1. School Based Sports & Inclusion
Getting all high school students in the game!
Athletics for All on School Based Sports & Inclusion… Getting all high school students in the game!

2. Huayra “Wyda” Gomez-Garcia
PRESENTERS
Huayra “Wyda” Gomez-Garcia
Disabled Sports USA
Programs Manager
CINDY HOUSNER
Founder & Executive Director
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

3. WHAT WILL WE COVER TODAY?
Athletics for All & Resources Available
Types of programs: Unified Sports Programs & adaptive sports
Current state of inclusion in schools
Sample state model (best practices, challenges, successes)
Role of community adaptive sports programs
Trainings available
Athlete identification
Equipment & grant resources
Q&A
Encourage you to ask questions through out the presentation

4. FIRST… Let’s get to know each other… Raise your hand if you’re a:
Coach
School Administrator
Work or volunteer with a community adaptive sport organization
How many of you are already working with schools?
Real quick hands, geographic areas
How many are already working with schools?
How many are new or looking to work with schools?

5. ROAD TO INCLUSION
Rehab act of 1973 requires that students with disabilities be provided equal opportunity for participation in extracurricular athletic programs
U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued Dear Colleague Letter clarification in January 2013
Clarifies when and how schools must include students with disabilities in mainstream athletics programs
Defines what true equal treatment of students athletes with disabilities means
Encourages and provides a road map for schools to create adapted programs for students with physical disabilities

6. ABOUT ATHLETICS FOR ALL
The mission of the Athletics for All Task Force is to provide the tools by which coaches, athletic directors and school administrators can include students with physical disabilities in interscholastic sports
Task force composed of national and regional disability sport organizations that are working together to promote and facilitate inclusion of students with disabilities in sports. Task force is managed by Disabled Sports USA

7. ABOUT ATHLETICS FOR ALL
Members include:
Lakeshore Foundation
Louisiana Games Uniting Mind and Body
Active Policy Solutions
Adaptive Sports USA
National Center on Heath, Physical Activity and Disability
American Association of Adapted Sports Programs
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program
Special Olympics
United States Association of Blind Athletes
BlazeSports America
Bridge II Sports
Competitive Edge Management
Disabled Sports USA
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Task force members includes national disability sport organizations and local/regional adaptive sports programs that provide programming on an ongoing basis.
US Paralympics
We’d like to acknowledge that some of the content shared today is contributed by many of organizations listed here. US Paralympics is part of the task force as an advisor/contributor to various initiatives.

8. WHAT WE OFFER
Introductory sport guidelines and best practices for sports considered easy to adapt in mainstream interscholastic sports
Sports specific webinars and adaptive sports immersion opportunities
Facilitation of in person training for coaches and officials with adaptive sports experts (train the trainer, school demos or awareness days)
Access to hundreds of community based adaptive sports organizations that can assist with accessing adaptive equipment, athlete identification, recruitment and advocacy
Decades of experience in disability sport training, sport adaptations & adaptive equipment
Track and Field
Boccia
Tennis
Goalball
Swimming
Wheelchair Basketball
Alpine & Nordic Skiing
Sitting Volleyball
Manual contributors include NGBs
Webinar topics vary, latest series included NGB discussing introduction to sport and will continue the series with specific training techniques and best practices
Volunteer opportunities that serve as training for many coaches new to adaptive sports offered through the ASUSA Regional Competitions, including events like Junior Championship Games, Angel City Games, Endeavor Games and more.

