Developmentally Challenged have been denied access to services

As a proud N. Ont. girl I am absolutely stunned and disgusted by this latest decision of the "smart" politicians of Greater Sudbury.  I now live in Alberta, but have lived and/or worked, visited and shopped in the Sudbury area for 57 years and have many relatives and friends who still live there.  It is reprehensible that you are denying transportation services to any group of individuals, especially the developmentally challenged. Have you ever walked a mile in their shoes?  Do you ever take  time to think of the repercussions your assinine decisions affect anyone other than yourselves?  Obviously not,  because you don't even have an appeals process.  You should be ashamed and embarassed, as I am, for the further hardships you are forcing on these individuals and their parents, extended family and caregivers.  As politicians, even you have sunk to a new low.  SHAME ON YOU!!!!  

as if this is

Alright...so I'm not trying to start a fight here but I think we as the public need a little more information on this story.  Please read my entire post before you decide to bite my head off. This information we have been provided is coming from a third party source. She is a co-worker, not even the young man's parent or caregiver. I would be interested to hear what the young man's Mother has to say as well as the person who told her that her son was no longer allowed to utilize the Handi-Transit.

Firstly, I have to ask if this young man is accompanied by anyone? A caregiver or someone with training and knowledge about Autism. Someone who is familiar with the young man's routines/triggers/comforts.  If so, would that person not be able to accompany him on the city bus? I understand that a city bus might require a transfer. Hence, my question about being accompanied by a familiar person. If he is not accompanied I would tend to think that allowing someone with the capacity of a three year old should not be left alone on any bus. Maybe I’m wrong.

This leads me to my next question. What kind of training do the Handi-Transit drivers have? I work in the health care field and have had the chance to speak with a driver a few years ago and was told then that if anything should happen on the bus they are advised to pull over and call the police or a family member if they have that information. They are to ensure the safety of all the riders to the best of their ability. This could have changed over the years. That is why I ask.

I am just trying to open the dialogue for a conversation that is based on facts and of course opinions and not just 128 posts of 'that's terrible', 'what a disgrace' and 'disgusting'. I think that we have only heard a small portion of one side of the story. Has anyone attempted to contact the City or Handi-transit to verify or discuss any of this? I have not.

Regardless, this is certainly a touchy subject and really has no simple answer to what I'm sure has 100 plus questions. My personal opinion is that each case should be reviewed individually. Again, I am not looking to start a fight, just more informed dialogue.

#131: More info please -  

 To start, handi transit is not responsible for these decisions. It is run by the city. This young man is not accompanied by anyone. Yes when assessed he functions between a 3-5 year level. The work he does at his day program is that what you would see children in kindergarten doing.  For him to ride handi transit  is no different than sending your 4yr old on a school bus to attend school. Would you put them on public transportion to get safely to school?  He is picked up at his driveway, he gets on the bus where he sits and wears a seatbelt.  When he arrives at his destination there is someone to meet him. Every rider on handi transit was sent for an assessment.  From this assessment letters were sent to the riders.  This young mans letter states...

"The Eligibilty Assessment Advisor has recommended that you have the physical ability to use conventional Greater Sudbury Transit for you transportation needs.  We therefore regret to inform you that you are ineligible for Handi-Transi service."

Never once have I claimed my son has a physical disability. He walks fine, dresses himself, can even tie his own shoes. What the Advisor did not recognize is the fact my son could not answer a simple question..such as how often do you ride the bus, how long have you rode the bus...he could not follow simple instructions such as, lift your left leg, stand on one foot etc... 

What it comes down to is... The city is only allowing people with physical disabilities to access this service. We are fighting for them to recognize there is a vast amount of different disabilities out there.  Please do not choose to only acknowledge physical as your only form of ridership. 

I hope this helps answer some of your concerns, if you would like to know more, please ask away.

i do agree with your final thought that each case should be reviewed individually. As long as it is not just based on a physical standpoint. 

Sincerely, the mother of the young man in question 

#132: - Re:  

 Thank you for the additional information. It helps to give insight into this situation and allows people to make more informed decisions, conversations and responses rather than ones based on an emotional reaction. Best of luck to you and your family and all others who may encounter similar situations. I will now gladly sign your petition. 

With the municipal elections coming up, my vote will go to the one who will put a stop to this nonsense.  

#2: -  

 Totally agreed.  Last time I check these are all listed in the DSM 5, which is, for lack of a better term "the bible" when dealing with illness'.  Whether they are mental or physical, to discriminate against such a major part of this community is a crying shame.  But hey, lets keep trying things to slow down traffic in the southend, or lets keep wasting money on all kinds of research as to which is the best way to spend important needed money, in the most ridiculous way.  If you ask me, with elections around the corner, I vote no confidence in any of our councillors, as well as mayoral candidates.  But thats just my opinion.

Signed,

one p-o'd and disappointed sudburian

From the city's point of view, if they can walk, they can get on public transit, but that doesnt negate the fact that these people need this service.  As a tax paying Sudburian, Id rather my taxes go towards helping those in need, rather than paying for people who take advantage of Sudbury Housing (I know of people who are known ABUSERS, and the city does nothing due to human rights [I use this example whereas many more come to mind]) Where are these morals when dealing with human rights of the disabled?  Obviously not with our elected officials, thats for certain.  In the next election, vote for me, I'll be the person out on the street, trying to keep warm in a cardboard box if things keep going this way in the city's infrastructure.

#136: More info please - Re: Re: #132 

 thank you 

All I have to say is the City has a fight on it's hands. They are in direct violation of Ontarians with a disability act and it is also a Human Rights Violation. What a slap in the face to the developmental movement. Shame on our City! They are taking away people's independence and freedom. Some may even lose the jobs they have. I am so angry with our city. Guess it was wise for the Mayor not to run again!! She won't have to deal with the shit storm when it hits.