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.