9. WHAT WE OFFER
Sample posters and manuals available for free download. Introductory manuals include information:
Adaptive Equipment: racing chairs, throwing chairs, running blades, shoe lace or string for VI
State Models/Best Practices: Wear school uniform
Meet high school eligibility requirements (may be modification on age, due to previous surgeries or illness)
The athlete is responsible for all equipment.
Training tips
Groupings
Rules/Team Championships:
A team trophy given to traditional teams and one for the combined scores of the disabled athletes and the traditional athletes from the same school.
If the points scored by a disabled athlete enables his/her team to tie or exceed the highest team point total of another team(s) without the disabled athlete will be declared a co-champion and the other team(s) without the disabled athlete will be declared the outright champion. This applies to the runner up position as well as the regular season, district, regional, and state meet.
Traditional system of awarding team trophies based on the combination of traditional and disabled athlete points.
The top performing individuals in each category will compete for the State Championship and the individual finishers will receive medals and score points within the wheelchair division. The top boys team and top girls team will receive a championship trophy for wheelchair track and field.
Due to the limited amount of competition against other athletes or the limited amount of expert coaching, some states might allow athletes to attend competitions, camps or clinics under the auspices of USA Paralympic Track and Field.
Types of disabilities: The five primary sport classifications are:
Visually impaired
Intellectually impaired
Cerebral Palsy (which also include stroke and traumatic brain injury)
Amputees
Spinal Cord Injuries
Each class has a set level of impairment when viewed by the classifiers.
T&F as a sport:
Venues: Students with physical disabilities compete at the same track and field venues as their non – disabled teammates and they are on the same team.
Equipment: Athletes who qualify for wheelchair competition must compete in a standard wheelchair, a throwing chair or a specially designed racing chair.
Rules: Students who participate must meet all State High School Association eligibility requirements.
Recognition: Student athletes with physical disabilities taking part in school track and field meets should receive scores for the events they take part in.
Modifications: No modifications need to be made to the track. Heats may be added for the wheelchair athletes and amputee athletes may be integrated to existing heats. For field events, throwing chairs can be used and anchored with tie downs. Students with physical disabilities can use racing wheelchair for track events and a manual, power or throwing chair for field events.
Track events
Sprint (100m, 200m, 400m)
Middle Distance (800m, 1500m)
Long Distance (5000m,10000m)
Relay Races (4X100m, 4X400m)
Jumping events
High Jump
Long Jump
Triple Jump
Road Event
Cross Country Events per State
Throwing Events
Discus
Shot put
Javelin (state dependent)
Group 1: Athletes with any disability of the lower extremities (spinal cord injury, amputation, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, orthopedic injuries), for example severe permanent injuries in the knee, ankle, and hips.
Group 2: Athletes with any disability that affect’s lower and upper extremities (cervical spinal, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury) Group 2 athletes are eligible to compete in Group 1, however, if they choose to compete in group 1, they cannot compete in group 2.

10. WHAT WE OFFER Make sure to check out www.athleticsforall.org:
In addition to free sports specific educational material, the following are available: listing of individual grant and equipment resources; school based inclusive programs in each state.

11. COMMON CHALLENGES Challenges for districts and schools:
Budget Constraints
District, local, and state officials generally lack information on how to provide athletic opportunities but progress being made
Lack of clarity on schools legal requirements
Accommodation levels vary and most accommodations provided are through mainstream athletic programs not creation of adapted programs
Additional barriers include lack of:
Transportation
Inaccessible facilities
Lack of adapted equipment
Lack of trained coaches/personnel
Geographic areas
Fear of change
Many of these are similar to any program– TURN OVER TO CINDY
How many are charging school a fee?

12. BENEFITS OF SPORTS
According to the CDC, youth with disabilities are twice as likely to be physically inactive; obesity rates almost 40% higher than in youth without disabilities
Benefits for students with disabilities who participate in sports are similar to students without disabilities:
More likely to have better grades, school attendance & lower dropout rate
Build discipline, self esteem, confidence, and independence
Learn team work, skill development and goal setting
Promote healthy lifestyle
Students with disabilities do not receive the same amount of physical activity and athletic opportunities as students with disabilities
HUAYRA WILL COVER
Most of us know this but, let’s remind ourselves these important benefits…
According to the CDC, youth with disabilities are twice as likely to be physically inactive, resulting in obesity rates almost 40% higher than in youth without disabilities creating much higher risks for health – related diseases
Due to the resources available, it is possible to add adapted sports within school athletic programs without creating an undue administrative burden for State High School Associations or requiring the association to change existing rules for the athletes without disabilities.
Can add adapted sports within school athletic programs without creating an undue administrative burden or change existing rules for the athletes without disabilities
“The best time to have started these programs was 20 years ago, the next best time is today”- Brian Seymour, Director at California Interscholastic Federation

13. INCLUSIVE SPORTS
Integrated (mainstream/inclusive): Students with disabilities participate alongside students without disabilities in the same team & could have their own division
Track and Field
Swimming
Tennis
Alpine Skiing
Adapted: Disability specific sports and could include students without disabilities
Wheelchair basketball
Boccia
Goalball
Sled Hockey
Unified/Modified: Sports designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities and can include individuals with physical disabilities
Special Olympics Unified Sport Program
Special Olympics is for athletes with cognitive and developmental disabilities
Paralympics is for athletes with physical disabilities
Special Olympics focused on participation and experience sport
Paralympics focused on competition and best performance

