A new Ford 550 Super Duty bus (F550), custom-built for the Lighthouse School, means more community-based learning opportunities for the school’s physically challenged students.
The new vehicle replaces an older bus which was at the auto mechanic’s shop for the umpteenth time on the morning Lighthouse School Principal Carla McVicar received the keys.Excited about the new addition, she said the bus would allow the school to transport more physically challenged students.
The previous vehicle could accommodate up to five students using wheelchairs, but with 10 folding seats the F550 can transport 10 students using wheelchairs or seat 22 regularly. It also features automated wheelchair lifts on the rear and left entrance, which Mrs. McVicar says will come in handy when taking students to and from their homes.
Also in attendance for the handover Education, Training & Employment Minister, the Hon. Rolston Anglin, JP, said the vehicle was a long time in coming. He noted, “It’s flexible and provides the level of customisation necessary to fit the school’s needs. It was well worth the wait and the money.”
Others attending the handover included Education, Training & Employment Ministry Deputy Chief Officer Christen Suckoo; Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler; Deputy Director Vehicle and Equipment Services Stephen Quinland and Cayman Automotive President John Felder who assisted with procurement of the vehicle.
The Sunrise Adult Training Centre is scheduled to receive a similarly customised vehicle in the coming weeks.
