Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), students with disability may be eligible for Special Needs Transport.
How it works
Special Needs Transport may be available for eligible students:
- from home to the closest appropriate disability education setting located in an ACT public school
- from school to home (or respite or after school care if it is available within the existing transport routes and if there is space on the bus)
Travel aims to be by the shortest route between the student's home and school.
Eligibility
When applying for the Special Needs Transport program, parents, carers or guardians must demonstrate their inability to transport or arrange transport for their children.
Students must:
- be a registered NDIS participant with an approved and active NDIS plan
- be a resident of the ACT
- attend an ACT public school (not at their PEA school)
- meet the ACT Special Needs Transport guidelines:
- enrolled in a specialist school or Disability Education Program situated in a high school or primary school setting, or
- the student has a disability affecting mobility requiring the use of a wheelchair, callipers, walking frame or similar specialist transport support.
Exemptions may apply for students who are not eligible for the NDIS because they do not meet Australian residency requirements. These applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Please phone the Special Needs Transport office on 62053555 to discuss.
Applications
Applications for Special Needs Transport for 2024 closed Friday 20 October 2023. Applications received after the closing date may go on a waitlist. You will be contacted with an outcome by end of term 4, 2023.
More information
Contact us
For more information, review the NDIS Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Special Needs Transport Coordinator on (02) 6205 3555 or email specialneedstransport@act.gov.au.
