Busing Crisis – Community Forum:
Individuals With Autism Suspended from Calgary Special Needs Transportation Systems, a Growing Concern.
Families of children with Autism face challenges finding appropriate transportation. Depending on how Autism impacts our family member, conventional transportation options are often not an option. Special Needs Transportation programs that can accommodate the unique needs of an individual with Autism can make the difference between isolation and a meaningful life in the community. Moreover, the loss of viable transportation options can impact a families income and potential for long term stability.
Unfortunately, a growing number of families are reporting challenges with special needs transportation options. For example, just this past month two Autism Calgary members report that their child was suspended from ACCESS Calgary services. The very symptoms that qualifies them for special needs transportation are reported as the symptoms resulting in a suspension. This growing problem has generated media attention: CTV News / CBC News.
If you are an Autism Calgary member (new or existing) that has faced challenges finding and securing appropriate accommodations on Calgary & Area Transportation Systems, join us at Autism Calgary on Thursday October 30 at 10:30 am.
The purpose of this community forum is to:
- identify transportation challenges for children with ASD
- form a community action committee
- gather ideas for a community survey to quantify and qualify key problems
- determine some collaborative solutions to improve transportation success
- begin to identify appropriate municipal, provincial, and federal governing bodies sharing responsibility
- build an action plan to engage transportation systems to rise to meet the challenge of the ASD Community