Download Q. - NC School Bus Safety Web

Specialized Equipment: Descriptions and Procedures
Q.
A.
What do you do if the student’s wheelchair brakes and/or seat belt do not work
properly?
Notify the parents or school personnel as soon as possible so the brakes and/or seat belt can be
repaired. It is very important for both brakes and seat belt to be working properly while the wheelchair
is on the lift and while inside the bus.
Q. Is it ok to hook the tie down strap to the footrest?
It seems like I can more quickly
and easily get the strap on the footrest to hold the wheelchair.
A.
Q.
A.
No. You must hook the tie down straps around a non-removable part of the wheelchair frame. Leg
rests, armrests, and wheels come off the wheelchair easily. You must place the tie down strap at the
site on the wheelchair frame that is marked with cable ties. If a wheelchair has a factory installed
transit option attachment, you hook the strap to the transit option attachment which is welded to the
wheelchair frame.
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 had to stop very quickly or was involved in
an accident. If the parent does not agree to have it removed, contact the student’s physical therapist for
other options such as a tray made out of foam.
Q. Is it ok to leave a student’s wheelchair tilted so she can sleep on the way home?
A. No. Students should be transported in an upright position whenever possible. If the child cannot maintain
a proper head position, the wheelchair may need to be tilted slightly - but not more than 30 degrees.
When wheelchair backs are reclined or wheelchairs are tilted, the student can “submarine” or slide under
the lap belt if the bus brakes are applied quickly. Contact the student’s physical therapist for help.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Is it ok to bring the lap belt over the wheels of the wheelchair to make it easier
to hook around the student?
No. The lap belt must be brought up inside the wheels and armrests of the wheelchair and make contact
directly with the student. If you have trouble getting the belt inside the armrests, contact the student’s
physical therapist to see if modifications need to be made to the wheelchair seat or back.
Does the shoulder belt have to be used if the student complains that it hurts
his neck?
Yes. If there is a shoulder belt on the bus, you must use it. If the shoulder belt is not positioned well, you
may need to reposition the wheelchair on the floor tracks or reposition the attachment of the shoulder
belt to the bus wall. There is also a strap available called a shoulder height adjuster. This strap provides
more options for placement of the shoulder strap. You may need to ask your supervisor if it is possible to
have this type shoulder strap on your bus for students who are very short.
North Carolina Public Schools Transportation Policies and Best Practices
A Guide for the Transportation of Preschoolers and Children with Disabilities - October 2002
Page 6 - 31