On Monday, five brand new vans with wheelchair access were turned over to the school system, as part of latest support from the federal government.
The vans are funded by a portion of the $1 million in Federal Transit Administration grant that PSS received.
“These vans will be used by the pupil transportation staff to transport wheelchair students to and from schools,” says Jack Diaz, the federal programs officer who oversees the FTA grant for PSS.
The purchase of the five brand new vans comes from the 2010 FTA grant cycle for PSS. The vans cost $316,000.
Special education as defined by Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is specially designed instruction at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. This means instruction that is individually developed to address a special child’s needs that result from his or her disability.
Since each child is unique, instruction must also be individualized or specially designed for the child.
Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan said special education is not only a “place” for children with disabilities, but it is also a system of support.
Services are provided to the child in order for the child to have access to and benefit from the educational curriculum, she added.
The number of children with the PSS Special Education Program continues to increase — a testament that the program works, Sablan said.
From 751 in 2004, the total number of students was 868 last year.
The U.S. Office of Special Education Programs last year commended the PSS program.
Suzanne W. Lizama, early intervention program/special education coordinator, was honored separately by the Board of Education and the PSS leadership for her “exemplary achievement and leadership” in meeting the U.S. Department of Education’s requirements.
