The Systemic complaint, filed on January 15, 2025, raised concerns about whether the school ensured its Case Conference Committees (CCCs) appropriately considered and determined the need for special transportation as a related service in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), regardless of a student’s disability.
The Indiana Department of Education’s investigation concluded that the School did not consistently consider special transportation as a related service for students who were not on a shortened day schedule and did not have written agreements in place with parents who were providing transportation for students whose IEPs required it. As a result, the Department found a violation of 511 IAC 7-42-6(d); 34 CFR § 300.39(a).
Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. is committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities receive the necessary supports and services to access a free and appropriate public education. We believe that transportation can be a critical related service that enables students with unique needs to participate fully in their educational programs.
Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. will continue to advocate for the rights of students with disabilities. We believe that all charter schools, like all public schools, have a fundamental responsibility to understand and implement the requirements of Indiana Article 7, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the appropriate consideration of special transportation as a related service.
We are encouraged that the Indiana Department of Education has taken action to address these concerns and has mandated specific steps for Lawrence County Independent School to rectify these issues, including:
*Reviewing and revising their special transportation policies and procedures.
*Reviewing the records of students whose transportation needs may not have been appropriately addressed.
*Convening CCC meetings to determine the need for special transportation for identified students.
*Providing updated policies to affected students.
*Establishing written agreements for transportation reimbursement when necessary.
*Mandating professional development training for relevant staff on the requirements of considering transportation as a related service.
Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. remains dedicated to working collaboratively with families, schools, and the Indiana Department of Education to ensure that the needs of all students with disabilities are met.
About Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc.
Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering families caring for children with disabilities. We focus on providing resources, advocacy, and educational support to ensure these families have the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of special education and related services, promoting the well-being and inclusion of their children in all aspects of life.
We are encouraged that the Indiana Department of Education has taken action to address these concerns and has mandated specific steps for Lawrence County Independent School to rectify these issues, including:
*Reviewing and revising their special transportation policies and procedures.
*Reviewing the records of students whose transportation needs may not have been appropriately addressed.
*Convening CCC meetings to determine the need for special transportation for identified students.
*Providing updated policies to affected students.
*Establishing written agreements for transportation reimbursement when necessary.
*Mandating professional development training for relevant staff on the requirements of considering transportation as a related service.
Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. remains dedicated to working collaboratively with families, schools, and the Indiana Department of Education to ensure that the needs of all students with disabilities are met.
About Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc.
Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering families caring for children with disabilities. We focus on providing resources, advocacy, and educational support to ensure these families have the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of special education and related services, promoting the well-being and inclusion of their children in all aspects of life.
To find the full report please visit:
https://ichamp.doe.in.gov/_entity/sharepointdocumentlocation/1894daf6-9efd-ef11-9340-001dd80852b9/c33ed440-b686-4dd0-ab89-daa8b56ab8e4?file=CIR%20CP-141-2025.pdf
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