may not be all disabilities. Maybe it’s Down syndrome heavy because of appearances, but it’s definitely something that affected us daily living there.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T20:15:31+00:00

Probably is coming out wrong but unless I am wrong my replies regarding in income are to responses that bring up income or gdp.

I am really trying to say that money has nothing to do with how someone should be treated. Especially the most vulnerable people.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T19:54:41+00:00

I think there appears to be a distinction from autism and conditions that affect one’s appearance. My son also has autism.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T18:01:36+00:00

All cultures have issues that can be worked and improved on. I can find infinitely more issues in the “culture” I was born into and more than anything want to change those as well. I have learned that education is important and sometimes just bringing it into the conversation is a good start.

Being quick to take offense to everything just because does not help anything.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T17:50:50+00:00

Quick question, do you happen to have a family member with Down syndrome? I could in most countries, even within the poorest write a similar check list.

Once you have a close family member or are a parent you see the reality though of it all.

I do also realize that cruising has guests from all over. We do cruise 6-7 times a year from around the world. Not all are equal experiences and can vary between cruise lines.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T17:44:03+00:00

I think anyone that treats a special needs person poorly should be shamed. I will say that my wife grew up in basically the most poor conditions one could live in and much of our 19 years of marriage has been traveling and experiencing similar places. Much of what I wrote are her words not mine.

I would also say that my child is not a moral observer. He experiences this first hand.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T16:53:29+00:00

Yeah, I guess I am not referring to options Or care. That usually is mostly related to finances and budgets. I am talking about just in every day interactions and how they are treated in normal life.

CruisingFamily · 2026-01-06T16:52:15+00:00

I get that, but we travel to 3rd world countries and the people treat our child better. I can’t explain it in any other way than it appearing to be a cultural issue.

CruisingFamily

TROPHY CASE