Current:Home > ScamsSafeX Pro Exchange|After disabled 6-year-old dies on the way to school, parents speak out about safety -Wealth Evolution Experts
SafeX Pro Exchange|After disabled 6-year-old dies on the way to school, parents speak out about safety
EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-09 01:42:49
A mother is SafeX Pro Exchangedemanding justice after her 6-year-old daughter died on her bus ride to school.
“My daughter's passing could have and should have been prevented,” said Najmah Nash, the mother of Fajr Atiya Williams.
“This was purely due to neglect and policies and procedures being disregarded,” she added.
Fajr died on her bus ride to school in New Jersey’s Franklin Township when bumps in the road caused her to slump in her wheelchair, making the harness that secured her to the chair become tight around her neck and block her airways.
Fajr had a rare chromosome disorder called Emanuel syndrome, which is characterized as a developmental and learning disability that stunts growth and development, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
“She was just a vibrant kid, she was so happy. Her eyes were big and brown. And she would just draw you in just looking at her,” said Nash. “Although she was nonverbal, I believe she talked through her eyes.”
MORE: Workplace inaccessibility is keeping disabled people from jobs
She has teamed up with other parents of disabled students, including Lauren Sammerson of the school’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council, who say they are working with the school board to ensure students with disabilities are protected in schools.
“I want the world to know that I, Najmah Nash, will not back down. I will not stop fighting for change,” Nash said. “And I will assure you with every fiber of my being to make sure that change comes and it comes now, and swiftly because I don't want no other family to feel the way I feel right now.”
A bus monitor, Amanda Davila, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in the death. She is accused by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office of being on her phone and wearing headphones during the crucial time when Fajr was slumped in her chair.
This was in violation of policies and procedures, according to the prosecutor's office. ABC News has reached out to her attorneys for comment.
“We've entrusted these people to take care of our children,” Nash said. “They should be able to recognize if, and when, any child in their care is in distress.”
“We cannot stand by and not do anything for our children, especially when it comes to safety," Sammerson said, a mother of two children with disabilities.
MORE: Organization provides support to disabled startup founders globally
Parents say transportation, communication and education have been at the center of the conversation.
Complaints about children being dropped off at the wrong locations, the need for data-driven individual educational plans for disabled students and communication with parents are just some of the subjects of upcoming debate between school officials and parents, according to Sammerson.
“For some of us, particularly children who are nonverbal, it can be very disheartening when you don't get any information and you're not sure exactly what they're experiencing, what happened,” Sammerson said.
She said the conversation has opened up for parents, students and educators to work together on how to best accommodate students who are disabled, which will make schools a better place for both disabled and able-bodied students.
"Inclusion is always a key to making sure that all voices are heard," Sammerson said. "And for those who have an ability, it's about sharing it with others. And if there's something that you aren't able to do, or maybe not able to do as well, others can help and provide that support as needed."
District Superintendent Dr. John Ravally said the district has policies, trainings, drills and modifications to help protect staff and students from such tragedies. In light of Fajr's death, the district "has taken additional steps to remind" bus vendors "of the expectations and ensure compliance."
Ravally, as well as other administrators, plan to meet with parents to discuss and remedy concerns.
Nash wants Fajr to be remembered for her "happy screams" and "crazy laughter."
"She started giving out high fives and waving at other classmates in school," Nash said. "It was just a beautiful sight to see how much she's grown over the years."
veryGood! (84)
Related
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Meet The Marías: The bilingual band thriving after romantic breakup, singing with Bad Bunny
- Louisiana may soon require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments
- Elections are not wasted on the young in EU. Some nations allow 16-year-olds to decide in June polls
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Top McDonald's exec says $18 Big Mac meal is exception, not the rule
- Blinken assails Russian misinformation after hinting US may allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia
- Porsche unveils latest hybrid, the 911 Carrera GTS: What sets it apart?
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Nigeria’s new anthem, written by a Briton, sparks criticism after a contentious law is passed
Ranking
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Syria’s main insurgent group blasts the US Embassy over its criticism of crackdown on protesters
- US pledges $135 million in aid to Western-leaning Moldova to counter Russian influence
- Turkey signals new military intervention in Syria if Kurdish groups hold municipal election
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Where Vanderpump Rules' Breakout Star Ann Maddox Stands With Tom Sandoval & Ariana Madix Today
- The love in Bill Walton's voice when speaking about his four sons was unforgettable
- Chelsea hires Sonia Bompastor as its new head coach after Emma Hayes’ departure
Recommendation
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
North Korea flies hundreds of balloons full of trash over South Korea
Clerk over Alex Murdaugh trial spent thousands on bonuses, meals and gifts, ethics complaint says
Renewable Energy Wins for Now in Michigan as Local Control Measure Fails to Make Ballot
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Palestinian prime minister visits Madrid after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognize Palestinian state
Nelly Korda makes a 10 and faces uphill climb at Women’s Open
NRA can sue ex-NY official it says tried to blacklist it after Parkland shooting, Supreme Court says