Transportation and Individual Education Plan (IEP) are two concepts that seem to have no connection. However, they may have more of an intersection than you think. Did you know transportation can be a part of the IEP?
Students with an IEP are provided the same opportunity to have access to transportation to and from school. If a student is eligible for special education services, legally the IEP team must also consider if the student needs special transportation to be transported to and from school. This also includes transportation to and from field trips.
So, what does that look like? Transportation services could incorporate an adapted school bus to accommodate a wheelchair, an aid to assist in the transportation process, specialized equipment, and so much more.
If special transportation is required, it will be outlined in the IEP as a related service. This can be updated or changed as needed during an IEP meeting depending on the student’s current needs. This is an important conversation that needs to happen especially when a child is transitioning from early intervention services to the school system.
Did you know that transportation can be incorporated into the IEP in more ways than just a related service? This is especially important for students who are 14 years old and older as the transition plan is being developed. If a student would like to have a job in the community after leaving the school system, they will more than likely need direct instruction on how to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to get to and from their job. Students may need instruction on how to identify various traffic symbols especially if they live in a walkable community.
They may also need instruction on how to use technology to effectively navigate their community. This might look like learning how to put addresses into map navigation tools within a smartphone or other device. Also, it could be mapping out areas in the community the student would like to visit and learning the best way to get to these areas with the appropriate transportation.
With real-life experience, the student will be more likely to use these skills effectively once they leave the school system. All of these could potentially be great IEP goals and should be discussed at the transition meeting.
Transportation is such a vital part of developing independence, so it should be integrated throughout the IEP to help the student have as much exposure as possible. It is never too early to start providing instruction on how to effectively use transportation to increase independence and access the community safely.
It can be overwhelming to think about the various areas of transportation that a student may need during their time in the school system and once they leave. It can be helpful to take some time to write down the student and family’s long-term goals and present them to the IEP team. Caregivers can ask the IEP team how instruction on transportation can be incorporated throughout the IEP. If you ever have any questions related to transportation, feel free to reach out to us at (800) 640-4636. Transportation is a team sport, and we want to help provide you with the appropriate resources to make sure you have all the key members on your team.
Don’t forget you can also visit our website, TNPathfinder.org, anytime to search for resources that may assist you with your needs.