Mom Seeks New Law After Death Of Wheelchair-Bound Child In Somerset County

FRANKLIN, NJ — Najmah Nash, mother of 6-year-old wheelchair-bound Fajr Atiya Williams who died on a school bus last month, is pleading with lawmakers for change.

Nash is proposing "Fajr's Law" in honor of Fajr Atiya Williams who died on July 17 while on a school bus ride to a local school in Franklin Township to attend an extended school year program. During the ride a strap on her 4-point harness become tight around her neck. A monitor on her cell phone failed to notice as she suffocated on the ride, according to authorities. Read More: NJ Child Struggled For Life While Monitor Was On Cell: Cops

"I am coming here as an outcry for change in the way all children are transported within all school districts not just for special needs. We need to rally together and fight for our rights. One of them being the safety of transportation. If things stay the same this could happen to another child leaving us all devastated once again," wrote Nash on a change.org petition to lawmakers including Governor Phil Murphy.

Murphy's office did not immediately respond to Patch with a comment.

In less than a week, the petition garnered more than 1,000 signatures of its 1,500 goal.

"We can't wait for change. Change needs to happen NOW!" wrote Nash.

Under "Fajr's Law," Nash is proposing that the Franklin TownshiopBoard of Education fire Montauk Transit LLC immediately, and have all bus drivers and aides be trained in CPR as well as trained to handle any adaptive equipment a child may have. There would also be a requirement for training to recognize all signs of distress and to have an emergency plan in place for emergencies.

"Help ME, Help all of you that have children who take school transportation as well as children with special needs," wrote Nash.

School bus monitor Amanda Davila, 27, of New Brunswick, has since been charged with second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with Fajr's death. Read More: 6-Year-Old Dies After School Bus Ride, Woman Charged In Franklin

Court documents show Davila was distracted with her cell phone while Fajr "struggled violently for her life" as a school bus seat belt became tighter around her neck.

For more information or to sign the petition visit change.org/p/fajr-s-law.

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