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Busmatt
Active Member
USA
34 Posts |
 Posted - 11/30/2002 : 08:47:14 AM
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We received notification that our contractor will no longer be able to provide special ed. transportationservices beyond 7-1-03.
This is giving me the very exciting and awesome opportunity to build a specail ed transportation system from the ground up!
There are currently 28 students being transported to 3 out of district locations and three are in wheelchairs.
IF you had the opportunity to rebuild your special ed transportation system, what one or tweo things would you absolutely do differently this time?
Thanks!
Busmatt
Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if neccesary. |
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Dr. Ray Turner
Active Member
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2002 : 6:23:29 PM
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I suggest that you consider my book Special Needs Transportation Handbook. It has all of the basics to start and maintain special needs transportation.
For info on how to order see:
www.whitebuffalopress.com
The book was favorably reviewed in School Bus Fleet September, 2001. You might want to go back into the archives and read it there before considering what I suggest.
Dr. Ray Turner
White Buffalo Press
210-614-1395
210-614-1396 FAX
www.whitebuffalopress.com
drturner@earthlink.net
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2002 : 7:14:25 PM
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Don't back yourself into a corner by offering door to door service when it isn't necessary or cost effective. Don't limit your flexability by using the smallest buses. I would use as large a bus as I could fit in the confines of the route system. You don't need to fill up every bus right away, but a driver and attendant cost a similar amount regardless of what size bus they operate.
Joe
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2002 : 1:36:45 PM
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You’re right about that Joe! The way Special Ed is growing you never know what your fleet might need in the future. Going with a larger bus is the best way to go!
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BBrooks
Active Member
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 12/18/2002 : 1:50:30 PM
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Be flexible. I recommend that you develop a close working relationship with your special services people. Get your drivers and aides trained to meet your student's needs (i.e. CPR, CPI, fire extinguisher, asthma, seizure). Get multipurpose buses. If you need to purchase a wheel chair bus, I would recommend a flat floor with rails all the way up the floor. This will provide the flexibility to add or delete wheel chair positions. Training your folks on the proper usage of the wheel chair lift and belts. I'm a fan of Ricon lifts. Make sure your buses have radios and cameras. Over budget if possible. You will not be able to budget or plan for every situation. Be sure that you have a good working relationship with the parents, understand their child's medical needs and be sure that you have accurate and current medical cards. Try to have a transportation representative at the IEP if possible. If not,demand that you are briefed before any transportaion demands are put onto you without your input. San Diego Public Schools have an outstanding IEP Transportation checklist that I would recommend that you use. Good luck, I hope this helps. Remember, flexibility is the key.
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ontheroof
New Member
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 12/30/2002 : 07:16:05 AM
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Please remember that children with special needs are children first and then children with special needs. If possible transport these children with their piers and do not single them out. If it is necessary to develop a fleet for special needs transportation order variable design buses. This allows you to change the passenger design according to your District needs. Also do not split your driving force. All drivers need to be qualified to drive any and all equipemnt and passengers therefore everyone should receive the same traning and can be called upon to help in any areas of transportation. Remember children with special needs can and in most cases enjoy the privilage of riding the bus in the least restrictive enviornment. "Give them this chance."
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american busing
Active Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 01/22/2003 : 4:29:14 PM
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good luck with sped ed i used to do that from scratch and it was a nightmare i quit after 2 weeks and went on to the regular busing i cant take sped ed kids no offense 
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Special Ed. (from scratch)
