SCALERA / VOSS / PRIETO BILL PROMOTING HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FOR DISABLED, VISUALLY IMPAIRED NOW LAW Law Directs State’s Interscholastic Sports Group To Encourage & Oversee ‘Adapted Athletics’ Competitions (TRENTON) – Gov. Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation Assembly members Fred Scalera, Joan Voss and Vincent Prieto sponsored to direct the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association to actively develop competitive sports programs for youths with disabilities. “Kids with disabilities who aspire to play sports should get every opportunity to do so,” said Scalera (D-Essex/Bergen/Passaic). “All children, regardless of physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities or impairments, should be able to enjoy the exhilaration of sports and enjoy the thrill of competition.” The Scalera/Voss/Prieto law (A-930) intends to help foster partnerships among different school districts that are large enough to field teams of students who can play “adapted sports” – competitions that are based on mainstream sports but modified to meet the needs of those with cognitive or physical disabilities. The lawmakers noted the law particularly benefits school districts that are serving increased numbers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities or handicaps. The law also directs the NJSIAA to work with the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs to establish interscholastic athletic programs for student athletes with physical disabilities or visual impairments or support the efforts of participating school districts that implement adapted athletics programs. “Adapted athletic programs will grant children with physical or cognitive disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy the benefits and values of participating in high school sports competitions that other student-athletes enjoy,” said Voss (D-Bergen). “It is widely recognized that high school athletics can play a vital role in a student’s development,” said Prieto (D-Hudson). “Adapted sports would help children who live with a variety of challenges meet their full potential.” The NJSIAA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization of 425 accredited public, private and parochial high schools in the state. The organization sets forth the rules and regulations governing high school athletics to equalize competition for member schools. The NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 31 sports. The AAASP is a national organization committed to promoting programs for student-athletes with disabilities. On the Net: www.assemblydems.comNJ Assembly Democrats on YouTubeNJ Assembly Democrats on FacebookSign up for NJ Assembly Dem e-mail alerts