1. Mobility Assistance Devices
Introduction:
All drivers receive basic information about transporting wheelchairs when they are first trained. However, if this information is not used right away, a driver can become apprehensive and may even avoid special service runs because they’re afraid they may do something wrong.
On the other hand, there are drivers who transport wheelchairs on a regular basis. Even experienced drivers have questions about proper securement as motorized assistance devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex. So whether a driver is experienced or new, we need to give them the proper recommended techniques to load, unload, secure, and transport in the safest way possible.
Today we will discuss:

2. Today’s discussion Securement Standards Resources for Problem Solving
Today’s discussion
Securement Standards
Resources for Problem Solving
Tie-downs/Occupant Restraint Systems
Loading and Unloading Wheelchairs
Motorized Scooters
Training and Support
Wheelchair and securement standards
Resources that can help you problem-solve
Wheelchair tie-down and occupant-restraint system or (WTORS)
Loading and Unloading Wheelchairs
Transporting Motorized Scooters and
Your Training and Support Program
Ultimately, this lesson is to help you work with drivers so that they can transport these special students and their mobility equipment safely.
Presentation:
You have been provided a place to take notes on H-1. Please use this as we go through the lesson. When you see text in RED on a slide, you are encouraged to write the information down. Let’s get started.

3. Wheelchair Securement Standards
Mandated standards exist for wheelchair tie-downs and securement
Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 222.
Mandated standards do not exist
for wheelchairs
RESNA WC19 is Voluntary
Wheelchair and Securement Standards
Wheelchair occupant restraints and wheelchair tie-downs are legislated and mandated by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 222.
Standard 222 covers a lot of other commonly used systems like child car seats, seat belts, safety vests and even the seats themselves on school buses.
Manufacturers self-verify that they meet Standard 222 which has strict testing requirements.
We have provided information on how you can look at this federal standard in depth in H-2 Mobility Device Information.
Legislated standards do not exist for wheelchairs, even when they are transported on your bus.
However, there is a widely accepted voluntary industry standard for wheelchairs.
The standard is called RESNA WC19 – or simply WC19. Again, we have provided information on how you can look at this voluntary standard in depth in H-2 Mobility Device Information.
Wheelchairs that meet this voluntary standard are referred to as WC19 compliant.

4. WC-19 Securement Standards
WC-19 Compliant Wheelchairs
4 securement points
WC-anchored lap-belt restraint with shoulder-belt anchorage
frontal crash tested at 30-mph
Vehicle anchored belt restraints
This means the wheelchair system includes:
4 easily accessible securement points for strap-type tie-downs,
the option of using a WC-anchored lap-belt restraint with lower shoulder-belt anchorage,
a frontal crash test at 30-mph, and
accommodation for vehicle-anchored belt restraints.
On the next few slides we will show you what all this means by comparing crash tests with WC19 wheelchairs and non-compliant WC19 wheelchairs.

5. Non-Compliant VS COMPLIANT
Wc19
Non-Compliant VS COMPLIANT
In the non-compliant wheelchair on the left:
The occupant’s neck begins to extend.
Hips begin to ride forward.
The wheels begin to collapse.
In the WC19 compliant wheelchair on the right:
The head and neck stay in position.
Hips stay in position.
The wheels are not collapsing.
View

6. Non-Compliant VS COMPLIANT
Wc19
Non-Compliant VS COMPLIANT
In the non-compliant wheelchair on the left:
The occupants head is forward and neck extension is severe.
Hips slide forward.
The wheels continue to collapse.
In the WC19 compliant wheelchair on the right:
The head is at a less severe angle.
Hips remain in position.
The wheels are not collapsing.
View

7. Non-Compliant VS COMPLIANT
Wc19
Non-Compliant VS COMPLIANT
In the non-compliant wheelchair on the left, the wheelchair frame has collapsed.
In the WC19 compliant wheelchair on the right, the wheelchair frame is intact.
Remember, WC19 is a voluntary industry standard. The number of wheelchair models that comply with WC19 is increasing, but many wheelchairs in use today are not WC19 compliant. How do we know if the chair is compliant or not?
View

8. Resources IEP Team Parents Physical/Occupational Therapists
Special Needs Team
Driver Trainer or Designee
II. Resources Are Available
There are ways to alleviate as much guesswork as possible when transporting students in wheelchairs or other mobility devices. The key is to get as much information as possible as soon as possible.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) team members can help determine procedures and problem solve questions about the transportation of students in wheelchairs. The team includes:
Parents. They can contribute information about their child’s family transportation experiences.
Again, take a look at H-2 Mobility Device H-2 Information. This is a list of resources that can help with training on or demonstrating the mobility device. These resources can also help with selecting, purchasing or leasing the device.
When talking with the parent, it can be a good time to share this information so that when they are in the market for a new chair, they’ll be able to select one that is safe, transportable and suitable for their child’s needs.
Physical and Occupational therapists can also clarify the physical needs and restrictions of the child.
Special needs teams including teachers and para-educators can define and clarify the transportation requirements.

