PORTLAND, Ore. — The 2010 National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit, to be held here Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, will address myriad topics through sessions and workshops. Among them will be issues related to special-needs students and transportation of these students to and from school.
On Oct. 31, the “Special Needs Transportation 101” two-part workshop will explain the legal basis for special-needs transportation. Definitions of transportation and related special-education terms in accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008; and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations will be provided during an interactive discussion.
The second half of the workshop will focus on the characteristics of children with special needs and special considerations for transporting them, including a discussion of students’ individualized education programs.
Later that day, another workshop will cover communicating safety to children with disabilities. It will provide an overview of several ways to instruct safety effectively to children who may struggle with communication and what transportation professionals can do from a management position to assist in this instruction.
On Tuesday, Nov. 2, “Hot Topics in Special Education” will provide a review of recent court decisions and other topics that are generating questions, concern or confusion about the rights of students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504. In addition, the workshop will cover administrative hearings regarding student residency and discipline issues.
Also on Tuesday, Dr. Alexa Posny, assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services for the U.S. Department of Education, will explain during a keynote presentation how and why the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services supports programs that offer information and assistance to parents of children with disabilities and members of the education community who serve these individuals, particularly those in transportation.
For more information about the NAPT Summit, visit www.naptonline.org and click on the "Annual Summit" tab.
NAPT Summit to offer workshops on special-needs issues
Specific topics to be covered during the event in Portland, Ore., in October and November include the legal basis for special-needs transportation, communicating safety to students with disabilities and court decisions related to the rights of students with disabilities.
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 →
Boosting K-12 Attendance With Innovative Transportation Solutions
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 →