PHILADELPHIA - A Delaware County family is advocating for awareness and training after they say a family member with autism was handcuffed during an outburst of frustration at a Philadelphia circus.
Kevin Bradley, 31, has autism and is nonverbal but the joy a carnival brings him is palpable. Kevin's sister, Kylie Moreschi, who runs the non-profit Emmaus House that provides housing and services for adults with intellectual disabilities, described his love for carnivals as "one of his greatest joys in the world."Family members now fear that Kevin's joy is forever tarnished after an incident that unfolded last week at S.E.E.Y.A carnival in South Philadelphia.
Moreschi said an Emmaus House staff member went with Kevin to the carnival run by Houghton Enterprises, Inc on Friday night.
Their staff know Kevin as a long-time visitor.Moreschi said Kevin got upset when carnival staff had to close down his favorite ride due to high winds.