FRISCO, Texas – The Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers National Conference concluded Wednesday with general sessions on wheelchairs and managing behaviors on the school bus.
“Basic Safety Principals to Provide Safe Transportation of Students Who Use Wheelchairs” discussed safe boarding procedures using wheelchair lifts, proper use of tie-downs and restraint systems on the bus and the securement of necessary equipment.
Presenters Sue Shutrump, supervisor of occupational and physical therapy services for the Trumbull County (Ohio) Educational Service Center, and Dianna Gates, a physical therapist and special needs liaison with Caddo Parish Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana, also shared procedural considerations for dealing with medical issues, wheelchair components and challenging types of wheelchairs designed as passenger seats in vehicles.
NAPT Professional Development Series course 805 was taught with the four-hour “Managing Behaviors” seminar presented by Theresa Anderson of TM Consulting, LLC in Colorado and Susan Hamre, a speech and language pathologist and trainer with the autism organization Giant Steps in Chicago. It provided attendees with an in-depth look at behavior management strategies for students of all ages.
In all there were this year there 45 sessions taught during the six-day conference. Next year marks the 25th Annual TSD Conference, and it is scheduled for March 11-16 in Louisville, Kentucky. The 19th Annual National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo will be held March 12.