9. Resources Research the Wheelchair Manufacturer Model Owner’s Manual
Driver trainers or a designee can research manufacturer’s recommendations in order to help determine the best way of securement. To do this you will need to:
Find out the manufacturer and model type or number.
Information will be located somewhere on the chair.
It is not enough just to have the manufacturer’s name as they usually have different models.
The Owner’s Manual can be obtained by doing a web search.
Use “owner’s manual” for “make & model” of mobility device for your search.
This is important because most times you do not find the owner’s manual on the manufacturer’s website.

10. Procedures
Look For:
Manufacturer’s recommendation for transporting WC with or without student
Warning: DO NOT transport an occupied
wheelchair in a moving vehicle OR
Wheelchair can also be used for seating on board a motor vehicle.
The manufacturer will make a statement in the owner’s manual as to whether or not the chair is designed to be transported with a passenger.
The IEP team should be supportive of each other, the driver and the student by sharing information, such as: arrangements, challenges and changes when they occur.

11. PROCEDURES Formalize in writing:
Student will be Transported in or out of wheelchair
Look for Marked Securement Points
Loading and Unloading Protocol
Develop specific written procedures in order to safely load, unload, secure and transport each student.
Procedures should:
Consider the manufacturer recommendation for transportability of the mobility device with or without the passenger and
Include the special requirements of the student.
Procedures should include:
A formal determination as to whether or not the student stays in the device during transportation.
Identified and clearly marked securement points and any other additional securement requirements needed.
Lift and securement including gear engagement/disengagement protocols and
A determination by the IEP team to decide the procedure in case the wheelchair is not approved for transportation.

12. Procedures If access is limited ask permission: Talk with staff
Talk with parent- use H-6
Contact neighbor districts (protect confidentiality)
Research the wheelchair online
Use resources in H-2
If access is limited to the IEP process
Talk with the staff that works with the student.
Ask permission to talk with the parent to acquire information.
Take a look at H-6 Mobility Device Review H-6
I’ll give you a moment to find it.
As you scan this document, consider all or part of this as a possible guideline for information gathering.
This can be modified to fit your individual district’s needs and be used by the person setting up the student’s transportation.
It will be a reminder to ask the questions that need to be answered and
When signed, this written review provides documentation.
Ask permission to contact neighboring districts that have written procedures in place for help. Resources include:
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Physical Therapists (PT’s) or
Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.
Access information online about the WC
Look for resources such as the ones listed in H-2 or contact
Your Friendly Regional Transportation Coordinator.

13. Supportive Culture Identify wheelchair designee in your department
Encourage and support bus drivers:
Asking for help
Should never guess
Don’t make do
Verify it’s right
Create a supportive culture
Identify the person in your department that verifies correct securement of mobility devices and their passengers.
In a perfect world there will be time to figure out all that is necessary to transport each student safely.
In the real world, students can suddenly show up on the routes and the driver is unsure about how to transport them safely.
Assure your drivers that they are expected and encouraged to ask for help at any time, especially if they are in a questionable situation.
Even if drivers think they have problem-solved a situation correctly, they should be encouraged to follow up and verify it with the designated transportation staff.
Are there any questions at this point on using resources to help assure that we transport wheelchairs safely?
Now, make sure you have your H-1 Notes page handy as we go into more detail. Watch for the RED text on the slides H-1
TRAINER NOTE: You may be asked questions you cannot answer. When this happens, write the question down so that it can be answered later.

14. Occupant Restraint System
WTORS
Wheelchair Tie-Down
and
Occupant Restraint System
Three parts
Floor Anchor Points
Wheelchair Tie-Downs
Occupant Securement
Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint System
There are three parts to the WC tie-down and occupant restraint system or (WTORS): Floor Anchor Points, Wheelchair Tie-Downs and Occupant Securement. I will wait a moment while you make a note of this.
Unlike Wheelchairs, there are federal standards for the tie-down/restraint system mandated in federal regulations. The wheelchair with its seating system and the vehicle tie-down system are equally important, and one never compensates for a lack of the other.
Now, let’s answer this evaluation question on the slide together:

15. Question #1
Name the three parts of a wheelchair occupant restraint system or WTORS.
Floor Anchors
Wheelchair Tie-Downs
Occupant Securement
Click to reveal answers.

