Page 68 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

This should be an IEP or 504 team decision. Most often, with close supervision, it is
permissible to let the student drive on and off the lift when it is lowered. It is not
recommended to let them drive on and off the lift when it is in a raised position.

6. If a student has a hard time driving the power wheelchair backwards, is it OK to allow
the student to drive it forward onto the bus lift?
Never! The student must face away from the bus while on the lift. The heaviest part
of the wheelchair is at the back. The lift was designed to operate with the heaviest
part of the load on the back of the lift.

7. If a student is afraid to ride the bus lift, is it OK for an adult to ride with them?
No. No one should ever ride the lift while standing. You can help students feel more
secure by reminding them that you are holding their wheelchair frame while they are
on the lift.

8. What do you do if the student’s wheelchair brakes don’t work properly?
If there are questions regarding transporting the wheelchair, immediately notify your
supervisor. Complete a “Wheelchair Concerns” form by following the directions that
are printed on the back of the form. It is very important for both wheel locks to work
properly while the wheelchair is on the lift. However, if the wheel locks do not work
properly and two adults can hold the chair for safety while it is on the lift, the
student’s wheelchair may be lifted or let down. The parent/guardian should have the
necessary repairs done as soon as possible.

9. Is it OK to hook the tie down strap to the footrest? It seems like I can do this more
quickly and easily get the strap on the footrest to the wheelchair.
No. You must hook the tie-down straps around the non-removable part of the
wheelchair frame. Let rests, armrests, and wheels come off the wheelchair easily. You
must place the tie-down strap at a site on a welded part of the wheelchair frame. If a
wheelchair has a factory installed transit option attachment, hook the strap to the
transit option attachment that is welded to the wheelchair frame.

10. Is it OK to leave the tray on a wheelchair during the bus ride if a parent requests it to
support the child’s arms?
No. Trays must always be removed from the wheelchair and tied down inside the bus.
A tray attached to a wheelchair can cause severe abdominal injuries if the bus has to
stop very quickly or is involved in a crash. In special cases, the student’s physical
therapist may provide a foam tray. You must be sure to continue to use the
lap/shoulder belt system on the bus.

Page 68 of 149
Wheelchair Operation