Resource Sheet: School Athletics

This resource is intended as a self-advocacy guide for people with disabilities and is not legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact an attorney.

School Athletics and Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may have rights and protections related to participation in school athletics and other extracurricular activities. The resources below provide information about disability discrimination, reasonable accommodations, eligibility requirements, and special education considerations related to school athletics.

Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has limited resources and is not currently able to provide individual advice or assistance with school athletics issues. These resources may help students and families better understand their rights and available options.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights: Guidance on Extracurricular Athletics for Students with Disabilities - Federal guidance addressing Section 504 nondiscrimination requirements and the participation of students with disabilities in extracurricular athletics.

• Pupil Nondiscrimination Guidelines for Athletics - Guidance developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). The document includes questions and answers about disability as a protected class.

• WIAA Eligibility Rules and Forms: Academics and Attendance - Information about academic and attendance eligibility requirements for student athletes, including information related to academic standards and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• DPI Special Education Agencies and Organizations for Families - A list of agencies and organizations that may provide information or assistance to families of students with disabilities.

• Special Education in Plain Language - A Wisconsin guide to special education rights, processes, and requirements for students with disabilities and their families.