ALBANY, N.Y. — An attorney who has worked in the field of special-education law for nearly 30 years is scheduled to present during the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit in Memphis, Tenn., later this year.
Melinda Jacobs is an attorney in private practice who has worked in this field since 1985. For the last 16 years, she has exclusively represented school systems in special-education matters pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and related laws.
Jacobs formerly served as an attorney in the Office of Special Education Programs for the Tennessee Department of Education and as associate publisher for education and disability publications for LRP Publications, according to NAPT.
In addition to national, state and local presentations, she has authored several publications and articles on special-education law, and has written and produced a series of audio and videotapes on the implementation of the laws governing the provision of special education and related services.
Jacobs is a member of the Special Education School Attorneys Advisory Council, and she also serves as chairperson of the LRP National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Students with Disabilities.
The 38th Annual NAPT Summit will be held Oct. 20-25. In addition to Jacobs’ presentation, the association said the Summit will feature 50 workshops, live-action special events and a trade show with 150 vendors.
For more information about the Summit, visit the NAPT website. For more information about Jacobs, visit www.mbairdlaw.com.
Special-education attorney to speak at NAPT Summit
Melinda Jacobs has worked in this field for nearly 30 years and has spent the last 16 representing school systems in special-education matters. In addition to presentations, she has authored several publications and articles on special-education law, and has written and produced a series of audio and videotapes on the topic.
More Special Needs Transportation

The Most Common Wheelchair Securement Mistakes on School Buses (and How to Fix Them)
Small missteps in wheelchair securement can have serious consequences. Here are 32 tips from experts to reduce risk and increase student safety on the bus.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns’ New Showroom: School Bus Securement Solutions Explained
Go inside AMF Bruns America’s new Ohio showroom with Maritza Valentin to see its FutureSafe technology, driver training tools, securement systems, and seating innovations.
Read More →What AMF Bruns’ New Facility Means for Customers [Video]
Inside AMF Bruns’ new Stow, Ohio, operations: See how expanded space and innovation will enhance customer support and operations.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community
With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.
Read More →
Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Photos]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.
Read More →
Innovative Transportation Solutions for K-12 Attendance
While the yellow school bus remains the backbone of student transit, 75% of administrators identify limited transportation access as a major driver of chronic absenteeism. This guide explores how districts are strengthening their fleets by integrating flexible, supplemental solutions to serve students with the most complex needs. Learn how a multimodal approach can bridge service gaps, restore attendance, and support your most vulnerable populations.
Read More →
First Student Boosts Student Support in Wichita & Texas
First Student and Wichita Public Schools are using behavioral support strategies to improve student ride experiences, while a separate initiative expands access to after-school programs through a bus donation.
Read More →2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →
