Bus drivers raise concerns about transporting students
with disabilities. Many feel they are not appropriately
trained on what to do for these students in case of an
emergency or other challenges students with disabilities may
present.
Transportation is a
"related service" under IDEA. As such, if a student’s
Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires he or she
receive transportation, it is to be provided at no cost to the
parents. In addition, if a student’s IEP calls for
transportation services, “all personnel who provide required
services, including bus drivers, must be appropriately
trained,” according to the U.S. Department of Education's
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
For more information on IDEA's transportation requirements,
read OSEP's
training overheads.
Some examples of
transportation accommodations may include adapted buses, lifts
and ramps for students who use wheelchairs, or separate
transportation for students who are prevented by their
disability from getting to and from school in the same way as
non-disabled children. If the student's need warrants that
they have an aide to travel with them, this is an option that
could be considered during an IEP team meeting.
More information is
available concerning transportation as it relates to IDEA.
-
The FAPE
Partnership at the PACER Center has developed Facts-on-Hand
information briefs on
transportation (FAPE-35) and
related services (FAPE-33).
-
The National
Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
(NICHCY) has produced a detailed guide entitled
Related Services.
These resources can
also be found on the
IDEAPractices Web site in the
Professional Development Resources section.
October 20-26 is
National School Bus Safety Week. You can order free bus safety
materials from the
National PTA. Take a look at the materials online at the
International Truck and Engine Corporation Web site.
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