Back-to-School Transportation Challenges for Students with Disabilities
The back-to-school season is a challenging time for many families, but it’s even more difficult for students with severe disabilities. In the Houston area, parents are facing significant problems with bus transportation, leading to chaos, stress, and safety concerns.
The Struggle is Real
For parents like Ifeoma Nnona, the arrival of the school bus for her 14-year-old son George, who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, was a moment she feared might never come. Three weeks into the new school year, George had only been to T.H. Rogers three times because the bus never showed up. Ifeoma described the experience as "extremely, extremely stressful." After unanswered calls to the Houston Independent School District, the bus finally arrived two days after the family reached out to the district.
Different Challenges, Same Fears
Sony Sanchez, another Houston mother, faces a different challenge. Her son Alex, who also has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal, attends the same school as George. In past years, the bus picked him up at home with a nurse on board. This year, the district wants her to drive 5.5 miles to an elementary school, meet the bus there, and put her son on with students going to a different school. Sony finds this arrangement unacceptable, citing concerns about her son’s safety and well-being.
Terrifying Experiences
Micah Morton, mother to twin girls, one with autism and the other non-verbal, shared a terrifying experience when their bus went miles off course in Spring ISD. Micah recalled, "I called the school, no answer. I called transportation, nothing. I’m just trying to figure out where my daughters are." These families share the same fear: what happens when the system fails our most vulnerable children?
What Can Parents Do?
Experts advise parents to document every call and email when experiencing transportation issues. They recommend contacting the child’s school, the transportation department, and the district directly, and keeping pressing for answers. If the issue persists, parents can file a complaint with the Texas Education Agency, which will investigate.
The Fight for Safe Transportation
For these parents, the fight for safe, reliable transportation is about more than just a bus ride. Sony said, "He deserves an education just like everyone else. So, I make that sacrifice. I pack lunch, I take him to school, I drop him off, I go to Memorial Park, do my workouts, go back to the school and I hang out at the office lobby." These families will continue to show up and fight until every child can simply get to school safely.
Understanding the Law
Texas law does not automatically mandate door-to-door transportation services for children with special needs. However, families with active Individual Education Programs (IEPs) that include transportation services have rights that must be upheld. If a family feels their child’s IEP is not being honored, they can file a written complaint with the Texas Education Agency.
Responses from School Districts
Spring ISD and HISD have responded to the transportation issues affecting their students. Spring ISD acknowledged the incident involving Micah’s daughters and attributed it to route adjustments and a shortage of bus drivers. HISD stated that they are committed to transporting all eligible students safely and on time, and are conducting a districtwide ridership audit to refine their routing system.
Conclusion
The back-to-school season can be challenging for many families, but it’s even more difficult for students with severe disabilities. The struggles faced by these families highlight the need for safe, reliable, and accessible transportation services. By understanding their rights and advocating for their children, parents can ensure that every child has access to education, regardless of their abilities. As Sony said, "He deserves an education just like everyone else." It’s time for school districts to prioritize the needs of their most vulnerable students and provide them with the safe and reliable transportation they deserve.
