Oct. 29, 2024
More than 40 years ago, Ken Plaster drove a school bus for Springfield Public Schools.
At the time, he was pursuing a degree from Central Bible College and needed a job in college. He eventually graduated, working as a minister to deaf churches and a certified American Sign Language interpreter. He worked a long career he loved, continuing to drive school buses part-time occasionally.
And when he returned to Springfield eight years ago for family, he decided to drive for SPS again and wanted to see how he could use an old skill in a new way.
“I found out there were students at SPS who are Deaf, and I wanted to help, if I could,” said Plaster. “Last year, I was approached to potentially drive a route with Deaf students, if that was something I would be interested in, since I can sign. I now have five Deaf students from Holland who ride my first route in the morning and afternoons.”
At Holland, bus driver Plaster signed “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” in American Sign Language to a class of Deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students, including three of his bus riders.
“It’s so special that our students’ bus driver came to read to them, but to sign to them – that’s priceless,” said Stephanie Upton, Teacher of the Deaf at Holland. “We invited Mr. Ken to join us because he’s making a huge difference and helping our D/HH kiddos feel included, safe, and loved. Mr. Ken has built a precious relationship with each of our students in such a meaningful way. We’re extremely grateful for him.”
Outside of the school bus, Plaster is actively updating his American Sign Language skills for his riders. His signs are old, he says, but he’s committed to learning. He chooses to attend ASL classes hosted by Jarrett interpreter/ASL teacher, Chelsee Cranston, every two weeks. He also watches YouTube videos to learn more current signs, and he helps his bus attendant learn basic, but essential, signs to better communicate with their riders.
“I first drove a bus more than 40 years ago, but there’s always more to learn. There’s always more to do to help people.”
