Page 66 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

 Are the brakes locked?
 Is the power switched off on the motorized wheelchair?
 Are the gears engaged on the motorized wheelchair?

Securing the Wheelchair on the Bus – Front Straps

 Are the front tie-down buckles the same?
 Are the front tie-down straps 3 to 8 inches outside of the front wheels?
 Are the front tie-down straps at a 45-degree angle?

Securing the Wheelchair on the Bus – Rear Straps:

 Are the rear tie-down buckles the same?
 Are the rear tie-down straps just inside of the rear wheels?
 Are the rear tie-down straps at a 45-degree angle?
 Are the rear tie-down straps snug?

Attaching the Lap Belt

 Is the lap belt firmly and comfortably secured across the student’s pelvis?
 Is the lap belt next to the student’s body and not over the wheelchair pads?
 Is the lap belt attached to the floor tracking near the rear tie-down?
 Is the wall attachment slightly behind the student?
 Does the strap diagonally cross the upper chest near the collarbone?
 Is the lap belt buckle near the student’s hip (the hip farthest from the bus wall)?

Final Check

 Is the wheelchair secure and snug (no movement when pushed)?
 Are walkers, lap trays (removed), computers and assistive technology secured with a seat belt, a
floor belt, or placed in an upholstery bag?

There are many different styles of manual and power wheelchairs. The wheelchairs below were
chosen to label wheelchair parts.

Page 66 of 149
Wheelchair Operation