Governor signs bill for disabled student athletes
CHICAGO (AP) — A new law says student athletes with disabilities can be exempt from gym class if they play other sports.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill Sunday extending the exemption that exists for other students. Already, school boards can allow juniors and seniors out of physical education for reasons including if they're in sports or need credits. Quinn says athletes with disabilities should be given the same consideration.
The law takes effect immediately.
It says disabled student athletes can be exempt if they're involved in adaptive athletic programs.
The bill was prompted by student Tyler Woodworth, who has cerebral palsy. He plays sled hockey, which is adapted ice hockey. Woodworth wanted to take a class but had a full schedule and didn't qualify for the exemption.
——
The bill is SB2157.
Access selected articles, e-newsletters and more!
Viewed
Emailed
Recommended
Commented
Sponsored Whitepapers
• Best Practices in Information Management, Reporting and Analytics for Education
- Principal - Chicago Metro Area West
- The Menta Group, Hillside, IL
- Instructional Leadership Director
- ALBANY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, Albany, NY
- Chief Financial Officer
- Hernando County School Board, Brooksville, FL
- Senior Advisor, English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment
- Achieve, Washington DC, DC
- Common Core Literacy Assessment Developer - Part Time
- The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School, New York, NY



We encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
All comments are public.