As an employer, meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be traumatic. The key to protecting yourself and your employees is communication. When an employee informs you of a disability, it’s time to sit down and discuss limitations, identify reasonable accommodations and obtain any necessary documentation. You have the right to ask for documentation from a doctor and, if necessary, request that the employee see a doctor of your choosing. You also have the right to talk to the doctor directly. You may want to get a signed release from the employee granting you permission to talk to the doctors. Though you can talk to the doctor without the release, doctors will be more likely to provide information with the patient’s written consent. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Doctors will often write prescriptions based on a patient’s request, without considering other options. As an employer, you may not bring up what you think may be an employee’s disability unless the disability is obvious, as in the case of an employee in a wheelchair. You also may not discuss an employee’s disability with any other employees, even if his or her coworkers want to know why the employee seems to be receiving special privileges. For more information on ADA, visit the Website for the U.S. Department of Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act, at www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.
Negotiating Accommodations
As an employer, meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be traumatic. The key t...
More Management
Passion, Purpose, and Positivity: Lessons from an Award-Winning Transportation Leader
From bus driver to SBF’s Administrator of the Year, Oregon’s Kathy Calkins shares how positivity, relationships, and hands-on leadership transforms teams. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Transportation Drives Student Outcomes and Access
Transportation directly impacts attendance, equity, and performance. When systems are reliable, students show up ready to learn and succeed.
Read More →
Paper Routes Get an Upgrade: Louisiana District Turns to New Service Model
Lafourche Parish Schools will implement First Student’s Fleet-as-a-Service model for 115 buses, shifting maintenance and operations on-site ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Read More →
In-Service Planning Made Easier: Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Start
Snag your summer prep checklist for school transportation directors, plus 40 training topic ideas to bring to your team.
Read More →
IC Bus, Samsara Launch Pre-Delivery Telematics Installation Program
New IC Bus vehicles can now arrive with Samsara telematics factory-installed, helping fleets reduce downtime, streamline setup, and achieve day-one connectivity.
Read More →
School Transportation Companies Earn Top Honors in 2026
From tech advancements to standout workplace cultures, see which key players across the school transportation sector are earning national recognition.
Read More →
Enter Now: School Bus Fleet’s 2026 Photo of the Year Contest
We're looking for winner-worthy photos of the big yellow bus, so grab your cameras and start snapping your best shots. SBF’s Photo of the Year contest is open and accepting entries through May 31.
Read More →
Transfinder Expands Footprint with New District Adoptions Across U.S.
Districts nationwide are adopting Transfinder’s routing, tracking, and parent apps as the company also earns its ninth Best Companies to Work for in New York honor.
Read More →
Zonar Expands Parent App to Include 2 More Languages
The Bus Suite app is now supported in French and Spanish to aid in assisting families across diverse communities.
Read More →
Blue Bird Completes Acquisition of Micro Bird, Consolidates Operations
The Georgia-based OEM has acquired Girardin Group’s stake in the 50/50 Micro Bird joint venture, bringing the business fully under one brand, one team and one operating approach.
Read More →
