Integration in Interscholastic Sport: What is still missing 23 years after ADA?

Abstract

On January 25, 2013, the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published a guidance document clarifying that extracurricular activities are a component of the public education program under Section 504. In the years to come, creating opportunities for integrated participation in interscholastic sports will be essential. Research in Physical Education has shown positive attitudes from students with disabilities in regards to integrated settings and hesitancy from Physical Educators and coaches. There are questions as to whether or not the feelings about integration in an education setting and integration in a sports setting will parallel one another. Training for adults facilitating integration will be essential as the window for integration widens in interscholastic sports. A recommendation is to provide these adults with information in a minimum of three key areas: the legal obligations and compliance with the law; appropriate integration practices; and education about different types of disabilities.