Special-Needs Briefs — 5/4/09

School van brake failure goes to trial
PITTSBURGH — A mechanic is charged with involuntary manslaughter after a van he inspected experienced brake failure and crashed, fatally injuring a special-needs student aide on board. To read the full story, click here.

Assault of autistic child on school bus leads to investigation
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services is investigating the assault of an autistic child by another student on a school bus. A school official said that the driver and aide were unloading another student in a wheelchair when the attack occurred. To read the full story, click here.

Village weighs allowing drivers to park small school buses in driveways
CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. — The Carpentersville village’s board previously decided to ban vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds from parking on streets and driveways, but trustees are considering making an exception for special-needs school buses. To read the full story, click here.