By Jane Prendergast
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WALNUT HILLS - A 1995 blue Dodge Caravan is missing from United Cerebral Palsy, and some disabled people would really appreciate getting it back.

It didn't have a fancy stereo inside - just a first aid kit, mileage logbook and space for two wheelchairs. The van, with a wheelchair lift, was donated in 2000 by the family of Dixie Harmon, a longtime advocate for the agency who was disabled herself.

The van disappeared from the agency's parking lot Jan. 21. At first, instructional manager Eileen Kempf assumed it would turn up once the thieves realized there wasn't much inside.

But nearly two weeks later, it's still missing. Kempf wonders which clients will have to be told the agency can't transport them.

The van was one of three the agency uses to transport people who depend upon wheelchairs. The agency can't afford to buy a replacement, Kempf said. It bought one last year - a 1989 model, but was denied an Ohio Department of Transportation grant last year to buy a new bus.

More than 30 clients in wheelchairs need transportation, she said.

"We have students who need to be taken to apply for scholarships, people who need computer training, and clients who need to apply for Social Security and welfare benefits,'' Kempf said.

"It's like my husband said, 'How low can you go, to steal from handicapped people?' ''

---

E-mail jprendergast@enquirer.com