A nonverbal boy who attended the Center School for Crisis Prevention in Springfield was subjected to weeks of bullying and assault by a van driver and monitor, according to a lawsuit filed by his mother. The driver and monitor, Judy Cubin and William Kane, were previously indicted on criminal charges including assault and battery with dangerous weapons. The mother is seeking $1 million in damages in the lawsuit, which also includes the Wilbraham-based van company Van Pool Transportation and insurance provider Sedgwick Claims Management Systems as defendants.
According to court documents, Cubin and Kane allegedly harassed, assaulted, and threatened the young boy for an extended period of time. From March 10 to May 23, 2023, Cubin reportedly failed to intervene when another student attacked the boy, threatened to harm him, slapped and hit him, and made a statement about decking him. During the same time frame, Kane allegedly threatened to smash the boy’s head, hit him with the van door, and silence him permanently.
The final pre-trial hearing for Cubin and Kane is scheduled for later this month.
This disturbing incident highlights the vulnerability of nonverbal, developmentally disabled children and the importance of safeguards in transportation services for special needs students. The emotional and physical well-being of these children is paramount, and it is crucial for responsible adults to protect them from any form of mistreatment or harm.
The lawsuit seeks justice for the traumatized boy and his family, aiming to hold all responsible parties accountable for their alleged actions. The requested $1 million in damages reflects not only the severity of the assault and bullying but also the potential long-term effects on the child’s well-being and future. While legal proceedings are underway, it is essential to remember the importance of empathy and compassion when caring for vulnerable individuals, especially children who may not be able to express their distress in conventional ways.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder that the protection and support of every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, should be a top priority for schools, transportation providers, and society as a whole. The outcome of this lawsuit will undoubtedly have repercussions beyond the individuals involved, shaping policies and guidelines to safeguard the rights and well-being of all nonverbal, developmentally disabled students in the future.
