HOLMDEL: A 28 year old disabled woman was harassed upon entry at PNC Bank Arts Center on Thursday night. Ashley Groom from Brick suffers from numerous chronic disorders such as hEDS, POTS, IST, MCAS, Asthma, chronic migraines, vasovagal syncope, and chronic pain. These disorders sometimes require her to walk with a cane. Upon arrival security questioned her for having her cane with her.

Security stopped Ashley as she was entering the arena. “I had my cane in my bag because the doctor does not want me to use it 24/7, but I know part way through the night I will need it.” In her bag she had her cane, medication, earplugs, tums, hair ties, inhaler, hand sanitizer, and chapstick.

“Security told me that they wanted to see all of my medications. I asked why and they wouldn’t answer me. They then said I can’t bring it in, pointing to the cane thats folded up.” Ashley explained it is a cane for as needed use, per her doctors orders. “I offered to show them mychart on my phone and offered my disability card.” Still they wouldn’t let her enter with her medical necessities. When Ashley said she can’t be denied access to an arena with her medical devices the head of security told her “It was not a medical device.”

After some time progressed security made Ashley spend $10 on a clear bag to put her cane and medications in.

“I don’t care that they made me get a bag they approve of, its the matter of being told I needed to show all my medication so it could be examined, and the argument around my cane. I am disabled, take pain meds, use a cane as needed, and I am in the process of getting a wheelchair for as needed since I can’t walk long distances like at a zoo or museum with my son.”

We have reached out to PNC Bank Arts center for comment and have not heard back.