SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Study seeks to improve wheelchair transport safety

School bus drivers and attendants are asked to share their experiences in a survey being conducted by university researchers. The outcome is expected to help bolster the safety of wheelchair-seated students by identifying needs for improved technologies, standards and training.

March 10, 2011
Study seeks to improve wheelchair transport safety

Drivers and attendants who transport wheelchair-seated students are asked to share their experiences in a survey being conducted by university researchers.

unknown node
1 min to read


Researchers at the Universities of Louisville and Pittsburgh are asking school bus drivers and attendants who transport students in wheelchairs to share their experiences.

A federally funded research project is being conducted to obtain accurate and objective information on the real-world experience of transporting wheelchair-seated students in school buses. The project is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

Ad Loading...

School bus drivers and attendants who work in a specially equipped bus on a regular or part-time basis are requested to participate in an anonymous survey. The outcomes are expected to improve transportation safety of wheelchair-seated students by identifying needs for improved safety technologies, standards and training.

Officials said that the survey is easy to use and can be completed in 15 minutes or less. It is online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/WheelchairsOnBuses.

A flyer that can be posted or passed out to drivers and attendants can be accessed here.

For more information about the survey, contact Mary Ellen Buning at me_buning@mac.com or (502) 407-3272.

To learn more about the NIDRR center on wheelchair transportation safety, go to www.rercwts.org.

 

More Special Needs Transportation

school bus driver
SponsoredMarch 2, 2026

7 Key Criteria for Choosing a School Bus Fleet Technology Partner

Download this white paper for clear guidance on evaluating your organization’s needs and selecting a partner who delivers long-term value.

Read More →
Infographic showing a yellow school bus with a wheelchair lift and charts highlighting 2026 special-needs transportation statistics, including ridership changes and driver pay comparisons.
SponsoredFebruary 27, 2026

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 →
the route thumbnail with the SBF logo and a photo of Brianna Pauwee
Sponsoredby Amanda HuggettFebruary 13, 2026

The Lived-Experience Gap in Mobility Tech: An Expert Take on Safe Student Transportation

Brianna Pauwee, a product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user, drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus the story behind the new “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The Route thumbnail with school bus fleet logo
SponsoredFebruary 11, 2026

What Transportation Gets Wrong About Wheelchair Securement (And How to Fix It)

Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user shares practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.

Read More →
Composite image showing school transportation professionals participating in special-needs training sessions, including hands-on demonstrations and classroom instruction, with a school bus visible in

Keeping Up With Special-Needs Training & Standards: What Districts Need To Know in 2026

As the number of students with disabilities and IEPs rises nationwide, transportation teams face growing pressure to stay compliant, confident, and trained. Explore what’s evolving and how to stay on top of it all.

Read More →
School Transportation
SponsoredFebruary 9, 2026

How Supplemental Transportation Helps Close Driver Gaps

Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
driver of the year award logo against a dark blue backdrop with text that says "Nominations Now Open" and the AMF Bruns and School Bus Fleet logos
Special Needs Transportationby StaffFebruary 5, 2026

Announcing 2026 Special-Needs Driver of the Year Nominations

Honoring the exemplary accomplishments of school bus drivers transporting students with disabilities, AMF Bruns of America’s ninth annual National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award series is open for nominations!

Read More →
Graphic showing a school bus with a wheelchair lift deployed and the headline “Special Needs Ridership Rises & More Trends,” highlighting 2026 School Bus Fleet special-needs survey results.

Special-Needs Transportation Shifts in 2026: More Riders, More Tech, New Pressures [Survey Report]

What’s changing in special-needs transportation? Operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and emerging challenges. Details here! Survey sponsor: AMF Bruns of America.

Read More →
An aerial photograph of Jersey City, New Jersey, during the day.

New Jersey Legislature Approves Special Education Transportation Task Force

The state moves to review special education transportation policies following safety concerns raised by families and advocates.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.

Read More →