One of the many challenges of transporting students with disabilities is properly spec'ing the school bus, which must be equipped to meet the varying demands of disabled children. To make this challenge more daunting, transportation managers also must be cost-conscious. Tight budgets require them to find the most economical and versatile equipment on the market. Staying in touch with the latest equipment developments is also important because manufacturers are constantly improving their product line. The following advice is intended to ease the process of writing your specifications. Because specifications vary by locality and state, you should consult with governing officials before making any changes.
Making a graceful entrance
To accommodate students with limited mobility, the regular service entrance needs to have three or four steps, each having a rise of no more than 9 inches. In addition, the first step should be no more than 10 inches from the ground (check your local and state requirements). The entrance should also have both left and right grab rails for students who may need additional support as they enter the bus. Passenger seats that have a child safety seat or restraint system attached to them must have a reinforced seat frame that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208, 209 and 210. Seat belts should not be confused with positioning belts, which do not meet FMVSS 209. For a bus that will have a wheelchair securement system, it is recommended that a 5/8-inch marine plywood sub floor be added for stability. When designing your floor plan, consider the utilization of the bus. We have found that flat floors and recessed tracking promote variable uses of the equipment. In a bus equipped with air-ride suspension, the wheelchair positions may be placed at the back of the bus, allowing the use of 39-inch seats in the forward area and 30-inch seats in the rear. Allowing 52 inches for each wheelchair position provides working room around the chair for drivers and aides. All four-point tiedown systems and three-point personal securement systems must meet FMVSS 209. Above the window, tracking for the upper torso restraint helps with adjusting the placement of the shoulder strap when the height of the wheelchair makes this adjustment difficult. Check with the securement system manufacturer for other devices that adjust the shoulder strap. Storage devices for securement straps are now available. This keeps them cleaner and prevents wear. Any storage device needs to meet the flammability standards established in FMVSS 302. Make sure you are provided with all available training materials to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the wheelchair securement and occupant restraint system.
