Ama said her daughter, Sophia Ama, is a 6-year-old \u201csassy little girl\u201d who loved school, art, dancing, and most of all her little sister, Layla Ama.<\/p>\n
But behind that joy is a constant threat. Sophia is autistic and has propionic acidemia, a rare metabolic disorder that means her body can\u2019t properly break down certain proteins and fats. Sophia also has limited speech.<\/p>\n
Ama said she has been shocked by the poor service since the ministry switched providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s been sent home twice with no car seat … my daughter just last week came home with the door that wasn\u2019t shut completely and the step ladder … of the van still left out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brooke Ama and her daughter Sophia rely on specialist school transport. Photo \/ Brooke Ama<\/p>\n
Sophia needs a car seat for her own safety, but it\u2019s also the law. In New Zealand, children under 7 must be properly restrained, and that responsibility falls on the driver.<\/p>\n
Ama said she has also seen wheelchairs \u201ctied down\u201d due to a lack of correct fixtures.<\/p>\n
The Herald put Ama\u2019s claims to Ritchies. The company refused to comment on specifics, but released a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take the safety and security of our passengers very seriously. We work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure our services are consistent with the requirements of our contract and to ensure a high quality, safe service. We continue to work closely with the ministry to rectify issues that arise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before the ministry\u2019s overhaul, Ama had no issues with school transport.<\/p>\n
Sophia Ama, 6, relies on Specialist Education School Transport Assistance. Photo \/ Brooke Ama<\/p>\n
\u201cThe driver would come to our front door, collect the car seat, strap her in and out of the car. These guys don\u2019t even get out of the vehicle,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ama is not the only one. Her calls for change echo those of other families.<\/p>\n
On May 18th, 8-year-old Gurshabad Singh<\/a> escaped a school van unnoticed and drowned in a West Auckland backyard pool<\/a>.<\/p>\n