What is the role of related services in an IEP?

• A. To provide specialized supports necessary for the student to benefit from special education
• B. To generate general classroom accommodations only
• C. To determine eligibility for services
• D. To evaluate non-educational needs

Answer: (B)

Related services are the specialized supports a student needs to access and benefit from special education. They include things like speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, transportation, and assistive technology. The goal is to provide the specific professional supports that help the student participate in and make progress toward the IEP goals and the general curriculum. They aren’t simply general classroom accommodations, which are broader adjustments to instruction. They also aren’t used to determine eligibility—that decision comes from the evaluation process. And they aren’t about evaluating non-educational needs by themselves, though some health or social-emotional supports may be addressed as part of supporting learning. The main purpose is to enable the student to benefit from the special education program.