My daughter Zoe, a nonspeaking disabled 5-year-old, endured a distressing and heartbreaking start to her Kindergarten journey when she was rushed to the Emergency Room with heat exhaustion on her first day of school. On her bus ride home, she spent over an hour on the sweltering school bus in the stifling heat which was likely at 100 degrees.  In these dangerous conditions, Zoe was unable to request water and was denied access to it. It is unclear if this water policy on buses is determined by the bus company or CPS-( Chicago Public Schools.) She was handed to us off the bus in visible medical distress, was unable to walk straight, had a temperature of 103.5 and immediately fell asleep and could not be roused.

This is a moment that no parent should ever have to witness and yet continuously occurs every school year. Parents of disabled children remain anxious and fearful of ever having their child go on a bus route. Our children often cannot go to our neighborhood schools or after care, and many of us are dependent on the bus system to get them to and from their schools. 

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) must take immediate steps to implement and enforce policies that protect our most vulnerable children during their journeys to and from school. Federal Law- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  requires public schools to provide accommodations for children with disabilities, including ensuring appropriate conditions on school buses. CPS is not following the law, putting children like Zoe at significant risk.

This petition seeks to advocate for four key changes to ensure the safety and well-being of disabled students on school buses in Chicago:

1. **Implement a Maximum Transport Time Policy:** Disabled children should not be on a bus for an excessive amount of time. We need a clear policy that defines and enforces a maximum transport time to prevent situations where children face extended periods without access to appropriate care or facilities.

2. **Establish Temperature and Humidity Guidelines for Mandatory AC Use and heat in the winter:** There must be a specific policy that dictates when air conditioning and heating are mandatory on school buses carrying disabled children. A clear threshold for temperature and humidity will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment, preventing heat-related health risks.

3. **Allow Access to Water on Buses:** The current prohibition of providing water to disabled children on buses is unacceptable. Immediate revision of this rule will ensure that children remain hydrated, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

4. **Create a monitoring system that ensures staff, such as bus aides, receive training on safety policies, and that policies are enforced:** 

Implementing these policies is not just about compliance with federal law; it's about safeguarding the health and dignity of our children. Every child deserves a safe journey to and from school, and it's time to make that a reality for all students in Chicago.

Sign this petition to demand Chicago Public Schools take action to protect disabled children, ensuring their safety on school buses.

photo courtesy of Candace Dane Chambers

https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/08/21/cps-kindergarteners-first-day-ends-in-er-after-long-hot-bus-ride @ chicagosuntimes