Transportation Safety Hub

• Louisiana Highway Safety Commission - Provides a statewide network of certified technicians and inspection stations.
• Safe Kids Worldwide - Offers a car seat inspection locator and hosts safety events throughout the year.
• St. Tammany Parish Fire Districts - Many local fire stations offer car seat checks and installation support. Please call ahead for availability.
• St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office - Can assist in connecting families with local safety resources and community events.

• Louisiana Department of Health - Medicaid may cover adaptive car seats and equipment with proper documentation and medical necessity.
• Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services - Provides access to family support programs and additional services.
• Easterseals Louisiana - Offers services, guidance, and support for families of children with disabilities.
• LHSC Car Seat Safety Checks - The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission provides a list of certified fitting stations.
• Buckle Up Louisiana - Offers car seat check and distribution events, sometimes requiring pre-registration.
• Partners for Healthy Babies - Provides a hotline and online search for local car seat programs.

• STAR Transit - Provides local transit services and information about accessible transportation options.
• Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) - Offers transportation to medical appointments for eligible families. Scheduling is required in advance.

• Lift buses
• Bus aides or monitors
• Wheelchair securement systems (tie-downs)
• Specialized seating (such as STAR seats)
• Individualized safety plans

Transportation-related terms may be used during IEP meetings or in documentation. The definitions below are provided to support family understanding.

• Bus Aide/Monitor - An adult who assists students during transportation to ensure safety and support needs are met.
• Lift Bus - A bus equipped with a mechanical lift to safely transport students who use wheelchairs.
• Tie-Downs - Straps used to secure a wheelchair to the bus floor during transport.
• STAR Seat - A specialized supportive seat used on buses to provide additional positioning and safety.
• Safety Vest - A specialized, child-safety restraint system designed to securely position children in an upright position during transport.
• Adaptive Car Seat - A specialized car seat designed for children who require additional physical or behavioral support.

• Your child has difficulty sitting safely in a standard car seat
• You are unsure how to properly install or use equipment
• Your child’s needs have changed
• You need clarification about transportation services in the IEP

• Your child’s school team
• Your child’s pediatrician or therapist
• A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
• Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana