Back in January, a bus driver unintentionally abandoned a young disabled woman, Wendy Mastache, on a school bus after the driver was done her route.

Wendy suffers from autism, and was left on the bus for about 6 hours in weather that was just above freezing on January 23rd. She also suffers from epilepsy and functions between a grade 1 and 2 level, she is 19 years-old, the statement of claim notes.

Wendy's mother, Laura has filed a $700,000 lawsuit against the driver, Stock Transportation, and the Toronto District School Board for negligence. They allege that they suffered injury to dignity and loss of companionship from the incident, as Wendy sustained psychological damage. Changes in Wendy that Laura has observed include:

  • Reluctance to go to class
  • Inability to sleep alone

"It took us years for her to overcome some fears, now it's going back to square one," Mastache said.

The statement of claim that was filed highlights the following:

  • Wendy boarded the bus to be dropped off at a specific entrance for a special needs class
  • The bus driver dropped students off at the main entrance, but did not drop Wendy off at her entrance
  • The driver then left, and immediately attended a funeral
  • Wendy, when alone, did not have access to food, liquid, or a restroom
  • Laura does not know if Wendy passed out or suffered from seizures during her time alone
  • Laura confronted the driver, whom while under police interrogation admitted to "her negligent actions"

In addition, with Wendy's disabilities, she would have not known to put on her scarf and gloves without being reminded, which were in her backpack.

During the day, no one noticed that something was amiss, until a concerned teacher reported to Laura that her daughter had been absent all day but claims she had exited the bus when students were dropped off. Surveillance video shows that her daughter never got off of the bus.

As a result, after the incident occurred, Stock Transportation stated that it fired the bus driver that was involved.

Mastache hopes the suit will gain the attention of the TDSB, Stock Transportation, and bus drivers to be more diligent and understand that this is a very serious matter. She also hopes that this will prevent similar situations in the future.

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