ENSURING THE SAFETY OF SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS, SCHOOL BUS PESONNEL, AND OTHER STUDENTS ON SCHOOL BUSES.

WHO SHOULD WE BLAME?  THE PARENT, THE SCHOOL, THE BUS COMPANY, SOCIETY, AND/OR GOD?

Recently, the Parents of 13 year old Arizona (Photo right), allege that while on his way home from school in Coventry to Barrington, R.I., Arizona was assaulted by his substitute bus monitor, James Caton.  The parents believe that the bus driver, James Miller, assisted Caton; due to blood stains on Miller’s hand and comments that he made to the father, “ I am not driving this F_ _ king animal around anymore, he’s an F-ing animal.  If I have to drive him around, I quit.  This is my last day, I’m not driving that F_ _ king animal.” Both monitors, Pauline Souza and James Caton stated that bus driver Miller never left his seat and kept driving the school bus.  What complicates the matter is that Arizona is limited verbally and cannot communicate to tell authorities what actually happened.  As a result of this incident, Arizona’s parents are calling for cameras on school buses, comprehensive training for bus personnel and national BCI checks.  A few days before, R.I. State Representative Antonio Giarrusso announced that he would be introducing legislation that would require bus personnel to have national BCI checks prior to being hired on school buses.  On May 31, 2012, Rick Bella of the Oregonian, reported that an autistic boy attacked and injured a bus driver (Photo right).  The Oregonian further reported, Joe Krumm, North Clackamas School District spokesman, said the district has "no history with this child on buses."   In the case of disability-related behavior, the student's special education plan could be revised, such as adding more staff support for the student, moving the student within or out of the district, or creating a support plan that helps the student recognize problematic behaviors.

We have two situations in which safeguards could have assisted.  In Arizona’s incident, the training of bus personnel is key and cameras are necessary to tell the story when the students on the bus cannot.  In the incident that occurred 2012, the student was not assigned a trained aide on the school bus, nor was a functional behavior assessment performed to find out the student’s triggers for his behaviors.   Rather than spending time wasted on determining who is to blame, it would be more productive spending time training bus personnel, having FBAs performed by certified behavioral analysts, installing cameras, performing national BCI checks, educating bus personnel about the students they work with, and not waiting until incidents, such as, the one’s mentioned, to take action.  

To Read Full Story Click on: http://www.oregonlive.com/happy-valley/index.ssf/2012/05/autistic_boys_attack_on_school.html

SUCCESS FOR A 14 YEAR OLD FOOTBALL KICKER DESPITE THE CHALLENGES

Image via Kris Craig/Providence Journal
Source: Providence Journal.com

The Providence journal reported on the achievements of high school football kicker, Isaac Lufkin who loves football.  He is 5'6, weighs 100 pounds, and was born without what we define as arms.
According to the Providence Journal,
last Saturday, he and his teammates on the Classical High freshman team won the Division II freshman state title as they completed an undefeated season with a 41-20 victory over Toll Gate at Cranston Stadium.  “We beat everybody by quite a bit,” Lufkin said with an obvious sense of pride in the Purple’s dominating, perfect season.  The Providence Journal further reports that he could have easily spent his life depending on others to help carry out his daily existence, but he wants to be his own person. “I learned how to shower by myself when I was 5 and dress by myself when I was 6, said Lufkin “I didn’t want my mom having to dress me or help me shower anymore. “People are always trying to help me, but I like to help myself,” Lufkin continued. “I don’t feed into the pity thing.”  He wanted to be just another kid and he never looked for excuses why he couldn’t be.
To Read the entire story go to: http://universityprimetime.com/school/uri/article/14-year-old-with-no-arms-is-star-football-kicker
  

 

ANTONIO GIARRUSSO, LAWMAKERS, NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION, RHODE ISLAND FAMILIES AGAINST RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION CALLS FOR CAMERAS ON SCHOOL BUSES, BETTER TRAINED BUS PERSONNEL, AND NATIONAL BCI CHECKS

The Safety of Rhode Island Students on School Buses is Jeopardized Each Day to Save Money. 
 
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Statewide Bus, Transpar (Bus Management Co.), and First Student Bus Was Aware that Bus Personnel Were Not Adequately Trained

Photo by NBC10

According to NBC 10 background checks are required for all school employees, but not school bus drivers and monitors.

State Rep. Antonio Giarrusso, R-East Greenwich told NBC10, "When it comes to school safety and the safety of our children you have to make sure there's no stone left unturned."

