Page 67 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it OK to let a student stand on the lift with their walker?
No. A student that walks with a walker or crutches already has balance issues. It is not
safe to have a student stand on a moving lift. No one should stand on a lift while it is
being raised or lowered.

2. Is it OK to let a student sit in a chair on the bus lift if he/she has a hard time going
up/down the bus steps?
No. A chair cannot be used on the lift. A student must be sitting in a locked
wheelchair or stroller when using a lift. If the student requires a lot of assistance to go
up/down the steps, contact the student’s physical therapist for suggestions.

3. If a student has difficulty going up/down bus steps, is it OK to let them crawl?
No. Students should load onto the bus in an age-appropriate manner. They should
walk up the steps with assistance from an adult. If walking up/down the steps is too
difficult, contact the student’s physical therapist for suggestions.

4. May an adult carry a student onto the bus and to the seat?
No. The only exception to an adult carrying a student is when there is an emergency
evacuation or when an infant is transported. Otherwise, the student should walk up
the steps with assistance from an adult. Some buses have three steps and some have
four. With a four-step bus, the steps are not as high as a three-step bus, which may
make it easier for the student to manage. If walking up the steps is too difficult,
contact the student’s physical therapist for suggestions.

5. Is it OK to let students drive their powered wheelchair onto and off the bus lift?

Page 67 of 149
Wheelchair Operation