Complaint Summary
Date Findings Report Sent:
April 15, 2026
Case Number:
26-0440
Grade Level:
Elementary School
Person filing complaint:
Parent
School District:
Danbury Public Schools (single student)
Allegation(s):
- Issue 1: The Parent alleged that the District has not provided the Student with special transportation as a related service in accordance with her IEP. (34 CFR §§ 300.323(c)(2) and 300.17 and RCSA § 10-76d-1(a)(1)).
Conclusion(s):
Issue 1: The Student’s IEPs dated September 19, 2024, September 12, 2025, November 18, 2025, and March 9, 2026, all recommended special transportation to include a lift van/wheelchair lift. The Student was not provided transportation on a wheelchair lift van until March 10, 2026. The Student’s IEP dated November 18, 2025, also recommended an aide on the transportation, which has not been implemented. Prior to March 10, 2026, the Student was transported in a standard minivan with her wheelchair in the trunk and in a forward-facing car seat until the use of a new appropriately sized booster seat based on her height and weight started on February 5, 2026. The District’s statement that the Parents do not have a wheelchair lift van for personal use for the Student does not negate the District’s obligation to implement the special transportation in accordance with the Student’s IEP. The District was in violation of 34 CFR §§ 300.323(c)(2) and 300.17 and Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) § 10-76d-1(a)(1) for failing to provide special transportation in accordance with the Student’s IEP. Since the filing of the state complaint, the District began providing the Student with special transportation to school on a wheelchair lift van. Corrective action is required.
Corrective Action(s):
- The District must provide an aide on the Student’s transportation as set forth in the Student’s IEP until or unless the Student’s IEP is revised. Notification of the assignment of the aide must be sent to this investigator no later than April 30, 2026.
- The District must establish an internal process to review and ensure that all elements of special transportation (supports, specialized equipment, and vehicle requirements) are provided for students. A copy of the internal process must be provided to this investigator no later than May 22, 2026.