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Lone Call-A-Ride driver calls in sick, disrupts clients’ routines
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Posted on Feb 23 2006
For two days, people with disabilities dependent on the local Call-A-Ride program had to make other arrangements, as the service was forced to stop its operations after its only driver got sick.
CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities executive director Tony C. Chong said that two days ago the only driver of the program went on sick leave, resulting in the interruption of Call-A-Ride’s regular operations.
Chong said the program currently has more than 500 clients who avail of the transportation program for people with disabilities in the CNMI.
Center for Independent Living officer Lydia Igitol expressed her concerns to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial during yesterday’s proclamation signing of the CNMI Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on Capitol Hill.
Igitol said the interruption had stirred confusion and worries among its clientele because most of the clients had to be transported to places such as the hospital for their regular dialysis check up.
If the incident happened again, it would certainly disrupt people with disabilities’ daily routine, especially those pertaining to their health, she added.
Chong said that, at the end of 2005, his office was able to discuss a possible tie up with the Workforce Investment Agency, led by new director Edith Guerrero. He said the agency showed willingness in providing training and certification for another driver for the program.
The governor had suggested adding two more drivers for the Call-A-Ride program. There are two 10-passenger vans that are operational right now, but since there is only one driver, the other van is not fully utilized, said Chong.
The Office on Aging has been handling the operation of the Call-A-Ride Program in the past four months when a private firm gave it up and turned it over to the CDD. Due to lack of funding, Chong said the program is barely surviving.
Chong admitted that the program would operate best if handled by a private company.
