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A paraplegic athlete is suing Luton Airport after being forced to drag himself into the terminal while his self-propelled wheelchair was left on a flight.
The airport staff had suggested pushing 30-year-old Justin Levene into a high-back rigid chair, which he refused because he felt it took away his independence.
He asked to use a motorized buggy instead, but Luton Airport did not have one.
Justin told the BBC: "I worked hard for several years trying to maintain my independence.
"And being on one of the chairs they offered would make me feel humiliated and degraded. They insisted on trying to tie me up. "
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He was left unable to walk after having a herniated disc after a coughing fit two days before his 21st birthday.
He has since competed as an international wheelchair athlete and has since become a mentor and coach for other disabled athletes. He refused to let his disability lead an independent life.
But he added that he was left "humiliated and degraded" when his own wheelchair was left on his plane.
One of his friends filmed him dragging himself in the airport before sitting on a luggage cart.
Although he recognizes that mistakes can occur and that wheelchairs can be left behind, he has never had to deal with such a situation.
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Justin is now suing Luton Airport, claiming that it has not provided adequate training in disability equality and awareness to those responsible for providing assistance to the community. mobility.
The prosecution will focus on whether companies must provide customers with disabilities with independent means to travel on their premises or if it is sufficient to provide a means of transportation.
In a statement, the airport said that he was satisfied with his response.
He said: "After discovering that Mr. Levene's flight had arrived without his wheelchair, our teams worked tirelessly to find a solution, offering Mr. Levene a wheelchair assisted temporary replacement.
"Mr. Levene declined all offers of assistance because he found them unacceptable.
"While we apologize if Mr. Levene was dissatisfied with the service he received, we are satisfied that our agents and staff have done their utmost in difficult circumstances."
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