Special-needs conference to present ‘Cynthia’s Legacy’

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Transporting Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers convention, which begins here on Friday, will include an intriguing presentation on the importance of proper training for pupil transportation personnel.

Stephanie Susavage, whose 6-year-old daughter, Cynthia, was strangled by a wrongly secured harness on a bus ride to school in 1999, will deliver the special-needs event’s keynote speech.

In her presentation, titled “Cynthia’s Legacy,” Susavage will present her own thoughts on the tragedy and its aftermath. The ensuing case, Susavage v. Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit No. 22, resulted in a $3.6 million settlement and brought attention nationwide to the need for specific training on harnesses and other special-needs equipment.

The 16th National Conference & Exhibition on Transporting Students With Disabilities & Preschoolers is scheduled for March 9-14. Susavage’s presentation will be on March 12. For more information, visit www.eduprogroup.com.