The Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs Conference & Trade Show is almost here, so it’s time to finalize your plans to attend the popular March 15-20 event at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel Convention Center & Spa.
- Related: Another Great Speaker at TSD, Heather Hirsch
- Related: TSD Conference Highlights for Day 5 — Tuesday, March 19
- Related: TSD Conference Highlights for Day 4 — Monday, March 18
- Related: TSD Conference Highlights for Day 3 — Sunday, March 17
- Related: TSD Conference Highlights for Day 2 — Saturday, March 16
- Related: TSD Conference Highlights for Day 1 — Friday, March 15
- Related: Star Speaker Patrick Mulick Returns to TSD Conference
- Related: TSD Conference Speakers Set
HIGHLIGHTS OF DAY 5 — TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Browse the detailed conference workshop schedule.
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- Heart of the Matter
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Successfully supporting all students with disabilities means making sure that we view each of them as the wonderful individuals that they are. In this heartwarming message, behavior specialist Patrick Mulick will highlight how we add value to our own lives through this life-changing work. Get back in touch with why you entered this field in the first place as you laugh, learn and become inspired.
Lead Presenter: Patrick Mullick
- Sensory or Behavior? Getting to the Root of Unsafe School Bus Rides
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Are more students with challenging behaviors riding your bus? Are you finding that traditional behavior management strategies are not helping? Perhaps it is because your approach doesn’t address the root cause of the behavior. Come to this session to learn how sensory processing difficulties can trigger behaviors. Discuss what you can do to keep students with these sensitivities comfortable and safe on the bus.
Presenter: Sue Shutrump
- Understanding Vehicle Selection & Maintenance Needs for Pre-K Populations
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
This session will focus on the many aspects involved in determining the types and specifications you will need to consider prior to purchasing a school bus for the pre-k population. We will discuss the importance of understanding the students and their needs and how they will impact your decisions. Understanding the many specifications available for your students is varied and should be investigated prior to your purchase. This session will discuss the effect of maintaining your buses can have on your overall operation.
Presenter: Bobby Williams
- Top 10 Employer Issues for Transporters of Students with Special Needs
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
This presentation will cover common challenges employers face across many areas. Topics include laws being viewed in new ways (#MeToo), newer laws and laws being considered (genetic information, minimum wage), best practices for social media policies, data privacy and security, and avoiding discrimination and retaliation claims. Questions are encouraged, so come ready to ask about anything and everything about what keeps even the best leaders up at night as they worry about their employees.
Presenters: Katie Anderson, Esq. & Zoe Grisz
- What Do You Do When a Student is Too Unsafe to Transport?
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
There are times when a student’s behavior on the school bus creates an unsafe environment for themselves, transportation staff and other students. This session will discuss the options and strategies available to transporters that do not result in violations of a Free and Appropriate Public Education or the Least Restrictive Environment.
Presenter: Launi Harden
- Fostering Community Collaboration & Partnerships for Head Start Transportation
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The diverse makeup of Head Start and the needs of the families we serve are often a barrier for families to fully participate in the program. How programs provide transportation services may be determined by assessing the transportation assistance available in the local community. A self-assessment of transportation services may provide valuable insight into community partners and the service they provide in meeting these needs. Community collaborations and partnerships may be an alternative way of meeting the needs of families. This workshop will investigate what some of these options are.
Presenter: Jay Thurber
- 10 Commandments of Transporting Students Who are Highly Impacted by Autism
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
The best behavioral strategy one can use is getting in front of difficult behavior before it ever happens. In this more in-depth course, Patrick Mulick will show you how to do just that for student passengers who are highly impacted by autism. Attendees will learn Patrick’s top 10 tips of what to do and what not do to that will keep the bus ride rolling safely. Bring your challenges and questions, and be ready to share and learn.
Presenter: Patrick Mullick
- Workshop: Interviews & Pre-Application Questions
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This presentation will offer an introduction to illegal or inappropriate pre-hire practices that commonly get employers into trouble. The topics will inform decision-makers and those involved in the hiring process of the types of discrimination that are prevalent in the transportation industry. This session will offer tools and suggestions to prevent being sued by someone who never even makes it in the door. Come learn the dos and don’ts of hiring and how to steer clear of questions that could unintentionally result in discrimination claims.
Presenter: Katie Anderson, Esq.
- How Not to Be Blindsided by Regulations
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Far beyond state school bus specifications, student transporters can be proactive in staying in front of regulatory and legislative issues that could negatively affect their operations or their staff. Join this discussion to learn about the resources and strategies available to school district personnel so they can be more aware of what’s coming down the pike and even help alleviate or avoid unintended consequences.
Facilitator: Kayne Smith
Panelists: Cathy Staggs, Launi Harden
- Alternative Transportation Options for SPED Students
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
The demand for finding safe, alternative special needs transportation due to limited resources has opened the door for companies that provide services using personally owned light vehicles. What do you as a service provider need to consider when determining if these rideshare type services are right for your community, your organization and, most importantly, your students?
Presenter: Michael Hush
Conference Registration Contact:
Alice Hung Sabedra
Senior Events Coordinator
alice@stnmedia.com
310-802-7811
Last Chance to Exhibit
More than 70 exhibitors will be displaying their products and services. Exhibit spaces are almost completely sold out, but to inquire about reserving a booth, contact: Tony Corpin, STN Publisher, at 310-802-7803 or tony@stnmedia.com.
