Near Toulouse, a father climbs on a crane to obtain the placement of his disabled son in a specialized center
Since 5:45 am, Wednesday October 6, the father of a young disabled man of 24 years is on a crane, in Cugnaux (Haute-Garonne). An action to request the placement of his son, pending for several months of registration in a specialized establishment.
On the photo shared on all social networks, a metal structure appears behind Olivier Gutierrez, with the night and the lights of the Toulouse metropolitan area in the background. Since 5:45 am, Wednesday October 6, this father has been installed on a crane in the town of Cugnaux, near Toulouse (Haute-Garonne).
“I will not get off the crane until the placement is effective”
In a Facebook post, he explains the reasons for his action.
“We are awaiting an emergency placement for our disabled son, Axel Gutierrez in the Castel Saint-Louis establishment in Ordan-Larroque (32). 4 years of steps and hope lost, but still no solution. Letters to all authorities of the Republic: everyone is sorry for us, but nobody does anything Administrative burdens: the MDPH steamroller wins the battle … For the moment Young mentally handicapped adult of 24 years old, desperate by what “He thinks the situation is his fault. Parents are in extreme distress, this is the only solution we have left. I will not get off the crane until the placement is effective. “
At the foot of the crane the gendarmerie, the town hall of Cugnaux, a representative of the Departmental Council of Haute-Garonne and his wife, Chantal Gutierrez. The firefighters have just come up to secure him and provide him with a survival blanket. “It’s very cold up there. I am upset and worried“explains the wife to France 3 Occitanie.
Negative answer without explanation
The decision to carry out this “desperate” action was taken yesterday: “We have received a letter from the House of Handicapped People of Haute-Garonne (MDHP 31) which calls into question all the decisions taken last July, in particular Axel’s request for emergency placement“says the mother of the young man of 24 years. Axel Gutierrez is disabled at more than 80%, carrying Prader-Willy syndrome.
Helpers, not helped
“There is an administrative problem which prevents us from placing in the establishment Castel Saint-Louis in Ordan-Larroque (Gers), likely to receive. Without explanation. It blocks and we do not know from where. But it is France.“
Four years of waiting, during which Axel spends his days in a center for adolescents. “He is 24 years old and he is with toddlers. He thinks this is all his fault“laments his mother.
Wednesday October 6 is National Caregiver Day. “We need to be listened to and heard“hopes Chantal Gutierrez. Collective I help you, “50% of caregivers feel alone and unaccompanied morally.“
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