Agenda

Saturday November 8 As of 8/6/25. Subject to change.

Special Training

8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Roadeo Competition

(Lunch served)

Location: Frisco ISD – Transportation Stadium

Team registration and a written test required. All participating driver and attendant teams must download and complete the Roadeo Competition Knowledge Test before arriving at the event. Bring a copy of the completed test to turn in on site. Are you passionate about special needs transportation, growing as a professional, and networking with others who do what you do from across the nation? Then form a team and plan to participate in this event! The Roadeo Competition, presented by School Transportation News in partnership with wit. (Women in Transportation.), consists of driver-attendant teams. There is no pre-requisite to participate. All are welcome, whether or not you have participated in another driver-attendant competition in your state or district. The goal of this competition is to help you increase your knowledge of transporting students with special needs. 

Coordinated by

Wit
Title Sponsor
QStraint-SureLok
Award

8:30 a.m

Transportation Director of the Year Award Presentation

Sponsored by

blue bird
Keynote

8:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Transportation of Special Education Students: Avoiding the Bumps and Legal Hazards

Keynote Speaker: Betsey Helfrich

In this fast-paced presentation, special education attorney Betsey Helfrich, will examine school transportation from a legal perspective.  From a review of recent case law to current hot-topics, this presentation will dive into the legalities of the transportation of students with disabilities.  From aides on buses to sharing information with the transportation department, this presentation will include practical tips that you need to know to minimize liability and keep students safe.

Keynote Sponsored by

everdriven
Breakout Sessions

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Enhancing Safety for Students Riding in Wheelchairs: What Crash Research Data Shows
Utilizing Student Ridership to Secure Medicaid Funding
Breakout Session
Lunch Break

12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Lunch Break

Feel free to explore nearby dining options or enjoy a meal at your convenience. We will reconvene at 1:45 p.m. for the next session.

Breakout Sessions

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

13 Exceptional Abilities
Best Practices in Providing Service for Medically Fragile Students
Sexual Assault: Don't Turn a Blind Eye
Breakout Sessions

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Developing Policies for Proper & Safe Usage of Student Seclusion & Restraint
Understanding Service Animal Inclusion Under Section 504
NCST Impacts on Transporting Students with Disabilities and Preschoolers

2025 TSD Topics As of 7/22/25. Subject to change.

  • Foundations of Transporting Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers 
  • OT/PT/Transporter Forum 
  • School Bus Monitor/Aide Training 
  • School Bus Evacuation Training 
  • National Specification Updates to Transporting Medically Fragile Students & Preschoolers 
  • Medicaid Reimbursement Funding 
  • American Sign Language for Student Transporters 
  • The 13 Exceptional Abilities 
  • Wheelchair Crash Test Updates 
  • Developing Policies for Proper & Safest Usage of Student Restraint & Seclusion 
  • Modeling Behavior Interventions for Transportation 
  • Creating a Culture of Wonder with Staff for Their Student Riders 
  • Avoiding One-Size-Fits-All Solutions for Transportation 
  • Service Animals and Section 504 
  • Proactive Driver & Attendant Training Programs
  • Build Blocks for Career Development
  • Successful Partnerships Between School Districts & Contractors
  • Providing Training for the Service of Medically Fragile Riders
  • When Can & Should You Say No to IEP Team Requests?
  • What the Latest Wheelchair Crash Research Tells Us

And more!