[blindlaw] School transportation

[Susan Kelly]

I do not know enough (yet) on arguing the ADA, but just from my own use of the para-transit service to and from work each day (living in southern Arizona, regular buses and taxis are not much of an option for any type of travel), I know that many blind and also physically disabled parents do transport their younger children to school on the vans.  We are all allowed to take a "companion", even if that person is not a personal assistant, assuming we reserve their space and pay the same amount for that person as for their own ride.  Just an option for now,  if that type of service is available in that town.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Webb via blindlaw
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2015 2:34 PM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Cc: Andrew Webb
Subject: [blindlaw] School transportation

Hello,

 

A blind parent will be sending a child to the local public school beginning in the fall.  There are some transportation issues and the parent is really hoping to have school bus service for the child.  However, the school district has a general policy limiting bus service to students who live at least a certain distance away from the school, and this family lives closer
than that distance.    The parent is a capable traveler but there are some
formidable travel obstacles between home and school in this case, particularly in inclement winter weather.

 

The student in question does not have any disability, thus there is no IEP and no 504 plan, thus no obligation for the school to provide transportation as a special education service.  That said, is anyone here aware of any argument based on the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, or otherwise to the effect that the school must provide this child with transportation, so as not to discriminate against the parent on the basis of the parent's disability?

 

Incidentally, the child is far too young to travel independently between home and school.

 

All feedback is appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Andrew 

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