Appleton -
The Obama administration wants students with disabilities to have more opportunities to participate in after-school activities.
The department of education released guidance today on what schools must to do to accommodate those students.
The federal government is ordering schools to include students with disabilities in after-school activities as well as provide them with equipment they need to perform.
Wisconsin's high school athletic association, the WIAA, says it wants those students to have the same opportunities as students that aren't disabled.
"Extra curricular activities and athletics is an important part of the high school experience. And, we need to continue to make sure that we're providing the best for all of our students," said Wade Labecki, WIAA deputy director.
Since 1985, a state law has banned schools from discriminating against students who have a physical, mental emotional or learning disability.
Several schools in the state do already accommodate students with disabilities.
Mark McQuade, Appleton West High school's activities director, says disabled students have participated in sports.
"Students have been able to participate in track for example with wheelchair events. Or, with blind kids running with a lead person," McQuade said.
McQuade says the school would accommodate any student having an interest in participating in sports or other extra curricular activities.
"We want to make sure that they're still to whatever degree a level playing field. And, if it takes having an interpreter there, or it takes a special piece of equipment, we're going to find a way to make that happen," he said.
The WIAA says it will continue to find ways schools can provide more opportunities to disabled students in the future.
