What does free and appropriate education (FAPE) entail for students with disabilities?

What does free and appropriate education (FAPE) entail for students with disabilities?

• A. They are entitled to a free and appropriate education
• B. They are entitled to no interpreter services if costs are high
• C. They are entitled to education only if funds allow
• D. They are entitled to education but only in segregated settings

Answer: (A)

Free and appropriate education means that students with disabilities are guaranteed access to public education at no cost to the family, and that the education provided is tailored to their individual needs to offer real educational benefit. This is carried out through an IEP that specifies the special education services and related supports the student will receive, such as interpreter services when needed, all funded by the public system. The aim is to enable participation in the general curriculum and to make progress, with supports provided in the least restrictive environment. It isn’t dependent on available funds, and it doesn’t require education to be in segregated settings unless that is the only way to meet the student’s needs.

Free and appropriate education means that students with disabilities are guaranteed access to public education at no cost to the family, and that the education provided is tailored to their individual needs to offer real educational benefit. This is carried out through an IEP that specifies the special education services and related supports the student will receive, such as interpreter services when needed, all funded by the public system. The aim is to enable participation in the general curriculum and to make progress, with supports provided in the least restrictive environment. It isn’t dependent on available funds, and it doesn’t require education to be in segregated settings unless that is the only way to meet the student’s needs.