Specific Special-Needs Evacuations: OI

Students with osteogenesis imperfecta have bones that break easily. In spite of the urgency of a school bus evacuation, these passengers must be moved slowly and carefully.

Specific Special Needs Evacuations: Spina Bifida

This condition is a birth defect that involves incomplete development of the spinal cord, often resulting in paralysis of a student's lower extremities. Many with spina bifida will be totally dependent on the bus staff, so a well thought out evacuation plan is critical. Part 4 of this series also covers spinal cord injuries.

Specific Special-Needs Evacuations: SMA

Part 3 of this series focuses on spinal muscular atrophy, which is a group of inherited diseases that cause progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Knowing how to carry passengers with this condition on an evacuation device and including a nurse in training drills will help to ensure their safety.

Specific Special-Needs Evacuations: DMD

Part 2 of this series focuses on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which causes deterioration of muscle tissue in boys. Knowing how to lift these passengers properly is critical for a safe emergency exit from the bus.

District promotes the rewards of driving a school bus

An article from the Fort Dodge (Iowa) Community School District profiles one of its bus drivers and describes the fulfillment and flexibility that come with the job. The article is posted on the district’s website, along with contact information for those interested in becoming a bus driver.

Specific Special-Needs Evacuations: Cerebral Palsy

A physical therapist explains common disabilities and how they affect school bus emergency evacuations. This article, focusing on students with cerebral palsy, is the first in a series.

Snapshots — Winter 2011

PTSI offers course on evacuating students with disabilities

The comprehensive curriculum gives bus drivers and attendants how-to instructions on evacuations with photographs and hands-on activities. It also explains the pre-planning stages of emergency evacuation and gives participants an opportunity to create a written bus evacuation plan.

Involving Physical Therapists in Pupil Transportation

Physical and occupational therapists are a great asset to an operation. Help them to see the critical role they play in assisting with the transport of special-needs students by soliciting their expertise on body mechanics, disabilities and mobility devices. Ensure that they participate in evacuation training and drills.

20 Ways to Bolster Safety

From loading procedures to proper footwear to student discipline, pupil transportation professionals share their tips for reducing risks on and off the bus.