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For many students, taking the school bus is stressful and overwhelming. A crowded bus, traffic noise and a high-energy environment induce anxiety for many children. Sensory sensitivity, sensory overload and sensory processing difficulties add to the challenge of school bus transportation. Additionally, this research, “A Scoping Review of Accessible Student Transport Services for Children With Disabilities” by Ross et al., (2020), found that children with disabilities are more likely to have to travel farther distances on buses to attend schools that are physically accessible 1.
4Seasons Transportation is an organization based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It provides sensory-friendly school bus transportation services for students with disabilities. Learn here about the importance of sensory-friendly schools buses and the role that 4Seasons Transportation plays in helping support students with complex needs. Read on as Kersti Rasmussen from 4Seasons Transportation shared insights about sensory-friendly transportation.
Challenges with regular school bus transportation
Noise levels
First, you may wonder if there is really a need for a sensory-friendly school bus. Standard school buses are problematic for many reasons. Rasmussen explains that the #1 problem with most standard school buses is the noise level. School buses are filled with 30 or more students. Often, the only adult on board is focused on driving the bus. For many children, the noise quickly becomes overwhelming. And for children with hypersensitivities, loud noises lead to elevated levels of stress. Additionally, many students have a preference for quieter environments.
Lack of individualized support
Another common issue that Rasmussen identifies is the lack of personalized support plans for students on standard school buses. For instance, most students who take the school bus do not have the option of additional supports to make the travel enjoyable. Consequently, standard school bus services do not accommodate all students’ needs and preferences, even if they extend beyond the provision of basic transportation.
Additional training required
Moreover, staff members on regular school buses are rarely trained to support students with sensory sensitivities. Therefore, they may not have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to effectively help children with sensitivities. Furthermore, they may be unaware of strategies that create a calm sensory experience during the ride.
4Seasons Transportation as a sensory-friendly school bus service.
4Seasons Transportation goes the extra mile by providing a sensory-friendly school bus service for students with complex needs in Calgary, and the surrounding area. The company safely transports children with a wide variety of physical and cognitive disabilities and disorders, ranging from 3-20 years old. Furthermore, they travel to different public and private schools, including two biggest area school boards and leading private educators.
The company has been in business since 2002. The original owner recognized that the lack of accessible school bus services in the area for students with complex needs. As a result, many caregivers could not find safe and reliable sources of transportation for their children. Ultimately, a huge barrier to successfully attend school. Moreover, it parental stress and worry. Parent want to see their children succeed academically. In response to this need, 4Seasons has developed a reliable sensory-friendly school bus service that acknowledges all children’s differing needs.
What does a sensory-friendly school bus include?
There are unique sensory-friendly aspects to the bus service that 4Season’s Transportation provides that differ from standard school bus transportation.
Accommodate all students’ needs
4Seasons Transportation ensures that all students’ needs are met while on the bus. This company recognizes that many students have different needs and sensory preferences. Therefore, they modify the school bus environment and experience to make it enjoyable for each child. For example, if a student is hypersensitive to loud noises, the bus team sit them in quieter areas of the bus. If the student is sensitive to motion, they sit them in seats that are less subject to excessive movement. 4Seasons Transportation strives to ensure students’ needs for a calm and safe ride are met while on the bus.
Rasmussen explains that 4Seasons Transportation creates an individualized support plan for each student. The company works with the school board, caregivers and their in-house team to identify a student’s potential triggers and strategies to reduce stress. Additionally, the bus team determines a child’s interests and hobbies to find ways to best distract them from stressors while on the bus. Finally, they build trust between the bus team and the student.
Attendants on the bus
A unique feature of this company’s buses is the attendants on the buses. These attendants assist passengers who require extra supports. 4Seasons recognizes that the school bus driver is often not able to provide the level of support children need on the bus to and from school. These extra attendants resolve conflicts on the bus, play games with the students, provide distractions, and offer medical support. And most importantly, they build valuable connections with the students.
“They become like a new family member or friend to the students.”
Kersti Rasmussen, Marketing and Communication Manager at 4Seasons Transportation
Specialized training programs
The attendants and bus drivers hired through 4Seasons Transportation complete a specialized training program. It builds on their skills and allows them to acquire the knowledge to support the students. Additionally, 4Seasons hires employees who are calm and compassionate. Furthermore, each staff member who works directly with students successfully completes all the training before placement on a route.
