Boosting inclusion for students with disabilities: a look at the law when considering these students in extracurricular activities and athletics.(HEALTH & FITNESS)

Publication: District Administration

Publication Date: 01-SEP-08

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ADMINISTRATORS IN PUBLIC schools are undoubtedly familiar with their duties under federal law to serve students with disabilities in the educational program. Far fewer, however, are aware of their legal obligations to these same students in after-school athletics and extracurricular activities.

Are students with disabilities entitled to participate in athletics and other after-school activities? If so, what types of services and accommodations should school officials and coaches provide? These questions often leave administrators in a quandary. But the failure to sufficiently work through these issues leaves school districts vulnerable to costly litigation. In addition to juggling the complicated legal issues related to serving students with disabilities who participate in athletics and extracurricular programs, many administrators are taking aggressive steps to promote healthy school communities by implementing body mass index (BMI) surveillance and screening measurement programs (see main story). While these programs offer an innovative approach to encouraging good health, they raise additional issues for busy administrators. Here are some district obligations, common traps for the unwary, and practical ways to comply with the law.

Legal Obligations

Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 requires school districts to provide athletics and extracurricular activities in such a manner as is necessary to afford a student with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in such activities. Providing an equal opportunity may require school districts to provide reasonable accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or modified...

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