17 June 2009 – Here and There Here are some recent stories in the news about discrimination and abuse in transportation of people with disabilities.
10 June 2009 – Solihull, Scotland Solihull News.Net reported that a 17-year-old wheelchair user was refused access to a bus by a driver who claimed that electric wheelchairs are not allowed on buses, in spite of the fact that the bus was specially modified for wheelchair use, and the bus displayed a special wheelchair access sign. The bus company has apologized and indicated that they are investigating the incident.
10 June 2009- Grimsby, UK The Grimsby Telegraph reported that a woman and her son who was in a wheelchair were refused access to a bus because the bus driver told them that the space clearly marked “Please give up this space to a wheelchair user” was taken up by a baby stroller. The driver claimed that in spite of the sign baby strollers take priority. When the woman insisted, the bus driver threatened to call the police.
9 June 2009 – Allegan County, MI, USA Former School bus driver Eugene Shingle, 75, pleaded guilty to second degree criminal sexual conduct and admitted to sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl with a developmental disability. According to the Holland Sentinel, his plea to reduced charges included his confession last month:
While I was driving (the girl) to her home I touched her through her clothing on her breasts,” he said. “I did this for my own sexual gratification, and I knew I was wrong, but I did it and I regret what I did and I am truly sorry.
Shingle was scheduled for sentencing on June 12, but sentencing has been delayed.
30 May 2009 – Edmonton, AB, Canada As previously reported on icad, an Edmonton paratransit driver was sentenced two two years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for sexually assaulting a 31-year old passenger described as “mentally disabled” and “extremely vulnerable”
26 May 2009 Calgary, AB, Canada A defense attorney argued that a 49-year-old paratransit driver did not act illegally when made advances toward a passenger who had severe cerebral palsy and was strapped into his vehicle. The accused, Francis Colin Harvey, admitted to violating policy, but denied that he committed sexual assaul when he fondled the passenger. Although the woman required a “translator” in court due to her impaired speech, Harvey testified that her communication was clearer at the time of the incident. See C-News for more on this.
Tags: Abuse & Disability, Child maltreatment, Paratransit, Sex offenders, sexual assault