Tony Gugliotta of NBC 10 reports-Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association, says non-verbal children are at most risk because they cannot adequately verbalize their feelings.  Fournier said she was in favor of background checks and added that bus personnel should be trained to work with special education students and that video cameras should be installed on all buses.  Fournier also said it's important for bus personnel to recognize behavioral cues in children so a potentially volatile situation can be avoided. "If something doesn't feel right to you as a parent follow your gut and investigate, because you're probably right," Fournier said.

To read more and see video, click on following link:
http://www.turnto10.com/story/24047765/ri-lawmaker-pushing-for-background-checks-on-school-bus-personnel

At a meeting on November 8, 2013, with the Barrington School Department, Transpar, Statewide, and First Student bus Co. of Warren, bus manager Francisco Monteiro and bus personnel stated that they did not believe that they were adequately trained to transport special needs children that exhibit certain stereotypical behaviors and requested more comprehensive training from RIDE and Transpar, Mike Johnson.  Bus personnel, at the meeting, admit that comprehensive training is necessary and is very receptive to receiving more training.  They also stated that you have to love your job, be compassionate for individuals with special needs and want to be at the job.

First student's website states the following:

"Extra care, attention, and assistance are required when transporting students with disabilities. As the leader in student transportation services, First Student knows this better than any other provider. That’s why our drivers and attendants stand above the rest – and why we’re trusted by more school districts.  Founded on our decades of experience, we have developed special hiring qualifications and training programs specific to our early childhood and special-needs transportation services. Our training goes beyond state requirements and is among the most rigorous in the industry.

First Student drivers and monitors are required to participate in numerous needs-specific education programs, workshops and on-the-job training surrounding recognizing, responding to, and transporting students with a variety of physical and emotional needs. Drivers, attendants and other employees who work with early childhood students or students with disabilities and/or special needs receive vigorous training on topics."

The website further states that bus personnel training includes:

1.  Inclusion: Learn how to assist a child with disabilities to become more involved with their peers.
2. Characteristics of Disabilities: Learn what can potentially happen, how to react, and what we can do to help.
3. Sensitivity: Understanding and involving others.
4. Laws and liabilities: Provides training with regular updates regarding laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504.
5. Student Behavior Management: Learn how to assist with extreme behaviors and calm a child when they become stressed.
6. Passenger Loading/Unloading Equipment Training: Learn important instructions and procedures for vehicle and wheelchair lift operation, wheelchair securement and child safety restraint systems.
7. Written Evacuation Plans: Learn what to do in an emergency and how to evacuate quickly, safely, and without injury.

Go to First Student website to read more:
http://firststudentinc.com/transportation-management/school-bus-safety/special-needs-training

THE RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE AND STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE INVESTIGATE ASSAULT OF 13 YEAR OLD STUDENT BY FIRST STUDENT BUS MONITOR AND PARENTS BELIEVE BUS DRIVER ASSISTED, "HE HAD BLOOD ON HIS HANDS."

Parents Call For Surveillance Cameras On School Buses, Comprehensive Training For Bus Personnel, And National BCI Checks.

First Student’s operations manager, Francisco Monteiro, stated, "Bus personnel cannot touch a student at all, not even to restrain them."

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Statewide-First Student Bus, and Transpar Runs Special Needs Buses without Specially Trained Bus Monitors and Aides Because RIDE Wants To Save Money.



Photo by abc6                                                Photo by NBC10

BARRINGTON, R.I.- On October 7, 2013, 13 year old Arizona Jacobowitz, diagnosed with autism, got off a Statewide-First Student School bus at his home in Barrington R.I., sweating profusely, blood above his lip, his face was red, both eyes were blackened, his body was hot,  red marks were on his shoulder, print design from the bus seat was embedded in his face, and he complained of chest pain.

When the school bus arrived at Arizona’s home in Barrington, he was standing at the front door with his head resting against the glass door.  Bus driver, James Miller, opened the door, allowing Arizona to run off the bus, unaccompanied, and sped off without saying anything to Arizona’s parents.  James Caton was a substitute monitor assigned to A.J. for the day, while his regular bus monitor was out. James Caton admitted in police report to having to restrain Arizona due to acting out behaviors.  Arizona’s father, Irwin Jacobowitz, took off after the school bus in an effort to find out what occurred.  Mr. Jacobowitz caught up with Statewide-First Student bus driver, James Miller, who stated, “ I am not driving this F_ _ king animal around anymore, he’s an F-ing animal.  If I have to drive him around, I quit.  This is my last day, I’m not driving that F_ _ king animal.”  Arizona's father noticed that bus driver, James Miller, had blood on his hands.  Miller then sped off towards Warren, R.I. where First Student bus garage is located. 

