Special Needs Transportation Academy - Session Descriptions
Positioning, Seating & Securing of Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (PDS 802): This four-hour course emphasizes the importance of proper positioning, seating and securement in providing safe school bus transport for students with disabilities and special needs. Participants will learn how to determine when passengers are in need of additional occupant restraint or specialized seating or positioning and how to implement best practice guidelines as well as comply with Federal, State and Local regulations in this area. Preschool students will be a focus due to their need for additional occupant restraint and procedural supports throughout their transportation experience. When it comes to seating, one size doesn’t fit all. Appropriate team decision-making for the selection, fit, and use of child safety restraint systems for children of all ages will be presented. This course will also pay special attention to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and the importance of case-review by qualified personnel.
Specialized Equipment on the School Bus (PDS 803): This four-hour course reviews the vital role of school bus specialized equipment and related best practice procedures in the safe transport of children with disabilities and special needs of all ages. Participants will learn how to determine when specialized equipment, accommodations or modifications are needed for the school bus environment to meet individual developmental and healthcare needs in the least restrictive manner. A review of commonly used specialized equipment and supports will be accomplished while taking into account the entire transportation experience from bus stop to drop off, loading/unloading, proper securement of student adaptive equipment and mobility aides, daily in-bus supports and those needed in an emergency evacuation. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) decision-making process, school bus staff ratios (driver and attendant) and documentation of individualized transportation plans in order to maximize school bus safety will be a focus.
Supporting Safe Behavior on the School Bus for Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (PDS 805): In order to plan for a safe school bus ride, this four-hour course addresses the individual behavioral differences of various student disability categories under the IDEA and special needs addressed under Section 504. The role of the driver and attendant is discussed along with the allowable use of child safety restraint systems to address unsafe behavior on the school bus. Understanding the rules pertaining to discipline under the IDEA will also be presented.