People with disabilities among hardest hit in Guelph transit lockout

Disability advocates in Guelph say the city's transit lockout, now into its second week,is hurting the community'smost vulnerable members.

Community Living Guelph Wellington, an organization that runs day programsfor people with developmental disabilities, said attendancehas dropped by nearly 40 per centsince the lockout started last Monday.

"There's some folks that the stress is causing, to be honest, some mental health issues," saidBob Butella, executive director of Community Living Guelph Wellington.

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Butella said Community Living helps to provide a sense of self-worth and value to its clients lives, connecting them with employment opportunities and social activities.

But without transit, manyare forced to skip daily events and outings.

Butella said the organization is trying to find alternatives for its clients.

"We are trying to coordinate some carpooling, we're looking at some volunteer programs, we're having some conversations with people that provide transportation to, you know, the school system for instance and seeing if we can bring in those buses," Butella said.

"People are walking, they're out looking for rides themselves, a couple of people are riding bikes."

One woman tried taking a taxi to access a program, but had to pay $25 for the ride, said Butella. But for someone who receives payment from a fixed Ontario Disability Support Program about $13,000 annuallythe cost of cabs is not sustainable,said Butella.

"It's not affordable at all for most people, let alone somebody that'sliving on ODSP."