What is the responsibility of schools in providing transportation for students with disabilities?

Schools have a legal responsibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This includes providing necessary transportation services as part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) when it is required for the child to benefit from special education.

When a student’s disability affects their ability to get to and from school or travel within the school to benefit from their educational program, transportation becomes a key service. This means that if a student requires transportation to assist them in accessing educational services, schools must provide it. This provision is designed to ensure that students with disabilities are provided equal access to educational opportunities, similar to their peers without disabilities.

In contrast, transportation being optional, limited to academic purposes, or solely the responsibility of parents does not align with the requirements set forth by IDEA. The law emphasizes that the necessity of transportation services is based on an individual assessment of a student’s needs as outlined in their IEP. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the school's obligation to provide transportation that is essential for the student to benefit from their educational experience.