Arizona’s family took him to the Barrington Police department where Patrolman Gregg F. Koutros took their statement and pictures.  Patrolman Koutros spoke with Francisco Monteiro of First Student Bus Co. who advised him that the incident occurred on the highway while transporting A.J. from his school in Coventry, to his home in Barrington.  Patrolman Koutros advised the Jacobowitz’s that since the incident did not occur in Barrington, they should go to the bus company to make a report and/or go to the State Police. 

A.J.’s family took him to Hasbro hospital in Providence where medical reports confirm broken blood vessels of the face and several contusions.  The doctors at Hasbro filed a report with the State Police.  The Rhode Island State Police informed the family that an eyewitness called into the East Providence Police department to report that she observed what she believed to be a bus monitor restraining a child on a school bus; she was concerned for the child’s wellbeing and requested that the police investigate.  According to the eyewitness, the bus monitor was the aggressor.

According to WPRI Channel 12 in Providence, reporter Kelly Sullivan, confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation with the Attorney General’s office in Providence.    http://www.wpri.com/news/local/east-bay/wpri-state-police-investigating-student-assault-claim-special-needs-student-arizona-jacobowitz-coventry-learning-center-jmq

The Parent’s met with school officials, Statewide: Transpar that manages student transportation for the Rhode Island Department of Education, and First Student Bus Co. on November 8, 2013.  Barrington’s School officials stated that additional specific training was provided to First Student bus drivers and bus monitors on October 17, 2013 by Pathways in Coventry.  School officials stated that she can provide a more comprehensive training for bus driver’s and monitors. 

First Student’s operations manager, Francisco Monteiro, stated that bus personnel cannot touch a student at all, not even to restrain them.  Monteiro stated, “We are defenseless against a child on the bus.”  Mr. Monteiro also stated that bus personnel is not given enough training to work with special needs students, especially children diagnosed with autism; even after the October 17^th training.  Mike Johnson of Statewide: Transpar of remained silent. 

According to abc6.com (WLNE TV) and reporter Liz Tufts, officials at the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) wouldn't comment on camera, but tell us they are taking steps to ensure the safety of children on every bus.  They say the driver has since been taken off the job. http://www.abc6.com/story/24038462/parents-sue-over-alleged-bus-driver-assault

Parents are waiting for Mike Johnson’s response as to whether or not RIDE will approve  surveillance cameras and provide comprehensive training for school bus personnel.  The parents have confirmation by statements taken by police that substitute bus monitor restrained Arizona.  The parents believe that the bus driver, James Miller, assisted the bus monitor due to blood stains on his hands, his angry comments, and speeding off without saying anything about the incident.  The Police have not confirmed bus driver, James Miller's, involvement in the incident as of yet.

The parents are also requesting the suspension of bus driver, James Miller, and two bus monitors, James Canton and Pauline Souza pending the results of the investigation.  Parents have retained attorney.

LESSON 101: HOW TO ABUSE AN AUTISTIC CHILD ON A SCHOOL BUS

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA CAPTURES HITTING- CHOKING- KICKING OF AUTISTIC BOY BY BUS DRIVER AND BUS MONITOR

In 2011, Laura Hibbard of The Huffington Post reported a story about Timothy Kilpatrick, a young autistic boy, who was restrained on a school bus, then hit, kicked, and choked by the bus driver Alice Davis Holland and special education aide Mary Alice Evans.  According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch both were convicted on criminal charges after a surveillance video in 2009 captured the assault.

Videotape footage showed Timothy frightened and enduring several beatings with a fly swatter.  Seat restraints prevented him from defending himself.  WBDJ reported that the family sued the Bedford County School Board and the director of special education for $20 million dollars.  Attorney P. Brent Brown represented the family and stated that it bought up important questions about the safety of our children.  According to WSET 13, a spokesman for the Bedford County schools said both the bus driver and special education assistant employment was terminated shortly after the abuse caught on tape in 2009. Attorney Brown reported that Timothy’s father told school officials that he suspected abuse when Timothy departed the bus with marks on his face a full year earlier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w8EP1hA6CA

WATCH the full surveillance footage:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/07/surveillance-video-reveal_n_1000248.html


Here's another video clip of a child with autism being abuse on a school bus by bus driver and bus monitor, as if the first video was not enough.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpmMppVa9YI

 

 

STATE REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY GIARRUSSO OF EAST GREENWICH CALLS FOR NATIONAL BCI CHECKS FOR BUS DRIVER’S AND MONITORS IN R.I.

 

 

Anthony Giarrusso (Photo Google Images) on top left and James Hopkins (Photo by KDKA) on the  bottom left. Following the arrest of an East Greenwich school bus monitor on child pornography charges, State Rep. Anthony Giarrusso has called for the requirement of national BCI checks for bus drivers and bus monitors.  The bus monitor passed the Rhode Island BCI check, but a national BCI check was never performed.  According to NBC10, Giarrusso will introduce legislation that will require school bus driver’s and monitors to have national background checks prior to being employed.  Giarrusso’s son was a student on the bus of an East Greenwich bus monitor that was arrested on October 31, 2013 on child pornography charges.

