Although many students with disabilities are transported daily in school vehicles, few state guidelines address special transportation needs. This study collected information from two states on the types of vehicles and safety restraints used, and the problems encountered by public schools, community agencies, and rehabilitation centers that transport people with disabilities from birth to 21 years of age. The information collected, together with a review of research on special needs transportation, contributed toward development of state regulations for school buses used to transport special education students.

Vehicular transportation safety is an important part of individualized education planning for the 18.6% of occupational therapists working in schools. Using this study’s questionnaires occupational therapists who are primary resources for selection of seating and transportation equipment may become informed advocates for implementing safer transportation on an individual and state level for clients with disabilities.