Our goal is to create system change by promoting legislation in California to ensure that youth with disabilities receive the benefits that come from equal access to school physical education and athletic programs. We are a coalition of disabled athletes, parents, coaches, school officials and friends.

The Benefit of School Athletic Programs

The benefits to youth receive participating in school sports programs is well documented. Grade-point averages, attendance rates, and graduation rates are higher for student-athletes, while discipline referrals and dropout rates are lower. Participating in sports helps to teach the values of hard work, goal setting, communication and teamwork. Additionally, studies show that student athletes are better prepared mentally to compete for the best jobs. In general, participation in sports helps youth to establish and maintain habits and skills, which lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Youth with Disabilities an At-Risk Population

Disabled youth are one of the highest at-risk groups in terms of dropping out of high school, drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy. A disabled teenage girl is twice as likely to commit suicide as her non-disabled peer. However, when participating in sports, disabled students have been shown to excel in school and life.

Students with Disabilities, Left Out

Unfortunately, the opportunity for students with disabilities to participate in their schools’ interscholastic sports programs does not exist in California or throughout most of the country. Presently a very limited number of youth with disabilities get access to sports through a few community-based organizations scattered throughout California. Although these organizations offer exciting and challenging opportunities, they operate outside of the school system and can serve only a fraction of the disabled population.

The Next Step

The Athletic Equity Law for Disabled Students is a natural progression of the Americans with Disability Act. Tthroughout the country similar efforts are underway. Advocates in Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Illinois, and Washington are all working towards ensuring access to school athletic programs. Of special note, on April 9th, 2008 the state of Maryland became the first state to pass legislation that specifically addresses this issue. The Maryland law is the same language that we are using here in California.