April 1, 2008 Special needs class loses trip to Disneyland Play video

(NECN/ABC) - Bankruptcy at Aloha Airlines means some special needs children in Reno, Nevada may not get their trip to Disneyland. It's a trip 20 kids were counting on this year after nine months of fundraising. Now, the tickets are lost in bankruptcy court.

Ten years ago, Shanna Moller and her team teacher Joanna Trimble decided to start taking their special needs kids to Disneyland as a reward of course, but to also help them implement those skills of impulse control, appropriate behavior, and social skills. For nine months they raised money, they'd made hotel reservations, meal and ground travel arraignments and yes, they paid their airfare. This year as in the past the carrier was Aloha Airlines.

Undaunted, the two teachers, along with another special education teacher, put $7,000 on each of her credit cards to pay for airfare with another carrier. They've had to make some concessions as well as to what the kids will be doing down in Anaheim. Of course the kids know nothing about any of this.

The teachers say it would be tough for them to understand the trip was a no go -- forget the bankruptcy, accommodations or credit cards. At this point all they know is they'll be leaving Monday morning. But what the public should know is that the teachers have gone above and beyond and they need some help with reimbursement to ensure that this tradition can continue.

Reporter Terri Russell of KOLO has the story.