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

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Challenge Alaska now has a Facebook Fan Page. Please click on the icon to the left and log in to Facebook to visit this page. At this time, you can see upcoming events, meet others, and view photos from the Paralympic Sport Alaska program. You can post on the site, with the guidelines of keeping it positive.

Be sure to click the "Like" button while you're there.

The forms for Summer Splash are now available online. Please visit our FORMS to find all forms for Challenge Alaska programs, or click here to be redirected to the Summer Splash 2010 Packet. Please download and read page 1 before printing (save paper by printing only the pages you will need). All instructions for completing and sending in forms in advance are available on page 1 of the packet. Please direct any questions to our Anchorage office at (907) 344-7399, toll free at (888) 430-2738 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This story is copied from the US Paralympics website. The original story can be read by clicking here.
April Holmes Foundation
April 8, 2010CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Today the April Holmes Foundation, Inc. announced a new program to provide scholarships to college students with a physical disability to help defray the cost of their education. Through this new scholarship program, students are eligible to receive $1,000 in funding to put towards their education and related needs. Applications are available online at http://www.aprilholmes.com/ and the deadline to apply is May 15, 2010.

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