Related Services: What Does the Federal Law Say

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. One important part of IDEA is its requirement for related services. These services are designed to help students with disabilities access the general education curriculum and succeed in school. But what exactly are related services, and how do they help students? Let’s take a closer look at what IDEA says about them.
Related services are the extra supports that students with disabilities might need in order to benefit from their special education program. These services go beyond regular classroom instruction and help students address challenges they face due to their disability. For example, a student who has trouble speaking clearly because of a speech disorder might receive speech-language therapy. Another student who struggles with fine motor skills, like holding a pencil or using scissors, might get occupational therapy to help improve those skills. These services are designed to assist the student in participating fully in school and learning to the best of their ability.
BOX: Related Services
IDEA lists a variety of related services, and the specific ones a student needs will depend on their individual needs. Some common related services include:
• Speech-Language Therapy: For students who have difficulties with speaking, understanding language, or expressing themselves.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps students improve their fine motor skills, like writing or using tools.
• Physical Therapy: Supports students who need help with movement and coordination, like walking or using their body in everyday activities.
• Counseling Services: Provides emotional or behavioral support for students who need help with mental health or social issues.
• Transportation: Ensures that students with disabilities can get to and from school safely, especially if their disability affects their ability to travel independently.
END BOX
Related services are essential because they help level the playing field for students with disabilities. Not all students learn in the same way, and some may need extra help to succeed. IDEA makes it clear that students with disabilities should not be excluded from the same educational opportunities as their peers. Related services help ensure that students can fully engage in school, develop necessary skills, and make academic progress.
By providing these services, schools can support students’ physical, emotional, and social needs, helping them thrive in the classroom and beyond. Without these supports, students with disabilities might struggle to keep up with their peers or fully participate in classroom activities.
IDEA requires that each student with a disability have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a plan created by a team of educators, specialists, and the student’s parents or guardians. The IEP team works together to determine the services the student needs based on their disability and how it affects their ability to learn. This process includes conducting assessments, gathering information from teachers and parents, and setting specific goals for the student.
If the IEP team decides that the student needs related services to meet their goals, those services will be listed in the IEP. The IEP will specify what services are needed, how often they will be provided, and where the services will take place. For example, a student might need speech therapy once a week, or they might need counseling to address social or emotional challenges.
IDEA’s requirement for related services ensures that students with disabilities receive the extra support they need to succeed in school. These services help students overcome barriers created by their disabilities and make it possible for them to fully participate in educational activities. By providing related services, schools are not just meeting a legal requirement—they are helping all students reach their potential, regardless of the challenges they may face.