COVER STORY
HOW TRAINING AND COMPASSION DRIVE
FIRST STUDENT’S
APPROACH TO TRANSPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
W
hen it comes to transporting students with disabilities, First Student drivers and attendants are in a class of their own. These individuals are specifically chosen for their compassion and their dedication to caring for all students, no matter their abilities. Once they’re carefully selected, they undergo a comprehensive training program that encompasses many facets of transporting students with disabilities. It’s a First Student training program thoughtfully and deliberately implemented to address a large and growing demographic. The population of students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has grown at a rate significantly higher than the general education population. Students served under IDEA currently account for approximately 13 percent of the total education population. First Student drivers, who transport 12,000 students with disabilities each day, are prepared for this, bringing a wealth of knowledge and highly tuned skills to the job. The training program includes cross-disability training, which readies driving teams for potential accommodations that current or future students may need. The training equips these teams with more tools to aid them in properly and safely caring for students with developmental disabilities, as well as with constantly updated safety strategies for transporting children with physical disabilities.
24
AC&E
ACCESSIBILITY, COMPLIANCE &
EQUITY
Every Student, Every School, Every Day
NEW IN THIS ISSUE:
Inspiring association leadership columns written exclusively for Thanks to continual AC&E readers
FEATURE:
Training and compassion drive special needs transportation
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Leverage project-based learning as a force for equity Ready your school for the increase in deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms Use STEM education to activate dyslexic learners
professional development ...and so much more such as workshops, on-the-job training, and ACE-ED.ORG 2019 hands-on exercises, First| November/December Student drivers and attendants are equipped with knowledge and skills in a variety of areas. They’re able to manage behavioral challenges, provide for individual needs relating to verbal and nonverbal communication styles, secure wheelchairs and other needed equipment properly, and communicate effectively with parents. Due to First Student’s compassionate approach, these professionals build bonds with students that can last far beyond the school year.
ACCESSIBILITY, COMPLIANCE & EQUITY IN EDUCATION
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