A photography firm, Tempest Photography, has ignited fury among parents after offering to remove disabled children and those with additional support needs from class photos.
The incident occurred at Aboyne Primary School in Scotland, where three children, including nine-year-old Erin, were excluded from the images sent via an internet link. Natalie Pinnell, Erin's mother, expressed devastation at the decision, labeling it as "inhumane" and stating that her child had been "erased from history."
Ms. Pinnell condemned the actions of the Cornwall-based photography company, describing the decision as unacceptable and emphasizing that disabled children should not be treated as "inconvenient." Lisa Boyd, another parent whose daughter Lily Nicolson, nine, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was also omitted from the class photo, echoed similar sentiments.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with parents expressing disbelief and distress over the company's actions. Natalie Pinnell highlighted the emotional toll it has taken on families, emphasizing the impact on her daughter's self-esteem if she were aware of being excluded. The school has vowed never to work with Tempest Photography again, and parents are calling for accountability and assurance that such incidents will not occur in the future.
Tempest Photography, led by Terence Tempest, is under investigation following the uproar. Parents are urging for a reassessment of policies regarding inclusivity and sensitivity towards children with disabilities in school photography.
