As a diabetic, I must point out that a cola WOULD be a recommended treatment for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.  In fact the link you provide lists non-diet soda as a medically recommended response to a low.  Like juice, a non-diet soda would be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly rectify a hypoglycemic episode.  Low blood sugar can have serious consequences, including loss of consciousness, coma, and death, and at times it can develop very rapidly.

In short, the visitor's concerns COULD be legitimate, which is why it really is important to give the benefit of the doubt rather than assume deceitful intent (though sometimes I'm sure there are those who take advantage).  Keep in mind as well the potential public relations and legal implications if someone really does experience a medical emergency and staff responds to the visitor as a trouble-maker rather than a person in trouble.  Also keep in mind that the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia may be mistaken for intoxication.  The link you provided lists them as:

Symptoms are:
  • Weakness
  • Feeling tired
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Hunger
  • Feeling nervous or anxious
  • Feeling cranky
  • Trouble thinking clearly
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Feeling uneasy
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

Needless to say, this could be even more reason for a staffer to react to the visitor as a behavior problem rather than a medical one.

I do feel that a "no open containers in tour areas" is a completely reasonable condition to require of all visitors, even those who claim medical need.




---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Elizabeth Walton <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 12:09 PM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Beverages in galleries for medical purposes
To: [log in to unmask]

My guess would be that people have learned that with ADA rules they can get away with lying about things like help dogs, etc. because businesses are not allowed to ask about health conditions. I think it is fair to require it have a closed top and explain why they need to be extra careful. Maybe since they know they are lying they will feel a shred of guilt. I doubt it, but maybe. 
For reference, as far as I have heard, cokes are NOT recommended for diabetes treatment, even if sugar is suddenly low. 
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000085.htm


On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 11:51 AM, Via, Marie <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
The number of visitors who insist on taking beverages into the museum for medical reasons seems to have increased a lot lately.  Water (for a pulmonary condition, for example) isn’t so much an issue – we just ask them to be sure the bottle is capped tightly and stowed out of sight when not use.  On the other hand, many people are now saying they must have Coke or some kind of soft drink with them due to diabetes.  This is more problematic.  I’m wondering if others are seeing an uptick along these lines and, if so, how they are handling the balance between protecting collections and offering a good visitor service.  Thanks!
 
Marie Via
Director of Exhibitions
Memorial Art Gallery
500 University Ave.
Rochester, NY  14607
585-276-9003
 
6th Rochester Biennial
July 13–September 21, 2014 in the Grand Gallery
 
New Ghosts for A New Age: Yoshitoshi’s New Forms of 36 Ghosts
Japanese Prints from the Arthur R. Miller Collection
August 29–November 30, 2014 in the Lockhart Gallery


--

Mark Lozo
Education Director / Chief of Interpretation
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
641 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202

www.trsite.org
www.nps.gov/thri

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