Bermuda?s physically disabled claim they have not had their needs met by Government over the years and are now demanding to have their voices heard.

Speaking prior to Access Bermuda week, which runs this week, President of Bermuda?s Physically Handicapped Association, Willard Fox, said: ?Before we were being a little more patient, but our patience has run out.

?We are not asking for it we are demanding it?.

Along with Mr. Fox, frustrated residents of Summer Haven discussed issues ranging from accessibility, housing, parking and employment, but their biggest concern was undeniably transportation.

They explained Government had promised them a transport system three years ago, still there are limited options available to them ? only Project Action. Project Action is a free door-to-door service that enables the elderly and the physically challenged to get to medical appointments and go grocery shopping, but residents explained there are not enough drivers and the system operates on an inconvenient schedule.

?The problem is it picks you up so early at 7 a.m. and your appointment isn?t until 10 a.m.,? said resident Clairann Moore.

Project Action chairman Cindy Swan said: ?We do the best we can.

?Project Action has provided over 3,800 rides for the physically challenged and seniors last year, and we are planning to put a second vehicle on the road in the near future?.

Mr. Fox was particularly displeased with the work of Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown.

?Dr. Brown cannot do justice for two ministries. The Bible says you cannot serve two masters at the same time,? he said.

?Every time I talk to him the department says ?they?re working on it?,? resident Steve Wilson said.

?I am asking Mr. Brown to really put an emphasis on transportation. He?s the only Minister in the House that gets bills passed because he does his own work, but he has been focusing on Tourism,? said Mr. Fox

He continued: ?We are looking for a union to lobby on behalf of us outside the Ministry and Social Services?.

Dr. Brown commented on these statements and said: ?We are working with those who wish to work with us to improve transportation for the disabled. It is regrettable that Mr. Fox has failed to work with us.

?Rather he has chosen to make annual negative statements to the media. We respect his right to do so and again extend an invitation to him to join the work,? he said.

He continued: ?We now have 25 licensed vehicles to serve the disabled.

?In addition we work diligently with Keith Simmons who does an excellent job of serving the needs of our disabled visitors as well as Bermudians.

?Regarding my neglect of transport because of the work required in Tourism, the results in Transport speak for themselves,? Dr. Brown said.

Some of the residents at Summer Haven are appealing to the public for support.

?Don?t wait to become disabled before you get involved in other people?s lives with disabilities,? said Mr. Fox.

In addition, they are in fundraising mode and have asked the public for financial assistance in replacing their bus.

?If anyone has any money in their pocket just sitting there donate to Summer Haven,? said Mr. Fox.

?There are a lot of handicapped people that are disenfranchised with the handicapped in Bermuda,? said Mr. Wilson.

In addition the residents are appealing to the public to help them raise funds for electric wheelchairs and equipment to assist with their mobility.

?We are all trying to get some form of freedom,? said Ms Moore.

Access Week continues with South African expert Shuaib Chalken delivering the keynote address at Par-La-Ville Park at noon today.