When school districts fail to specify the appropriate terms and conditions of the transportation services pro- vided in a child’s IEP, a procedural violation complaint can be filed. School districts have been ordered to amend the IEP to specify the type of vehicle, adaptive equip- ment, number of personnel required, and the extent of services to be provided to a specific child. IEP committee decisions about transportation services
should be written into the IEP. The type of transporta- tion vehicle selection should be included in the IEP. The precise transportation that a school district provides for a child with a disability should always depend on the unique needs of the child and should never be a uni- lateral decision. Remember, the participation and input of parents into this process is critical, and the failure to include parents in this matter should be avoided. In summary, an increasing number of school districts
are turning to alternative forms of transportation to help fill the gaps created by the nationwide school bus driver shortage. This is a primary reason that IEP commit- tees need to be fully informed about all options for safe transportation. Keeping up with school transportation allowable vehicles options is an IEP committee respon-
sibility. Determinations regarding school transportation vehicle options used in a school district should be commensurate with all laws governing school transpor- tation, specific to children with disabilities. When it comes to school transportation vehicle deci-
sions, the IEP committee should not be sidetracked by a lack of knowledge or information. Avoid unnecessary mistakes by inviting transportation personnel to partic- ipate in recommendations and decisions concerning a vehicle other than the yellow school bus. The school transportation industry is encouraged
to have discussions about applicable allowable school transportation vehicle standards, including all relevant colleagues, about what is the most efficient, effective and safest way to serve children with disabilities, when an alternative to the yellow school bus is a suitable option. ●
Linda F. Bluth, Ed.D. is a national compliance and regulatory expert on IDEA transportation law and provisions. She is a tenured faculty member of the TSD Conference, a regular contributor to School Transportation News, and a Hall of Fame member of the National Association for Pupil Transportation.
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