16. Floor Anchor Points L-Track A-Track Pocket Slide and Click
The floor is the final point of attachment for the wheelchair securement and occupant restraint system to the vehicle structure. The floor anchorage must be compatible with the anchor fittings on the tie- downs.
Floor anchorage styles vary and can be:
“L” track,
“A” track,
Pocket styles or
Slide-N-Click
Pocket
Slide and Click

17. Floor Anchor Points
ASK: Why do you think anchorages should be as free of dirt and debris as possible?
LOOK FOR:
A clean track will allow a true sense of how the retractor fits into the track.
A dirty track may give a false feeling that the retractor fitting is not totally engaged into the anchorage, when in fact it may be only wedged with dirt.
Are there any questions about floor anchor points?
Now let’s talk about another part of the wheelchair occupant restraint system:

18. WTORS – Wheelchair Tie-Downs
Four Point System
Identical straps/
anchorages front
anchorages rear
Wheelchair Tie-Downs
The tie-down is a four-point system which attaches to the wheelchair frame at four separate securement points and to the vehicle at four separate anchor points.
The tie-downs should be part of a matching set from the same manufacturer or ones that are certified as compatible.
Use two of the same, identical style of buckle straps and anchorages for the attachment to the front, and two of the identical style of buckle straps and anchorages for the rear.
This is important because the tie-down anchorage tracks and anchor points are designed to function together as a complete and effective system.
The tie-down anchor point must be compatible with the anchor track in order to be properly secured.
Tie-down components from different manufacturers may look similar, however:
they may not respond the same in a crash.
their effectiveness may be reduced when it’s needed.

19. WTORS – Wheelchair Tie-Downs
Attach tie-down to
welded frame
member OR
welded junctions
of the frame.
The S or J hook attaches to the wheelchair frame.
Check the owner’s manual and use the manufacturer’s attachment points.
Make a note of this, I will wait a moment.
Attach the tie-down hook to a solid welded frame member or welded junctions of the frame.
Ask permission to mark tie-down locations on the chair frame

20. WTORS – Wheelchair Tie-Downs
Do not attach tie-downs to adjustable, moving, or removable parts of the wheelchair such as armrests, footrests, or wheels.
Don’t Attach Straps to Wheels

21. Question #2
At what location should you attach the tie-downs to a wheelchair frame?
Solid Welded Frame Member
Welded Junction
Now, let’s answer the evaluation question on the slide together:
Click to reveal answers.

22. DIRECT PATH Rear Tie-Downs Use A Direct Path for WC tie-downs
Rear tie-downs should have a direct, clear line to the floor tracks behind the rear securement points on the wheelchair, this prevents forward movement.

23. DIRECT PATH Rear tie downs Front Tie-Downs
Front tie-downs should be wider than the chair; this increases lateral stability during transportation and protects the passenger from contact with the tie-down. The next slide has something for you to jot down on your note page.
Front Tie-Downs

24. WTORS – Wheelchair Tie-Downs
Use a
Direct Path
45 degree angle
Preferred Zone
Use a direct path 45 degree angle from floor to chair
Higher points are preferred as close to the seat bottom as possible as this increases stability. Aim for this range:
Front 40 – 60 degree angle
Rear 30 – 45 degree angle
Now, let’s take a look at the next slide and answer the note question together:

25. Question #3 What is the appropriate path and angle for a tie-down?
Direct path and 45 degrees
Click to reveal answers.

26. Wheelchair Tie-Down – Misuse
Just say NO!
Bent around objects
Mismatched set
front or rear
Remember to avoid common mistakes:
Don’t let straps bend around objects.
Don’t mix different tie-down straps on the front or back of the chair.
Don’t cross-connect strap assemblies.
And of course, remember to tie the WC down!
Cross connected
Tie-downs

27. Retractors There are lots of kinds of Retractors … Standard
Cam Button or Buckle
Automatic Self-Tensioning
Retractors are at the floor end of the tie-down’s:
There are different styles of retractors.
Standard Retractors take up excess tension of the straps with a knob, cam button or buckle.
Automatic Retractors adjust by self-tensioning and self-locking.

