Can therapy (e.g., physical therapy), therapeutic recreation or athletics be substituted for physical education?
IDEA clearly identifies physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and therapeutic recreation as related services which cannot substitute for direct services (i.e., physical education). This means related services cannot replace a physical educator or a physical education program. The objective of related services is to provide additional support to direct services. Athletics is an extracurricular activity. Extracurricular activities cannot be substituted for physical education for a student with a disability. However, students with disabilities have the right to participate in athletics. Public Law 93-112 Section 504 specifically mentions physical education, intramurals, and interscholastic athletics, noting that where these services are provided for individuals without disabilities, people with disabilities must also be afforded the opportunity to participate, without discrimination on the basis of their disability. In other words, students with disabilitie
Related Questions
- For more information, contact the American Physical Therapy Association at 1-800-999-APTA or at www.apta.org/education. How can I find out more about Physical Therapist Assistants?
- What are the penalties if someone practices recreational therapy/therapeutic recreation without being licensed?
- How does participation in varsity athletics satisfy the physical education requirement?
