DISABILITIES IN
SPORTS
Justin Fritz
Sports Ethics – PE 510
DISABILITIES IN SPORTS

Public Law 94-142 - Education of All
Handicapped Children Act – 1975
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All public schools accepting federal $ must provide equal
access to education for children with mental and physical
disabilities
Schools must provide free, least restrictive, and most
appropriate education.
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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – IDEA
– Public Law 94-132 revised in 1990

Americans with Disabilities Act - 1990

Banned discrimination against people with disabilities
DISABILITIES IN SPORTS
Benefits of Youth Disability Sport

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Athletes with disabilities reported high levels of sport
commitment and sport enjoyment
Perceived physical ability increased
Sport friendship quality increased
Sport enjoyment was a significant predictor of sport
commitment
Martin, J. J. (2006). Psychosocial aspects of youth disability sport. Adapted Physical
Activity Quarterly, 23(1), 65-77.
RUNNNER?
UNFAIR ADVANTAGE?
DISABILITIES IN SPORTS

Is technology an unfair advantage ?

Should people with disabilities regardless of the severity
compete at the highest levels?

Should the different levels of competition be eliminated
so that the Paralympics, the Special Olympics, and the
Olympics become just one competition for all?
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Mikey-Garcia-makes-shot-Woodburn-basketball-game-200224001.html
COMPETITORS?
DISABILITIES IN SPORTS

Who should decide if a student with disabilities plays?
 The coach or athletic director?

If the game was on the line, should the student with
disabilities have had the same opportunity to play?
DISABILITIES IN SPORTS
Over 1,600 veterans have returned from wars in the
Middle-East with one or more limbs missing.
The military’s advancements in prosthetics for
disabled soldiers, now will help the survivors of the
Boston Marathon who lost limbs during the tragedy.
DISABILITIES IN SPORTS
Federal Directive
Signed by President Obama
January 2013

The Department of Education issued a directive to schools
across the country to make “reasonable” changes to
sports programs so that disable students can play.

The federal directive isn’t law, but…schools must make
changes or create separate teams for disabled
students.