14. INCLUSIVE SPORTS
Students who participate in wheelchair track and field maybe have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, a spinal cord injury, an amputation or other permanent physical impairments
Many ambulatory athletes do not require special modifications in training or in competition
Students who take part in adapted track and field do not have an intellectual disability. Those students with intellectual and development disabilities take part in Special Olympics
CINDY
It is recommended that ambulatory athletes with disabilities choose whether to compete in the ambulatory division with other student athletes with disabilities athletes at the beginning of the season.
Many of these athletes have the ability to compete with their traditional counterparts and have already been doing so within the traditional model.
For athletes that are arm amputees, they may benefit from risers to rest their stumps on for stability for the start of the race.
For athletes who are ambulatory but may not use a wheelchair everyday, they may run with crutches, a walker, or in a track chair.
Athletes with limitations or special requirements (visually impaired, severe cases of cerebral palsy, dwarfism), should be considered for the ambulatory division.
String may be helpful as a tether between the athlete and his or her guide runner. Athletes who require guide runners will need a lane for the athlete and one for the guide.
Communication and trust is key
For example, in the long jump, the guide must be stationary and use verbal cues and/or clapping to guide the athlete.
The athlete with a visual impairment is required to wear an eye mask.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Fully inclusive program
Approximately equal numbers of
Special Olympics athletes: Individuals with intellectual disabilities & related developmental disabilities
Unified partners: Individuals without intellectual disabilities (but could have other disabilities)
Training and competition
Goal of mirroring existing athletic programs
Registered program of Special Olympics
5,000+ schools participating in US (K-12)
28 official state interscholastic partnerships
All states offer Unified Sports in schools
Any school can do it
Most common Unified Sports in schools:
Track & Field
Basketball
Soccer
Flag Football
Bowling

15. ROLE OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Be prepared to answer the question of: “What can your adaptive organization do for our school?”
Ways to consider being a local resource:
Adapted sports training for coaches, officials and PE teachers
Disability and adapted sports education
Adapted sports demo event at schools
Presentations to classes on adaptive sports
Regional & national competitive disability sport opportunities (especially for summer or off season)
Adaptive equipment
Access to facilities
Transportation
Schedule an in-person meeting with key staff, including coaches
Conduct transition meeting at school
CINDY COVERS – COOPERATION & CREDIBILITY SO IMPORTANT
Conduct a transition meeting at school
Potential attendees: Adaptive Sports Agency Representative, Student, HS Coach, Parent, Athletic Director
Discuss current level of training
Medical concerns
Modifications
Identify school and non school competition/ training and calendar
Discuss logistics. For example: seating and positioning, safety, transportation, storage of equipment
Coach meeting/presentations
Who to include
Videos
Equipment (hands-on)
Discussion:
Transportation
Overnight stay
Equipment Storage
Meet selection
Meet Structure

16. GETTING A PROGRAM STARTED
Assess community school programs and needs
Identify students with disabilities to participate
Evaluate existing models in other states and see what kind of sport or model would be a good fit for the district/county
Get buy in from key staff and partners through meetings
CINDY
Statewide Resources
Funding
Staff Knowledge
Equipment
Staff Availability
Mainstream Capabilities
Disabilities that sport serves

17. GETTING A PROGRAM STARTED
Develop a plan
standardized seasons
regular-season and post-season competition
rule modifications
modify policies
establish process for conducting individualized assessment
safety guidelines
identify schools/districts that want to participate
host training session(s) for school coaches and officials
identify equipment needs and additional resources needed
Partner with adaptive sport organizations
Implement program & add sports
CINDY
Statewide Resources
Funding
Staff Knowledge
Equipment
Staff Availability
Mainstream Capabilities
Disabilities that sport serves

18. CURRENT INCLUSIVE MODELS
Based on information collected by U.S. Paralympics and online research, there are currently approximately 25 states providing mainstream adapted/para sports opportunities—varying models
Most popular sports: Track & Field, Swimming, wheelchair basketball
Some states allow points to be scored while other only offer exhibitions for now
HUAYRA
Track and field events for students with physical disabilities can be easily integrated into existing local school level track and field events in regular and post – season competition.
Over the past several years, more State High School Associations have incorporated events for students with physical disabilities into their regular and post – season competition.
One model does fit all! Each state is unique and can even vary by district

