The special-needs transportation team at Cleveland (Texas) Independent School District (ISD) has been recognized by wheelchair securement supplier Q’Straint for going above and beyond to ensure the safety of their students, conducting trainings and using securement devices.

As School Bus Fleetpreviously reported, Q’Straint launched its "Sequrement Heroes" campaign in early January as a way to thank transportation employees in the school bus, paratransit, public transit, and personal mobility industries for their efforts to properly secure passengers using mobility devices. The campaign also aims to raise driver appreciation and acknowledge the difficulties they face in light of the pandemic.

“The team is very excited, as this is the first time they’re being recognized,” Cody Cox, Cleveland ISD’s transportation director, told SBF.

Cox said the group, which consists of one routing manager, seven bus drivers, three van drivers, and 13 bus monitors, uses several Q’Straint products, including QRT Retractors and the Q’Straint Training Aqademy.

“All of our special-needs drivers have taken the training [Q’Straint] offers and have received certification in those areas,” he added. “We do [the training] at the beginning of the year.”

He also said that it is a best practice to provide training for all transportation staff to ensure they understand the laws regarding special-needs students and transportation.

Cleveland ISD currently transports more than 200 students with special needs with a fleet of 92 school buses — 13 of which are equipped with wheelchair lifts, Cox noted.

As for other safety measures on the bus, he said the district continues to disinfect its buses daily and is planning to make wearing face masks on board optional as summer school routes are expected to start soon.

View a list of other Q’Straint Sequrement Heroes.