Former Student Says Teacher Teased Her Because Of Her Disability
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
November 22 2006

TORONTO, ONTARIO--A champion swimmer who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Sydney and Athens Paralympic Games, reportedly broke down in tears Wednesday, while recounting how a former high school teacher teased her about her disability.

Danielle Campo, who has muscular dystrophy, was testifying before a disciplinary panel over accusations that William Johan Fabel acted unprofessionally while teaching history at St. Anne Catholic High School from 1997 to 2002.

Campo, 21, told the Ontario College of Teachers panel that Fabel nicknamed her 'gimpy', and 'chicken legs', referring specifically to her disability.

"I'm proud of who I am," Campo said. "(He) made me feel ... self-conscious."

Campo said Fabel often talked about the 9-11 terror attacks, graphically describing how those trapped in the World Trade Center would have perished while trying to escape the collapse.

"I remember feeling sick to my stomach," she said.

The disciplinary hearing is scheduled to continue on Thursday.

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Reproduced here under special arrangement with Inclusion Daily Express international disability rights news service.
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