Page 59 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Equipment for Students with Special Needs

Devices/Equipment/Supplies (not full list)

 Wheelchair  Catheterization  Safety Vests
 Wheelchair Lap Tray Equipment  Syringes
 Position Device  Inhaler  Suctioning
 Ostomy Products  Tubes Equipment
 Medications  Communication  Diapers
 Service Animals Device
 Oxygen  Car Seats
Emotional Support Animals

Sometimes an animal may accompany a student, as the student’s assistant. Drivers and attendants
will be made aware and given instructions regarding a service animal on the bus.

Nurses

Students who require the assistance of a full time medical person, such as a nurse, are generally
very medically complex. It is the decision of the IEP team whether a nurse will accompany a
student on the bus. The nurse provides constant supervision of the student.

The bus driver and attendant remain responsible for the safe loading and unloading of the student,
as well as the securement of the student and wheelchair (if applicable) and medical equipment on
the bus.

Transporting Student Equipment

Special needs students often have academic books, tools, medical equipment, communication
devices and other items that will need to be transported. It is imperative that all equipment and
devices are secured safely in the bus. These may include walkers, canes, extra wheelchairs,
communication devices, walking canes for the blind, and oxygen tanks.

Wheelchair lap tray must always be removed from a wheelchair prior to transporting and it must
be secured with tie downs so it does not become a projectile.

Some students may require oxygen, which is a nonflammable substance that is available in liquid
or gas form. Although nonflammable, it can accelerate a fire. When transporting an oxygen tank,
it must be secured to withstand five times its weight and out of the head impact zone.

Page 59 of 149
Equipment for Students with Special Needs