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Rant
Sept 30, 2013 8:43:03 GMT
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Post by esty (archive) on Sept 30, 2013 8:43:03 GMT
Eldest son has complex needs. Taxi didn't turn up today so he's sat in wheelchair waiting expectantly for 35 mins until I manged to find out that it wasn't coming as newish escort had just left. This is the escort whom he loved and who I really trusted with my son's needs as she was so good with him. But they were going to send another taxi with complete strangers and wondered why I was ranting at them. They wouldn't send their young, very vulnerable son off in a taxi with complete strangers. This is bad but is more bad as it's happened time and time again where nobody takes my son's feelings into account. He just becomes a parcel that's got to go from A to B. So he's now at home for the day which isn't the best as I've got tonsillitis and could really just do with a day under a duvet. Good thing is support system jumped in to place for youngest AS. Very familiar neighbour took him to school and is going to pick him up to save me loading eldest AS in to van. Nothing to do with adoption really the first bit just how can people treat people with disabilities so badly??? My son's feelings don't seem to matter at all particularly as he has severe learning difficulties so does it matter how he's treated! Rant over and now on to the council again
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Sept 30, 2013 9:14:31 GMT
Post by ham on Sept 30, 2013 9:14:31 GMT
How very distressing for you both.of course no one sane person would send their child off with a stranger.
I found it helpful when I wrote to the PTU (passenger transport unit) who are responsible for taxies and the manager came to see me re my concern with dd taxi etc and after some struggles they did get to understand the need for consistency. They even worked with it so she had the same taxi to go to respite.
hope you feel better soon.
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Rant
Sept 30, 2013 10:13:53 GMT
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Post by esty (archive) on Sept 30, 2013 10:13:53 GMT
This has been an ongoing problem over the years. By the very nature of escort work they change or leave with no warning. I have had meetings with council heads of service, etc and it is like banging your head against a brick wall. They just don't get it. And there's not a lot of change going to happen unless they change the pay and structure of escorts and also demand taxi companies fulfil a basic standard of competence before getting the contract. Unfortunately in the financial climate they are just going for cheapest option which means the taxi company that puts in the lowest bid. The last time this happened taxi owner came and apologized to son personally after I complained. This is why I'm so shocked it's happened again. It's the same taxi company. They make relationships with the children and then can still treat them badly.
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Rant
Sept 30, 2013 10:52:36 GMT
Post by moo on Sept 30, 2013 10:52:36 GMT
Hey esty poor you... {{{{ esty & ds}}}} I Really wonder sometimes where the quality of the service industry has gone & cringe where it is going to end up....
I hope you can find a reliable replacement for your ds.....
Xx. moo. Xx
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Rant
Sept 30, 2013 11:18:43 GMT
Post by littlemisscheerful on Sept 30, 2013 11:18:43 GMT
I can't believe it is so hard for them to understand. I have a note on our record that says they are supposed to ring me if there are to be changes to driver or escort. I can then decide what I want to do (eg take them myself). The last time this failed was when the taxi firm had a change of ownership (acrimonious) and they didn't have the files. I was furious, as you say, when else would we put our children into a taxi with unfamiliar people? They did seem to take notice that time though. Whenever there is a change, I'm told how 'nice' they are - that's as maybe, but my girls don't know them, and if there was an accident, they would be in no way reassured by this unfamiliar person.
The only time the LA have been helpful is when they were repeatedly late (and feeding me a pack of lies as to why). If they are over 15 mins late they lose money, so I started sending a weekly email to transport mgr. That worked, but she doesn't care about anything bar lateness.
I think that part of the issue is that I think I am their customer, and should be treated accordingly. But, because I don't pay the bill, they don't see me as such.
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Sept 30, 2013 13:39:23 GMT
Post by sooz on Sept 30, 2013 13:39:23 GMT
Many many moons ago I worked as an escort on a minibus that took children to a special school. I had no clue about anything, it was just a job that didn't pay well and not something that I viewed as a career. I didn't stay long. I never even thought about the kids feelings, as long as they were physically safe and secure.
Of course I'm lots older now and my outlook would be completely different, having learned a great deal in recent years!
So, I know that taxi companies are generally not interested in anything but the money, and to keep their contracts. Things may have changed considerably since I did that job, no crb checks for example back then. But due to a usually high staff turnover I'm not sure how things can improve.
Sorry, I'm not offering an excuse or solution, and I agree things should be improved, but no idea how.
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Rant
Sept 30, 2013 15:49:10 GMT
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Post by esty (archive) on Sept 30, 2013 15:49:10 GMT
Well after waiting all day for some information, son at home, me feeling lousy, I rang again to find out transport company is being changed. So back to a transport company we had many moons ago where the escort was not as bright as my son (he has SLD) and couldn't cope with my son's needs which is why we were changed from that company in the first place. So waiting to meet new driver and escort before complaining. But support system continues to work well, youngest son picked up by neighbour and going out for tea with one of elder son's carers. Eldest son is more than happy lying in front of CBBies for the day and night if necessary
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Rant
Sept 30, 2013 15:49:40 GMT
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Post by esty (archive) on Sept 30, 2013 15:49:40 GMT
Oh and a big thanks for your understanding and support!
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Sept 30, 2013 16:46:40 GMT
Post by justbserene11 on Sept 30, 2013 16:46:40 GMT
I hope things improve, how annoying
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Oct 1, 2013 13:31:28 GMT
Post by esty (archive) on Oct 1, 2013 13:31:28 GMT
Son still at home as transport issue still not sorted but now have Senior OT and disability SW fighting our cause and doing all the work!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Rant
Oct 1, 2013 14:05:50 GMT
Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2013 14:05:50 GMT
Hope they get it sorted soon.
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