Transportation Management Software, bus scheduling software, school bus scheduling software, school bus management software
It's important that your school buses be safe and accessible for all students - including children with disabilities and other 'special needs' kids. Your bus drivers need to know how to maintain student safety, even when specific riders may present specific challenges.
Five Ways To Protect Special Needs Students on Buses
1 - Make sure drivers have access to their IEP
Your bus drivers need to be informed about any special riders, and that starts with their IEP. Drivers should have an easy way to see and track students' special needs.
If possible, give them a tablet in the cab of the bus which will track any/all students who require special care.
2 - Form plans for specific students
Going beyond the IEP, students who need extra attention - such as those in wheelchairs - should have specific plans with a step-by-step checklist to follow. This will help ensure no mistakes are made getting them onto the bus, and safely securing them against mishap.
3 - Regularly test special safety gear
If you have a student in a wheelchair, or with similar mobility limitations, be certain that any on-bus safety gear is in good shape. For example, all the straps and attachments needed to hold down a wheelchair should be regularly inspected for signs of damage or wear-and-tear.
4 - Have another adult onboard, if at all possible
In many cases, the best way to accommodate a special needs student on a bus is to have an assistant helping them out. In some cases, this may even be necessary - like moving medical equipment on or off the bus, or helping keep a student calm.
5 - Train drivers' communication skills
Not all special needs students have physical disabilities; others may have mental or emotional disabilities. In these cases, the biggest challenge for the bus driver may be maintaining their patience and communication skills when working with a potentially-difficult student. These are skills that can be taught and trained through lessons, which should be provided to any driver who may have to work with challenging students.
BusBoss wants to help you maintain student safety! We have a wide range of software and hardware products for improving the efficiency of your transportation system, while always protecting your most precious cargo. Contact us us to learn more about our services!
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