I’m sorry you’re having this issue. I’m an OT and work with adults. I’ve helped people get accommodations in their workplaces, but I’m not familiar with laws and rules for schools, but this doesn’t sound right.

I think you’re right- if all of the kids on the bus are allowed to use their phones for any reason, then you should be allowed to as well, with proper accommodations. If I were you, I’d tell your parents whenever the driver gives you issues and have them write everything down. Also write down what you’re told by supervisors/whoever else you talk to about the issue.

If the woman’s supervisor agrees that you should be allowed to use your phone and the bus driver doesn’t follow that directive, there’s a big problem. I wouldn’t get in an argument with the driver or anything, but take note and tell your parents, and have them call the supervisor/higher ups whenever this happens.

It’s BS that she’s not allowing your accommodations.

Sometimes the best way to show flaws in someones policy is to follow it to the letter. There is no rule you can't use your phone then great use VoiceOver on speaker at top volume. They will beg you to switch to earbuds.

Definitely let your parents know. Have them call the bus company again and raise hell about it.

At minimum it sounds like discrimination.

My son is legally blind, and I'm the mom. This sounds totally unfair to me. I'm sorry. You did the right thing going to the Dean of the school. Is he or she the one who told you that you can only use the ear buds if it's school related, or was it the bus driver? I wasn't quite sure from your post.

Wait a minute?

You're not allowed to use earbuds, because someone played music too loud?

Shouldn't it be the other way around?

The other kids get to look out the windows and see what's around them. Maybe you should be also allowed to listen to $1 for which you'll need both earbuds.

You're not asking for anything more than the sighted kids get.

Next they'll be banning wheelchairs because they have wheels like skateboards!

Who is the case manager for your IEP? It's very reasonable to be allowed to use headphones. If it's in your IEP that you can wear headphones, I would politely tell the bus driver she is wrong and continue to use your headphones. If she tries to get you in trouble explain to the principal what you just explained to us. They can't say no if it is in your IEP. Stand your ground but be polite. You don't need her permission for this even though she thinks you do.

So you said Deena of your school, are you in America? If you are in America, I DEA and ADA should have stipulations regarding accommodations that you can site when bringing this to the people denying you the opportunity to use your phone. If you are not in the US, I am not sure what rules you would be able to site, but I know a lot of western countries have modeled their lives after the ADA. This is one of those situations where as mad as it makes you, it’s not productive to get mad or express your emotions in the moment on the bus with the bus driver. Like some others have said, you need to adjust note what is happening, and then bring this to your parents who need to bring this to The school administration/the transportation authority. If the bus driver is violating something there supervisor sad, this needs to be noted and report it. Also, you should be aware and be prepared for that if this bus driver stays on as your driver, you will likely encounter some very uncomfortable situations in the future. It is important to remain strong and steadfast with your rights in the face of these kind of situations. Good luck!

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