Which statement is true about related services in an IEP?

• A. They are included as optional extras.
• B. Related services are included as part of the IEP to meet the student's needs.
• C. Related services are determined by general education policy.
• D. They replace special education services.

Answer: (B)

Related services are supports that help a student with a disability access and benefit from special education. When the IEP team determines a service is necessary to reach the student’s goals, it is included as part of the IEP. These services can include speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, transportation, or assistive technology, among others. They’re not optional extras or dictated by general education policy; they’re individualized to the student’s needs and documented in the IEP with how often and for how long they will be provided. Importantly, they do not replace the specially designed instruction that the student receives—the related services support the instruction and help the student participate meaningfully in the educational program.