Effective communication services
Lastly, an important sensory-friendly feature of this school bus service is maintaining ongoing and open communication between 4Seasons Transportation’s employees, caregivers, parents, the students’ caregivers, the school boards, the schools and the students themselves. Open communication ensures everyone can voice their questions or concerns. Additionally, communication provides parents and caregivers with peace of mind with regular updates from a reliable source.
The importance of a sensory-friendly school bus
Rasmussen also explains how a sensory-friendly school bus experience is essential to ensure a child’s success at school. According to her, the school bus ride can help a student to be in a calm and positive mindset upon arrival at school, where they then engage in a day of learning. Therefore, the staff members at 4Seasons Transportation see themselves as a key support to ensure that students are set up to succeed at school.
“The school bus is really an extension of the classroom space.”
Kersti Rasmussen, Marketing and Communication Manager at 4Seasons Transportation
The future of sensory-friendly transportation
While 4Seasons Transportation provides standard-setting transportations services, they recognize additional areas where improvements are needed. This is essential to ensure sensory-friendly transportation for everyone. For example, quieter electric buses and onboard Wifi are two of their recent developments that enhance the transportation experience for sensitive students. Rasmussen also noted that everyone has sensory preferences. Sensory-friendly transportation is appreciated by everyone and not just people with an identifiable diagnosis or condition.
Additionally, she reiterated the importance of putting awareness of student ability and disability at the forefront when designing transportation services. Therefore, it is essential to consider the needs of all potential users to design a service meant to support the concept of inclusion.
“Everyone has sensory sensitivity and we could all enjoy more peaceful transportation services”
Kersti Rasmussen, Marketing and Communication Manager at 4Seasons Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory-Friendly Transportation and Schools
How can we create a sensory-friendly classroom in addition to sensory-friendly transportation?
Creating a sensory-friendly classroom complements efforts to make transportation, such as school buses, sensory-friendly. Both environments should be designed to reduce sensory overload and provide students with tools to manage their sensory needs. Learn more about how to create a calming and inclusive classroom in our blog: Sensory Classroom Ideas.
What is a weighted lap pad, and how can it help students during transportation?
Weighted lap pads can provide calming, deep pressure input that helps students with sensory sensitivities feel more grounded, especially during potentially overwhelming travel experiences. Discover more about the benefits and uses of weighted lap pads in our blog: Everything You Need to Know About Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets .
What toys can help autistic children with autism during their commute?
Providing sensory-friendly toys during travel can help children with autism stay calm and focused. Fidgets, sensory balls, and other tactile toys can make the journey more manageable. Check out our blog: The Best Sensory Toys for Autism.
How can schools integrate sensory-friendly practices into their DEI initiatives?
Schools can integrate sensory-friendly practices through DEI training that focuses on creating accessible and inclusive environments. Read more about how DEI training can be applied in schools in our blog: DEI Training for Schools.
Enhance Your Sensory-Friendly Efforts Beyond the School Bus
Making your school bus sensory-friendly is just the beginning! There are plenty of ways to expand your knowledge and create even more inclusive environments for students. Here are some resources that can help you take your sensory-friendly practices to the next level.
Deepen Your Understanding with Sensory-Friendly 101
If you’re looking to create even more sensory-friendly spaces in your school or community, our Sensory-Friendly 101 Course is a great place to start. This course covers the fundamentals about how to make environments more inclusive and welcoming for all.
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Source
- Ross, T., Bilas, P., Buliung, R., & El-Geneidy, A. (2020). A Scoping Review of Accessible Student Transport Services for Children With Disabilities. Transport Policy, 95, 57–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2020.06.002
Christel Seeberger, BSc. O.T., is a regulated health care professional with over 30 years of experience in sensory disorders, disabilities and adapting environments. As someone with a hearing disability, Christel brings her personal lived experience with an invisible disability, sensory sensitivity and sensory overload to her work. In 2016, she founded Sensory Friendly Solutions to create a more sensory-friendly, accessible, and inclusive world through training, certification, product licensing, and product recognition. Christel’s expertise has been featured in guest blogs, as a radio and podcast guest, and in interviews with numerous media outlets, including CBC, CTV, Global News, AMI, Yahoo Life, the Globe and Mail, and local Fox TV/News.
