IDEA, Special Education

The Wheels On The Bus Go 'Round And 'Round

Special Education, transportation

For a parent of a child with a diagnosed disability, the issue of transportation to and from school should always be addressed in the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act ( IDEA) 

"transportation includes travel to and from school, and between schools; travel in and around school buildings; and specialized equipment (such as special or adapted buses, lifts and ramps), if required to provide special transportation for a child with a disability". (IDEA Section 300.30-Related Services, Part 16)

 Special transportation might also be necessary if the child has behaviors (such as running/attempting to escape/not able to safely remain in a seat/might cause harm to self or others if not monitored) that would impede his/her ability to safely ride on a typical school bus. 

If any of these aforementioned things apply to your child then he/she should be eligible for transportation as part of their free and appropriate public education (FAPE). This means that your child's local school (the one he/she is zoned for) is obligated under law to pay to have your child transported to the educational setting that was decided on and written into the most current IEP. 

As a parent, always remember that you are a vital contributor to the creation of your child's IEP, which includes special transportation.