Affiliations: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of
Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA | Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
Abstract: This paper presents results from and provides discussion of a
state-of-the-science workshop in which highly informed stakeholders in
wheelchair transportation safety for students on school buses were
participants. The Nominal Group Technique was used to create a process in which
the main issues preventing safe transportation of wheelchair-seated students
and key strategies to overcome these issues were identified and ranked. These
results, along with a synthesis of group discussion and recommendations for
action, are presented along with consideration of current policies,
regulations, and political realities. Critical safety shortcomings exist in
this highly specialized enterprise that varies from state to state. Recommended
strategies include implementing wheelchair requirements in federal
transportation safety standards, creation of a clearinghouse for wheelchair
transportation best practices and education, creation of national standards for
training, practices, and monitoring, and increased "buy-in" to voluntary
wheelchair standards by wheelchair manufacturers.
Keywords: Wheelchair, transportation, safety, standards, school bus