28. Retractors Ensure the retractor fits in the anchor point
Attach the Tie-Down Retractor Properly.
Regardless of which anchorage system you are using, it is always a good habit to shake the retractor fitting to ensure it is completely locked into the anchor points.
Always remove the retractors from the floor and place them into the wall pouch when not in use. There are two major reasons to remove the retractors from the floor of the bus after every use:
Unused retractors are a tripping hazard when left in the track on the floor. Effective Sept 1, 2016 a retractor determined to be a tripping hazard by state patrol inspectors will be considered out-of-service.

29. Retractors Retractors left in track are more likely to become corroded
Retractors left in the track are more likely to become corroded and trap dirt or moisture in the track.

30. Corroded Retractor and Track
Retractors
Corroded Retractor and Track
Drivers are less likely to pay attention to deterioration and proper fit.
Are there any questions about the wheelchair tie-downs?
Now let’s talk about the final part of the wheelchair occupant restraint system:

31. Occupant Securement Lap and Shoulder Belts Occupant Securement
In a crash, the belt-restraint system should apply restraint forces to the strongest parts of the skeleton:
the pelvis,
the middle of the outboard shoulder,
and the sternum or breast plate.
The location of belt-restraint anchorage hardware within the vehicle can affect the proper fit of the lap/shoulder belt.
To protect the student during a crash or sudden braking:
A seatbelt system with both lap and shoulder belts must be used.

32. OCCUPANT SECUREMENT
Postural supports DO NOT replace lap shoulder belts
Postural supports are not designed to provide occupant restraint in a motor vehicle crash.
Please take some notes off the next slide. I will wait a bit since there is a lot of information here. .
TRAINER NOTE: Please make sure most of your class is done taking notes off of S-33 before you start talking about the information

33. OCCUPANT SECUREMENT Junction on aisle side hip Shoulder belt
across middle
of shoulder
Lap and shoulder belts should be routed through the wheelchair openings
The shoulder belt has to be
disconnected from the pin-bushing connector behind the chair,
brought to the front of the chair, and
routed down the side of the chair at seat level then reconnected to the pin-bushing behind the chair.
The lap shoulder belts are designed to be routed this way. These belts are stiff at the ends so they can be easily inserted around the student.
Do not route lap/shoulder belts outside the wheelchair frame or over armrests.
In motorized wheelchairs, the back of the chair may be connected to the armrest. In this case, there will not be an open space to slide the shoulder belt through, down to the seat level, where it needs to be. That’s why you have to disconnect it from the back, bring it to the front and route it down the side to seat level.
The upper shoulder belt should be positioned across the middle of the shoulder and snug to the body.
The upper shoulder belt anchor point should be anchored above and behind the top of the occupant’s shoulder.
Reposition the chair or use the height adjuster to achieve proper positioning.
A common mistake is to not place the Lap/Shoulder belt anchorage far enough behind the student. This contributes to the shoulder belt cutting across the neck and face.
Think about the driver seatbelt in your bus. The shoulder belt is above your head and behind you so that when you pull it across your body you get a comfortable fit.
The Lap Shoulder Junction of lap/shoulder belt is located on the aisle side hip.
The Lap belt should be positioned low on the pelvis near the upper thighs, not high over the student’s abdomen.
Route through WC openings
Low on pelvis near upper thigh

34. Occupant Securement Belts should be snug to body
No lap-shoulder belt is positioned outside wheelchair frame
Route front-to-back
Reposition height adjuster or move wheelchair to improve proper positioning
To recap, belt positioning is important.
Belts should be snug to body.
No lap/shoulder belt is positioned outside WC frame.
Route Front to Back.
Reposition the height adjuster or move the wheelchair to improve proper positioning.  
Now, let’s take a look at the next slide. This is a question with four parts. Let’s answer them together.

35. question #4 In proper occupant securement the
lap shoulder belt should be routed through the wheelchair openings, not around the wheelchair frame or armrest.
shoulder belt should be positioned across the middle of the shoulder.
lap/shoulder junction is located on the aisle side hip.
lap belt should be positioned low on the pelvis near the upper thighs.
Click to reveal answers.

36. Occupant Securement – no no’s
Always avoid Incorrect Occupant Securement. Let’s wrap up this section with a visual exercise.
ASK: Describe what is wrong in these pictures.
Are there any questions about Occupant Securement?
That about covers the basics of Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint Systems. It’s a good foundation for the next section.

