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Letter: Autistic man denied access to Handi Transit

My question is to everyone running for city council — do you know about the changes to the Handi Transit bus? Today I learned a very shocking thing from a coworker whose son has autism.
My question is to everyone running for city council — do you know about the changes to the Handi Transit bus?

Today I learned a very shocking thing from a coworker whose son has autism. He functions at a three-year-old level, is non-verbal and is no longer allowed to use the Handi Transit, as they say he is not handicapped.

Every day this young man goes to a day program in Sudbury. The Handi Transit picks him up and brings him back. This allows his mom to work and gives him the support he needs for his disability.

The city says because he can walk then he is not disabled and must use public transportation. The mom was told she could appeal the decision. She asked how to do that.

The city’s response was we have not set up the appeal process yet.

There is no way someone functioning at a three-year-old level that is non-verbal could use public transportation and transfer three times.

The city is ridiculous and is now discriminating against mentally challenged citizens.
I would like to add that his mom pays for this service, and every month buys a bus pass for him. He qualifies for the disability pass but not the Handi Transit.

I want to know what those who are running for council plan to do about these changes to Handi Transit.

Sherry Desjardins
Capreol