2008 EXPO Special Needs Track

“Safe Transportation of Students Who Use Wheelchairs”
This session will discuss principles of safe transport of wheelchair passengers, including selection of suitable securement sites, and use of tiedowns and restraint systems. Procedural considerations for dealing with medical issues, accessory equipment, wheelchair components, and challenging wheelchair types will also be reviewed.
Session Presenter(s): Sue Shutrump, Miriam Manary

“The Basics of Special Needs”
This session provides an overview of the legal and operational requirements of IDEA, which includes least restrictive environment, extended school year, training, the 10 day rule, and confidentiality. If you’re new to the area of transporting students with disabilities or need a refresher course in IDEA compliance issues and best practices, this is the session for you!
Session Presenter(s): Pauline Gervais, Cheryl Wolf

“Transporting Medically Fragile Students”
Transportation directors and staff are heading down a dangerous highway. However by studying and reading the directions ahead of time, a safe ride can be assured for our medically complex students. This workshop will explore the issue of communication, medical equipment, additional staff on the bus, alternative breathing methods, bus equipment and evacuation of these medically complex students.
Session Presenter(s): Jean Zimmerman

“Intermediate Special Needs: Hot Topics & Case Law”
This interactive session is designed for transportation professionals with responsibility for daily decision-making in the area of special needs transportation and three or more years of transportation supervisory experience. Hot topics and case law that contribute to favorable decision-making will be discussed.
Session Presenter(s): Dr. Linda Bluth

“Travel Training Panel Discussion”
Public transportation is the key to providing a good standard of living for all people with disabilities, and understanding how to use it begins in school. This discussion centers on how schools can assist in teaching their students how to utilize public transportation as adults.
Session Presenter(s): Pauline Gervais, Peggy Groce

“Evacuating Students with Special Needs”
You will be provided with the necessary information to go back to your districts and plan out emergency evacuations plans for each of your school buses. This presentation will include a live demonstration on a school bus showing how to take a wheelchair out the back of the bus and the drag method.
Session Presenter(s): Jean Zimmerman, Charley Kennington

“Bullying & Harrassment: How to Create Safe Zones on your School Buses”
This interactive class will identify the forms of bullying, discuss the differences between flirting and sexual harassment, adult attitudes about bullying and provide practical tips for creating safe-zones on our school buses.
Session Presenter(s): Peter Lawrence

“Special Needs Students on General Population Routes”
If you a facing challenges regarding students with disabilities riding with the general population such as medical and behavior needs, this is the session to attend. Learn how to collaborate with nurses, schools and special education departments.
Session Presenter(s): Launi Schmutz, Peggy Groce

“Behavior & Discipline”
Not all students fit within behavior guidelines and rules. Some don’t even know what to do with established rules. Learn to redirect behavior rather then punish bad behavior. Presenters Furneaux and Gervais will discuss and share tools, ideas, and practices which will have you thinking outside the box. 
Session Presenter(s): Kathy Furneaux & Pauline Gervais

“How to Say ‘No’ and Defend Difficult Decisions”
This session is designed to help transporters make difficult decisions that impact special needs students with challenging service requirements. The session addresses how to respond to first-time unanticipated questions and defend your position. Questions will be presented in a scenario format with the opportunity for audience participation.
Session Presenter(s): Dr. Linda Bluth