37. POWER CHAIRS LOADING ON LIFTS Manual or push on lift? Student/chair
direction facing
on lift
lV. Loading and Unloading Power Chairs
There are many different models of motorized wheelchairs.
Follow manufacturer directions for the specific model to learn how to best use the power and gears in the loading and unloading process.
The student’s transportation plan should provide documentation about the entire loading and unloading procedure H-3
Please refer to H-3, “National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recommended Procedure for Loading with a Wheelchair Lift”. Here we find the recommended step-by-step procedure for loading a wheelchair.
It is suggested that if you need to do something other than the recommended procedure, it would be wise to document the variance and justification for it.
Loading
Determine how the WC is to be rolled onto the lift.
Is the WC is to be driven or manually pushed onto the lift?
Should an adult or WC passenger maneuver the WC?
Document the agreed upon procedure.
2. Determine the direction the WC faces on the lift.
The safest direction for a student/chair to face is away from the bus.
When the smaller WC wheels face towards the outboard roll stop plate, they are less likely to roll over the stop.
There should be a special reason or exception if the WC is to be facing inboard. If the IEP team has determined a “facing in” orientation, document the variance and justification.
Go ahead and take some notes on the next two slides:

38. POWER CHAIRS LOADING ON LIFTS Turn power off when lift is being raised
Leave
gears
engaged
Turn the power off when the lift is being raised.
This helps avoid unintentional and dangerous movement of the WC.

39. POWER CHAIRS LOADING ON LIFTS Lock the wheels
Follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the specific model of wheelchair to learn how to properly lock the wheels.
Leave gears engaged when the WC is powered off.
Lock the wheels.
Consult the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the specific model of WC to learn how to properly lock the wheels.
The most common way is to leave the WC’s gears engaged. When the power is turned off and the gears are engaged, the wheels will lock. Again, always follow manufacturer’s recommendation.
If available, also apply manual wheel locks.
Now, let’s look at the next two slides and answer the questions together

40. Question #5
Whose recommendation should you follow to lock the wheels on a power chair?
Manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual
Click the slide to reveal answers.

41. Question #6
What is the most common way to lock the wheels on a power wheelchair?
Turn the power off and place the WC in gear
Click the slide to reveal answers.

42. POWER CHAIRS ON THE BUS Disengage gears Restore power if necessary
Determine if driver or
student will
maneuver WC
When the WC is on the bus, level with the bus floor:
Make sure an adult is present so that gears can be disengaged.
An adult can manually move the WC from the lift into the bus; the power should not be restored to the WC for this process.
Document any variance and justification to this step of the process for example:
the WC passenger is able to maneuver the WC on and off the lift and or to position the WC in the station or
the chair is powered on by an adult.

43. POWER CHAIRS IN THE STATION Center in station Turn power off
Engage gears
Apply manual
wheel locks
WC Station
Make sure the chair is centered in the station.
Turn off the power when the chair is in the station
Leave the WC’s gears engaged so, the wheels will lock.
If available, also apply manual wheel locks.
Take some time to look at the next slide and answer the question.

44. Question #7
Name two instances where you should power down a wheelchair.
When using the lift
Securing in the wheelchair station
Click to reveal answers.
Are there any questions about transporting power chairs?
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for power chairs and the next type of mobility devices, which are:

45. MOTORIZED SCOOTERS Not used to transport students Load as a wheelchair
Transporting Motorized Scooters
Motorized scooters are a viable alternative for students who do not need a permanent seating system, but who cannot walk long distances. Though many scooters come equipped with seat belts, these restraint systems are not for the purpose of transporting a student in a vehicle. They are provided to protect a student during normal scooter use.
Keep question #8 in mind as we continue.
Load scooters in the same manner as motorized wheelchairs.
Lock the scooter in place, the power should be off and gears engaged during transport.
Students may ride up the lift on their scooter but then need to be transferred to a bus seat.
Make notes on the next few slides. Key points are still indicated in RED.

46. MOTORIZED SCOOTERS Before you transport Check the Size
Check the Weight
Before transporting scooters, check the Size
Make sure the securement area of the bus can accommodate the scooter.
Scooter and some other power chairs need extra storage space.
Check the Weight
Every model of scooter differs from other models in size and weight.
Know your lift weight limit.

