FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. — A school bus driver and monitor here have found that singing to the special-needs students on their bus has helped alleviate anxiety for some, Lexington Herald-Leader reports.
Bus driver Jennifer Ward and monitor Diana Becker sing student favorites such as “The Wheels on the Bus,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Old McDonald Had a Farm,” according to the newspaper. Ward told Lexington Herald-Leader that she had played music for the students because they seemed to be soothed by it. Then, one day in 2015, a Bluetooth speaker failed. Ward and Becker started singing, and the students liked that even more and wanted to sing instead of listen to music on the radio.
One parent told the newspaper that the singing has helped her daughter become less resistant to boarding and exiting the bus.
To read the full story, go here.
School Bus Driver, Aide Sing to Soothe Special-Needs Students
Kentucky driver Jennifer Ward and monitor Diana Becker find that students enjoy singing together more than listening to the radio and that it helps alleviate anxiety for some.
More Special Needs Transportation
The Lived-Experience Gap in Mobility Tech: An Expert Take on Safe Student Transportation
A product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
What Transportation Gets Wrong About Wheelchair Securement (And How to Fix It)
Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user shares practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Keeping Up With Special-Needs Training & Standards: What Districts Need To Know in 2026
As the number of students with disabilities and IEPs rises nationwide, transportation teams face growing pressure to stay compliant, confident, and trained. Explore what’s evolving and how to stay on top of it all.
Read More →
How Supplemental Transportation Helps Close Driver Gaps
Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.
Read More →
Announcing 2026 Special-Needs Driver of the Year Nominations
Honoring the exemplary accomplishments of school bus drivers transporting students with disabilities, AMF Bruns of America’s ninth annual National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award series is open for nominations!
Read More →
Special-Needs Transportation Shifts in 2026: More Riders, More Tech, New Pressures [Survey Report]
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? Operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and emerging challenges. Details here! Survey sponsor: AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →
New Jersey Legislature Approves Special Education Transportation Task Force
The state moves to review special education transportation policies following safety concerns raised by families and advocates.
Read More →
3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
Read More →
Why Student Privacy Matters in Special-Needs School Transportation
Learn more about what federal law really allows when sharing special-needs information with bus drivers and aides while protecting student privacy.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Celebrates 2025 Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year
Julio Ospina, a SPED driver and safety trainer at Wylie ISD in Texas, was named the national winner in AMF's annual driver award series.
Read More →