DEAR ABBY: My son “Ethan” is a visually impaired adult with disabilities. He’s articulate, down to earth and joyful to be around. He’s a homeowner in a nice area of town.

A woman we met through the Nextdoor app bought an expensive winter coat from us very cheap. She and her husband know Ethan is in Special Olympics and awaiting a guide dog. She raised chickens, and when Ethan mentioned the new egg hatcher we bought for him, she asked if she could borrow it. I told her she could, after our one chick was grown enough.

I have asked repeatedly for her to return it. She said she would, and even asked for our address. I provided her with the information. She has since moved, but she’s still in town. When I asked her more recently to please return it, she posted Ethan’s photo from the Nextdoor app with a quote, “Dangerous and Unstable Person.” What can I do to defend him? Legally, I think something needs to be done for his reputation now. -- PERPLEXED MOM IN COLORADO

DEAR MOM: There is enough discrimination toward people with disabilities without this awful woman contributing to it. Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack. To label your son as dangerous and unstable is a slander intended to damage his reputation.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.