Seven more states have joined Maryland in providing athletics equity for school-age athletes with disabilities.
From Tatyana McFadden's Equity in Sports website:
Together with her family, Tatyana sued the state of Maryland arguing for equal access to school athletics for people with disabilities. The lawsuit lasted four years, but resulted in the Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities Act being passed in the Maryland Senate and House, in April 2008. This landmark legislation was the first law in the country to allow, and encourage, students with disabilities to participate in their schools’ sports programs.
That landmark arbitration sparked change beyond Maryland’s borders with schools in 12 states now offering equal access to school sports teams for people with disabilities.
Tatyana won the 2008 Advocates in Disability Award and continues to speak out about the importance of equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Her goal is for all 50 states to eventually offer equal access to school sports for people with disabilities.
