Wheelchair and occupant restraint manufacturers prepare for in-depth training at this year’s
disabilities conference By Stephane Babcock
You can always learn something new. No matter
how many times you sit through any type of class. Te constant evolution of the products, policies and pro- cedures related to the training can change how and what you learn. Every year, at the National Conference and Exhi-
bition on Transporting Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers, securement companies that deal in and around the school bus industry make their way to the event to give attendees either a refresher or first-time session with their products. Representa- tives from Q’Straint, Sure-Lok and Besi are already preparing for the trip to Orlando for this year’s con- ference and bringing something new,
something borrowed and, in some instances, something blue.
GIVING A DOUBLE DOSE In a repeat performance at this year’s conference, Q’Straint will
be giving attendees wheelchair securement training in conjunction with evacuation training. After an initial in-class session, the attend- ees will be split into two groups for hands-on time on both topics, with attendees switching between the two. Tis gives those present a full experience that allows for participation in both classes. “If drivers/attendants are interested in the safe transportation
of the children in their care, they should not miss these seminars,” said John Goss, Q’Straint’s national training manager, adding that both should receive refresher training at least once a year.
42 School Transportation News Magazine February 2010
Goss said he also believes periodic evaluations should take
place both on board the bus and during loading and unloading operations to ensure that proper securement procedures are fol- lowed. If deficiencies are noted, immediate training can fix the problem before it becomes a safety issue. “Many times errors are made unintentionally, which is the rea-
son for continued evaluation of proper procedures,” added Goss. Te disabilities conference is only one of his many training
stops, but some things do not change when the location does. Questions on occupant restraint systems follow him to every event and Goss believes it is one of the most misunderstood tasks with wheelchair securement. “Many of the occupant restraints are not being used because
drivers/attendants take for granted that the positioning belt on the chair is a safety belt, when indeed it is for positioning of the occupant only,” said Goss. Te numerous pieces to the occupant restraint systems can
sometimes become confusing, while other times installation is sometimes incorrect, complicating the process. “Although school buses are the safest mode of transportation,
and the majority of the drivers are the most caring individuals we can find, we cannot allow drivers/attendants to become compla- cent,” Goss said.
‘DOING IT RIGHT’ After attendees settle into their seats at this year’s Sure-Lok
training session, they will get an introduction via a company presentation entitled “Doing It Right.” Te 20-minute video gives a look into what to expect from Sure-Lok’s Safe & Se- cure training program, which consists of pre-trip assessments,
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