KFC incident with deaf woman leads to sensitivity training

JACKSON, Miss. — The management company of 270 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell franchises nationwide has agreed to provide sensitivity training at those outlets following a May incident at a KFC in Mississippi in which a deaf woman felt she was being mocked.

The Clarion Ledger reports Disability Rights Mississippi, a non-profit corporation that advocates for people with disabilities, said it reached an agreement on behalf of Bobbie Cole, of Byram, Mississippi, with Canada-based Franchise Management Inc. That company operates the fast-food franchises.

Cole, who is deaf but can read lips, said she was made fun of by KFC employees while trying to order food at a Jackson area drive-thru.

FMI spokesman Tyler Langdon said in an email to the newspaper that sensitivity training will be conducted at its restaurants.