Since becoming law in 1973, some change has resulted from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act mandating that students with disabilties have the right to equal opportunity participation in school extracurricular activities and physical education. But more can, more could, and more should be done to fully engage children with disabilties in the life-changing power of sport.
In 2015, through efforts spearheaded by Ashley Thomas, Founder and CEO of Bridge II Sports, North Carolina legislature took a progressive step forward passing HB 314/SB 401 in support of “integrated community-based adapted sports programs for students with disabilities”.
Bridge II Sports EveryBODYPlaysNC program is putting this edict into action getting students with physical disabilities off the sidelines while teaching their classmates about disability through sport.
Did you know?
The Solution: EveryBODYPlaysNC Days
Since 2017, Bridge II Sports has engaged over 2000 elementary and middle school students state-wide teaching disability awareness through ‘EveryBODYPlaysNC Days’
During these interactive and fun days, Bridge II Sports staff and coaches- many of whom have disabilities themselves – get ALL students (both those with and without disabilities) into the game experiencing adapted sports first hand.
An EveryBODYPlaysNC Day typically impacts between 200 to 400 students in a school through multiple sessions during Physical Education periods.
The Results
After an EveryBODYPlaysNC Day, students are asked to draw a picture or write about what they experienced.
Check out the impact made in just one hour of play and learning!
Imagine the changes that would be seen statewide with all students having this opportunity.
Join us in creating a more inclusive and understanding North Carolina.
Questions? 866-880-2742
