The mother of a 16 year old deaf blind boy in Indianapolis has filed a lawsuit against his former school district and several staff members. She claims they subjected him to inhumane and degrading treatment that violated his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Details of the Allegations

The lawsuit points to a series of troubling incidents at the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. It names key figures like Superintendent Jeffery Butts, Principal Sandra Squire, and special education teachers Samantha Johnson and Conner Edwards as defendants. The boy, referred to as John Doe in court documents, faced what attorneys describe as barbaric abuse during his time at Chapel Hill 7th and 8th Grade Center and later at Ben Davis High School.

According to the suit, staff left the student unsupervised for long periods and failed to provide basic care. One shocking claim involves employees photographing the boy while he was naked, which attorneys say added to his trauma. The mother noticed bruises on his body and genitals, along with signs of extreme distress that doctors could not explain through medical tests.

The allegations go beyond neglect to include physical restraints and denial of proper hygiene. His one on one aide reportedly warned administrators about the mistreatment but saw no action taken. These events unfolded over several years, starting around 2022 when the boy first enrolled.

• Key claims in the lawsuit include:
  • Repeated exclusion from school without cause, disrupting his education.
  • Failure to address his underweight condition, leading to further health decline.
  • Ignoring reports of abuse from staff members who witnessed the issues.
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress through degrading practices.

This case highlights how vulnerable students can slip through cracks in special education systems. Parents often fight battles just to ensure their children receive fair treatment.

The Student’s Decline and School Transfer

John Doe’s challenges began soon after he started at Chapel Hill around 2022 or 2023. He showed regression in communication skills and gained aggressive behaviors that were out of character. His mother frequently had to pick him up early or deal with full exclusions, which broke the routine he needed.

By July 2024, the district transferred him to Ben Davis High School in hopes of improvement. Instead, his mother saw worse signs right away. He cried uncontrollably and resisted going to school, a stark change from before.

As the year went on, his energy dropped dramatically. Once active, he became listless and spent days lying down instead of engaging. He even withheld urine out of fear, leading to more physical harm. A staff member finally shared photos and videos showing him in distressing conditions, prompting the mother to withdraw him in March 2025.

His primary care doctor now recommends home education due to the documented decline. This transfer meant to help only amplified the problems, showing deeper issues in the district’s approach to special needs students.

Staff Involvement and Ongoing Probe

The lawsuit accuses specific teachers and coordinators of direct involvement in the mistreatment. For instance, Conner Edwards allegedly restrained the boy physically and took unauthorized photos. Samantha Johnson and others are blamed for negligent supervision that allowed the abuse to continue.

Administrators like Dante Brown, the Coordinator of Special Services, face charges of failing to accommodate his disabilities. The suit argues they ignored clear signs of trauma and dismissed concerns as medical issues. Even after the aide’s reports, no changes were made to protect him.

The Department of Child Services has launched an investigation into these claims. It remains ongoing as of October 2025, with no public updates on findings yet. School officials have not commented publicly on the allegations, but the case has drawn attention from disability advocates.

This situation raises questions about hiring and training in special education roles. Districts must ensure staff are equipped to handle complex needs without resorting to harmful practices.

Broader Issues in Indiana Special Education

This lawsuit comes amid growing concerns about special education in Indiana. Complaints against schools for disability violations have risen sharply since the COVID dip, with parents fighting for basic services like therapy and transportation. In 2024 alone, several local districts faced formal probes over similar failures.

Nationwide, children with disabilities face higher risks of maltreatment. They represent about 10 percent of the child population but account for nearly 26 percent of abuse allegations. Neglect tops the list at over 57 percent of cases involving disabled kids, followed by physical abuse in about 29 percent.

Recent events add context to this story. In June 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in a case that makes it easier for families to sue schools for disability discrimination, potentially aiding cases like this one. Closer to home, Indiana’s School for the Deaf faced budget cuts earlier this year, forcing staff reductions that hurt services for deaf students.

These patterns show systemic challenges that go beyond one student. Budget strains and high suspension rates for special ed kids, like 41 incidents per 100 in some districts, only make things harder.1

What Lies Ahead for the Family and District

Attorneys seek compensation for the mother’s losses, including emotional and medical costs. Claims cover negligent care, discrimination, and failure to supervise. The family hopes this suit brings accountability and prevents future harm.

As the case moves forward, it could spark reforms in Wayne Township. Advocates call for better training and oversight in special education to protect vulnerable kids. This story reminds everyone of the duty schools have to all students, especially those with disabilities.

Readers, if this issue hits close to home, share your thoughts in the comments below. Your shares can raise awareness and push for change in how we support special needs education.