GAO Study Finds More Guidance Could Improve Opportunities in Physical Education and Athletics for Students with Disabilities
Washington, DC June 24, 2010 – Identifying an important need to expand physical activity and athletic opportunities for individuals with disabilities in our educational institutions, the Alliance in Support of Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities works to advance sports opportunities for students with disabilities. The Alliance, led by the Center for Sport in Society at Northeastern University (SIS), in partnership with American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP), the Inclusive Fitness Coalition (IFC), and Special Olympics (SO), is comprised of over 100 organizations representing a cross sector of the disability rights, sport, health and fitness, and civil rights community.
Recognizing the limited information that existed about the state of physical activity opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the school setting, the Alliance worked in partnership with members of Congress, including Senator Tom Harkin (D‐IA), Rep. George Miller (D‐CA), Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D‐NY), and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D‐MD), to request a GAO study to examine this issue in greater detail.
The results released yesterday confirm the need for continued action and advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities. Specifically, the report noted that students with disabilities participate in athletics at