19. SAMPLE INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS
University Interscholastic League
Works closely with Texas Regional Paralympic Sport program and established a five year plan
in T&F: 13 Athletes Participated, 11 at the State Meet, 12 loaned equipment.
in T&F: 24 Athletes Participated, 15 at State Meet, 24 loaned equipment
in T&F:18 Athletes Returning, 27+ New Athletes, over 45 athletes loaned equipment, 2 athlete’s playing on Collegiate Sports Teams
Swimming is also offered
Illinois High School Association
Works closely with Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Includes division for wheelchair athletes for track and field to advance to state, can earn points
No standards for ambulatory athletes who have a physical or visual disability to advance to state
Includes division for swimmers who have a physical or visual
disability including the ambulatory to advance
to state, can earn points
Texas
Events for both boys and girls in 100M, 400M and Shot Put. Request submitted to UIL Council for 200, 800, and Discus for Wheelchair Athletes and 100, 200, Long Jump, Shot and Discuss for Ambulatory Athletes.
The Wheelchair Division includes all conferences 1A-5A. Each conference competes against the other in this division.
The top nine (9) boys/girls wheelchair times/distances which meet the UIL designated qualifying standards will advance to the UIL State Championships.
The athletes competing in the Wheelchair Division will compete in separate races at the State Meet from the traditional athletes.
Currently the wheelchair events are considered a Pilot Program and will be non-scoring towards the team championship awards.
Texas: over the years hope to add More Wheelchair Events (200,800, Discus); Add Ambulatory Track and Field Events (100, 200, Long Jump, Shot, Discus), Add Paralympic Swimming Events (50, 100, 200 freestyle, 100 breast stroke, & 100 back)

20. SAMPLE INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS
California Interscholastic Federation
In November 2015, CIF officially partnered with U.S. Special Olympics, U.S. Paralympics and the California Department of Education to provide opportunities in track & field and swimming
CIF went on the road and spoke at every AD, school board, Superintendents conference; worked with 10 section offices to get the correct information to member schools and temper their fear of the Inclusive Sports program
Ohio High School Athletic Association
Since 2011, Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO) has worked with students to equip them with racing wheelchairs and assists track coaches and athletic directors through the integration process
ASPO was awarded funding in the Ohio FY2016/2017 budget to create a school based adaptive pilot program
In January 2016, launched wheelchair basketball in partnership with the Wooster City School District. Solidified a second district and working with
Akron City school district to create the second program
CALIFORNIA: estimated over 10 percent of the students in California schools have a documented disability. Increasing opportunities for disabled students encourages access to the academic benefits afforded through athletic participation.
California Interscholastic Federation
Based on a recent presentation from CIF: In November 2015, CIF officially partnered with U.S. Special Olympics, U.S. Paralympics and the California Department of Education to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in high school athletic programs in track & field and swimming
CIF went on the road and spoke at every AD, school board, Superintendents conference; worked with 10 section offices to get the correct information to member schools and temper their fear of the Inclusive Sports program.
Students with physical disabilities can participate in Track and Field and Swimming.  CIF member schools have the ability to expand their inclusive sports options at the local level.
How does the sports programs for students with physical disabilities intertwine with Unified Sports programs?
US Paralympics and Special Olympics of Northern and Southern California working side by side in our office in implementing the Inclusive Sports programs.
The unified programs have taken off at member schools. Leagues provide soccer, basketball, track, swimming and bowling teams.
OHIO
2009: went directly to the school
After initial denial, the athletic association allowed Casey’s limited participation
2011: filed a civil rights complaint against the school district which later included the Ohio athletic association
Seeking for Casey to be permitted to race at the same time as the other students and be awarded points for his events
Educated state association on disability sport and offered ways to provide that in the school setting
2013: Casey gained access to full participation The US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights was instrumental
As time went on, the school athletic director became an ally for Casey and students with disabilities across the State
• Track coaches and athletic directors are excited when they have a student that wants to participate
Tips from Lisa Followay
Educate yourself on what your student’s rights are in regards to school athletics
• Be sure to draw on the support of community organizations that have expertise in adaptive sport to help guide you
• Don’t back down at the first sign of resistance. Be persistent.”