47. Check Attachment Hardware Check Securement Locations
MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
Check Attachment Hardware
Check Securement Locations
Use seat frame
and mechanism
post
Use a good tie-down angle
Check the Attachment Hardware
Most scooters do not come equipped with securement hardware, like “D” rings, welded to the frame. Some scooters may have transit packages that can be added on.
Check the Securement Locations
If you have difficulty locating a securement location, special webbed straps can increase your tie-down options.

48. Tether, Webbing, Strap Loops
MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
Tether, Webbing, Strap Loops
They are called by different names:
Tether loops.
Webbing loops.
Strap loops.

49. MOTORIZED SCOOTERS Tie-Downs Loops Extension
Loops can be attached to the tie-downs which then anchor to the floor.
Place straps or loops around strong points on the scooter.
Sections easily accessible to tie-downs are the seat frame, armrest frames (if the model has armrests) and the steering mechanism post.
These locations may not be the strongest portions of the frame, but they are adequate for securing during transport.
Since the student will not be transported in the scooter, the purpose of securing it is to prevent it from becoming a projectile during a collision.
Now let’s look at the next slide and answer the question together.

50. question #8
Name four considerations that should be taken before transporting a scooter.
Size
Weight
Attachment Hardware
Securement Locations
Click to reveal answers
Are there any questions about transporting scooters?
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for motorized scooters. Let’s wrap this up by considering;

51. Your TRAINING and Support
Be willing to
find answers
Vl. Your Training and Support Program
Share your knowledge and be willing to find answers.
There are a lot of questions and challenges due to the wide variety of wheelchair makes and models.
You will never know everything about every mobility device, so make a note of these last two important points.

52. Your TRAINING and Support
Find these answers
In the owner's manual
about each wheelchair.
Is it designed to transport passengers?
Does it have recommended attachment points?
2. Manufacturers should answer two important questions:
Is it designed to transport a passenger?
Does it have recommended attachment points?
Your training program should include the process of research and problem-solving securement issues.
Make calls to the manufacturer if you need to.
Follow up on concerns until the issue is solved.
Let’s take a look at the next slide and answer the question together

53. Question #9
What two important questions should an owner’s manual answer about each Wheelchair?
Is it designed to transport a passenger?
Does it have recommended attachment points?
Click to reveal answers.

54. Your TRAINING and Support
Keep your training relevant.
Check your manufacturer’s website.
There may be specific materials or videos for the WC or securement in question.
There are many other videos for free online. Take a H-4
Look at H-4, “Supplemental Links”.
Visually, these videos and web sites make everything we’ve discussed today easy to understand.
On the far left side, you see the section number. For example: Section 1 matches the first section in the lesson plan which is WC Securement Standards.
Use these tools for your initial and ongoing training.
Help drivers become familiar with new WCs. Training should include;
Loading and unloading on the lift.
The location of the WC’s power switch.
The proper way to disengage and engage the gears.
Procedures for emergency or battery failure.
Say the student is able and has been approved to maneuver the WC on and off the lift and get it into its station. What’s going to happen if the battery fails or you have an emergency situation?
The driver has to know where the power switch is and how to disengage and engage the gears.
Make sure your driver knows how the wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system is supposed to work.
Provide details on how to check and ensure all parts and components of each system works properly.
Take a look at H-5, System Check for WTORS: H-5
This is a great basic list which covers the proper check and maintenance of;
webbing
retractors
track and
anchorage fittings
Give your support.
Remind drivers they are not alone and help them with solutions.
Drivers need to notify the proper designee if
IEP directions are not correct.
Student is no longer using the wheelchair or has a new mobility device.
Encourage drivers not to just “make do”. They should never accept questionable securement. It’s always better to ask for assistance
Manufacturer’s may be able to host training seminars at your workplace, conferences or workshops.
Your TRAINING and Support
Keep your training relevant
Give support & encouragement
Encourage drivers to report and communicate
Don’t mix and match securement systems

55. Summary Securement Standards Resources for Problem Solving
Tie-downs/Occupant Restraint System
Power Chairs and Scooters
Training
SUMMARY
Today we covered a lot of ground but in some ways we barely scratched the surface.
We began with the industry standards for wheelchairs and regulations for their securement. We reviewed the wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system (WTORS). We included some specific information about loading and unloading power chairs and transporting motorized scooters.
It is important for you to know where to look when you and your drivers have questions about new mobility devices with their tie-down and occupant restraint system. There are many resources that can help you problem solve so you can have a fresh and proactive approach to your valuable training program.

56. Questions??? Are there any questions? End Slide
TRAINER NOTE: It is not necessary to review the evaluation questions as this has been completed within the lesson.