On September 5, 2013, Trina Orlando of KDKA reported that First Student bus monitor, James Hopkins, 74, was accused of inappropriately touching a 16 year old girl with Down’s Syndrome on three occasions between February and June of this year. Surveillance video showed that he allegedly asked her to touch him as well.  The police were alerted when the bus driver went to the superintendent to report the incidences.  First Student stated that when Hopkins was hired in 2007, he passed all federal, state, and local background checks.  Hopkins was arraigned and released on $50,000. Bail.  When the allegations surfaced, First student fired Hopkins.

Matthias Gafni of the Contra Costa Times reported that during March of this year a settlement of $4.75 million dollars were reached in a case in which an 8 year old special needs girl was sexually assaulted by her school bus driver, Richard Evans, in 2010.  Surveillance video on the school bus captured the assault.  Prior to being hired, Evans was convicted of having sex with a prostitute. "Despite his criminal conviction for lewd conduct while on the job as a professional driver he was eligible to drive a school bus," the victim’s attorney, John Manly said.

 John Manly, hopes the settlement will force school districts to better check bus personnel’s backgrounds, and that it will prompt a state investigation.  The times also report that Manly stated, "It also sends a clear message to every school district in California -- protect our children from dangerous predators or suffer the consequences."  A Superior Court jury found Lodi Unified School negligent in hiring Evans and 90 percent liable.  The surveillance video allowed the jury to see and hear what the 8 year old victim went through during the assault.

In order to secure the safety of our children while being transported to and from school, it takes a combination of National BCI checks are necessary, cameras on school buses, comprehensive training, diligent staff that recognize that they are mandated reporters and will be held liable if they do not report abuse, and substantial lawsuits. http://www.turnto10.com/story/23934065/ri-rep-wants-background-checks-for-bus-monitors.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/09/05/bus-monitor-accused-of-inappropriately-touching-special-needs-student/.

  

WHAT DOES A 57 YEAR OLD BARRINGTON MAN, A BUS MONITOR FROM EAST GREENWICH, A UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL STUDENT, A MARBLEHEAD HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS TEACHER, AND A RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD ASSIGNED TO THE 88TH ARMY BAND HAVE IN COMMON?

 

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY!!!

Photo by WPRI

Jacquelyn Palumbo of WPRI reported that the Rhode Island State Police arrested eleven men in a child pornography investigation.  On October 31, 2013, members of the Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, assisted by members of the United States Marshals Sex Offender Law Enforcement Multidisciplinary Network (SOLEMN) and the United States Secret Service arrested eleven (11) suspects for allegedly possessing and/or transferring child pornography.

The ICAC initiated an undercover investigative operation to identify subjects involved in sharing images of child pornography on the Internet. Court-authorized search warrants were executed at residences throughout the R.I. Numerous images and videos of child pornography were located on digital media as a result of the search warrants.

The Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force actively engages in investigative efforts to identify subjects involved in child exploitation-related activities. The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force Program is administered by the Rhode Island State Police and supports a national network of multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task forces engaged in investigations, forensic examinations, and prosecutions related to Internet crimes against children and technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation. The Rhode Island ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Coventry Police Department, Warwick Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, Middletown Police Department, North Kingstown Police Department, and Jamestown Police Department; and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Services (USPS).

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/20609; http://www.wpri.com/news/local/eleven-arrested-in-child-porn-sweep

BAYSIDE YMCA IN BARRINGTON BANS AUTISTIC BOY & HIS FAMILY INDEFINITELY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOE MARTINO SAYS, “AUTISTIC BOYS BEHAVIOR IS UNPREDICTABLE.”

 

“Even A Murderer Or Child Molester Gets A Second Chance, Not A Child With Autism.”

On August 19, 2013, a child diagnosed with autism, had difficulty awaiting his turn for the computer and tantrumed, kicking the chair in which the patron was sitting and using the computer; no one was injured.  Bayside YMCA staff, Meagan Mikissick and Heather Ivil called the Barrington Police Department to report that an autistic child had a temper tantrum.  Later that week, the boy’s family received an email from executive director Joe Martino, suspending the entire family’s use of the Bayside YMCA facilities indefinitely.  Mr. Martin stated, “Our Y strives to meet many individual and family needs in our community.  We are proud of the fact that our doors are open to all…My responsibility as Executive Director is to ensure that all who come to this Y feel safe and comfortable.”  Mr. Martino stated that staff and members expressed their safety concerns to him due to the child being autistic.

Go to stories to read more...