21. ATHLETE IDENTIFICATION
School staff (athletic directors, coaches, PE teachers, Special Ed teachers, OT’s & PTs, nurses) can be advocates and help identify athletes so make sure they know about the adaptive sports being offered in the school
Community adaptive sports programs should encourage athletes to connect with school coaches and staff about participating in sports; YMCAs, Boys & Girls clubs; know your community
Current athletes and classmates (peer recruitment)
Educate parents (and have translators available)
Recruitment can be hard &
it should never stop!
CINDY
Athletes do not know opportunity exist
One on One with Athletes and coaches: Initial Athlete/Parent Communication
Acquire Equipment Size
Face to Face Meeting
Chair Fitting
Safe Transfers
Tricks of the Trade
Disability Awareness
Precautions
Initiate a Practice

22. ACCESSING ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT
Students can apply for adaptive equipment granting organizations & foundations:
Athletes Helping Athletes
SCORE
Be Perfect SCI Foundation
Team Possibilities
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Independence Fund
High Fives Foundation
Triumph Foundation
IM ABLE Foundation
Wheel to Walk
Kelly Brush Foundation
Will2Walk
Michael-Ryan Foundation
Local service groups (Kiwanis, Rotarys)
Purchase equipment from companies:
Sample supplier list (listing on
COMPANY
EQUIPMENT
Champramp
Boccia Ramps
FlagHouse
Indoor Boccia Balls
Quickie
Handcycle
Targe Innovations
Ball, Goggles, Goal
Eagle SportsChairs
Handcycle, Basketball, Multi-Court, Field Events, Rugby, Racing, Tennis
Per4Max
Sport Chairs
Spin Life
Handcycles, Court Chairs, Racers
Sport Aid
Tennis, Basketball, Racing
High Performance
Handcycles, Sports Chairs, Racing chairs
Top End
Xcalibur
ONE OF THE BIGGER BARRIERS! Especially for sports that require chairs
Each organization has different application processes and guidelines. For example, at CAF you can apply for a grant every year. However, you may only apply for an equipment grant every three years. Exception is for athletes under 16 years old, as they are on a two-year cycle. Grant amount
Awarded based on athletic ability, financial need and type of grant; Average: $1,400Variety of adaptive equipment suppliers available
Equipment ordering
Ordering process and turnaround varies by company and piece of equipment – check vendor website for specifics
For example, Eagle Sports chairs
Custom Order Inventory
Wheelchairs for : Track and Road Racing, Basketball, Quad-Rugby, Tennis
Handcycles, Water-skis, Field Event Throwing Chairs
Price range
4 to 6 weeks to ship
XCHANGE & WINGS Chair Program
Program chairs can be purchased by teams and organizations at lower price point without sacrificing quality
Fewer custom options and limited colors. Good for schools and youth teams
2 to 3 weeks to ship
Wheelchair parts and accessories
Groups ordering 3 or more chairs may get 10-15% off
Accept CAF vouchers and work VAs (for military)
More competitive athletes top end

23. CAF GRANT OPPORTUNITY
The CAF Grant Program provides support to individuals with permanent physical challenges. Grant types include:
Adaptive sports equipment or athletic prosthetics
Travel and competition funds
Coaching and training expenses
Key Dates for 2018 Grant Program
September 1- December 1, 2017
Apply online for a grant at
Early April - CAF will notify you of grant status

24. ACCESSING ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT
Various types of adaptive equipment loaning programs through community adaptive sports programs
Winter and Summer equipment
City or state specific
Most require membership/affiliation to program
Fee based or free with program membership
Find adaptive programs near you: Disabled Sports USA or Paralympic sports club finder
Sample programs:
Organization
Location
Type of equipment loaned
Achieve Tahoe
Truckee, CA
Winter Sports Equipment
Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association
San Diego, CA
Handcycles
Arizona Disabled Sports
Mesa, AZ
Adaptive Sports Equipment
ARK Advocated
Dubuque, IA
BlazeSports America
Norcross, GA
Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association
Ada, MI
Challenge Alaska
Anchorage, AK
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Lake Forrest, IL
National Ability Center
Way Park City , UT
National Sports Center for the Disabled
Denver, CO
For example, Arizona Disabled Sports Equipment Loaning Overview
Available to program participants and community and schools
Individuals can rent on a one, two, or three month term, and extend if they wish after the 3 months.
Cost: based on type of equipment
Inventory: wheelchair basketball chairs, recumbent bikes, handcycles, track chairs and field equipment.
Rental Process
Contact program supervisor
Equipment fitting
Rental period
Policies
Property loan agreement
Payment

25. Q&A What’s your key take away today?
Share your story! Do you have any best practices or challenges you’d like to share?
How will you get more students with disabilities in the game?
Connect with us!
Huayra Gomez-Garcia:
Cindy Housner:
For resources visit:
Thank you!