Vans For Transporting Handicapped Vandalized in Bethel

BETHEL, CT — Police are investigating the vandalism of seven wheelchair accessible vans used by Ability Beyond to transport clients with disabilities to and from day and work programs, the company has announced.

The vans were vandalized on Saturday at approximately midnight at the Ability Beyond offices located at 4 Berkshire Boulevard in Bethel. Thieves stole all of the catalytic converters from the engines, rendering the vehicles undrivable until repairs are complete after the first of the year.

"As a nonprofit organization, any unexpected expense hurts, and having vans out of service during the busy holiday season has created a challenge for our transport team," said Jane Davis, president and CEO of Ability Beyond. "We are shuffling schedules and vehicles to minimize the impact for the people we serve."

Davis said that police are analyzing security camera footage and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

"We will persevere and are hopeful that members of the community will rally around Ability Beyond as they did after vandalism at our Roses for Autism sensory garden," Davis said, referring to two incidents of vandalism at a newly planted sensory garden at Roses for Autism in Guilford in 2017. Plants, statues and structures were destroyed or stolen. An outpouring of assistance from the community included a custom-built gazebo and $22,000 worth of donations and materials.

"Transportation is a critical service that we provide," added Davis “Without it, many clients would not be able to participate in our vital programs.”

Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to help cover the cost of repairs may visit the Ability Beyond website at www.abilitybeyond.org/get-involved or send contributions to Ability Beyond, 4 Berkshire Boulevard, Bethel, CT 06801.

Ability Beyond is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Bethel and Chappaqua, NY. It provides a wide range of services for over 3,000 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living — including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend throughout Connecticut and New York’s lower Hudson Valley.