The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) covers a wide range of disabilities to ensure that all students have access to a free and appropriate public education. This includes various categories of disabilities such as autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, speech or language impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, orthopedic impairments, and other health impairments.
Option C is correct because it accurately reflects the comprehensive scope of disabilities recognized under IDEA. By including autism, intellectual disability, and specific learning disabilities, it acknowledges the diverse needs of students who may require special education services. This broad categorization supports the principle of inclusivity in education, catering to a variety of developmental, cognitive, and physical challenges.
The other options are overly restrictive or fail to encompass the full breadth of disabilities covered under IDEA, which is intended to protect the rights of students with various disabilities and provide them with tailored educational opportunities.