Require public schools to host one accessible extracurricular program per month for students with disabilities and

neurotypical students to gather together.

 

 

Because the stigma around people with disabilities often results in exclusion and isolation from neurotypical students,

this bill aims to promote inclusion. Historically, Special Olympics, Best Buddies, Fun Times, are extracurricular

programs that help integrate and foster interactions between all students; however these programs are independent of

most public schools and therefore not guaranteed to be offered. This bill will ensure these opportunities remain

available and hod schools accountable for providing inclusive programming.

 

Because there is a separation between people with disabilities and neurotypical students in schools, having programs to

unite all students through sports, activities, and events, will reduce the stigma associated with people with

disabilities. Increased shared experiences will create a more inclusive school culture and strengthen peer

relationships.

 

Best Buddies shall be defined as a statewide chapter of an international nonprofit organization that creates one-to-one

friendships and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Disabilities shall be defined as a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that limits a person's

abilities or impairs their participation in typical daily activities.

Fun Times shall be defined as a social program in Minnesota run by the PACER Center that connects young adults with and

without disabilities through activities like game nights, bowling, and other events.

Neurotypical shall be defined as not displaying or characterized by autistic or other neurologically atypical patterns

of thought or behavior.

Special Olympics shall be defined as a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working

with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year.

 

This bill does not require any additional funding, rather, it is a bill designed to ensure compliance with existing

responsibilities. Existing public school funding is approximately $18,971 billion, with about 64% coming from state aid,

8% from federal aid, 21% from property tax, and 7% “other local” sources. Schools will use existing extracurricular and

specific education resources to meet the requirement of this bill.

 

Schools are required to host at least one accessible special extracurricular event per month, which will be reported to

the state government. If a school fails to host one required event, it will receive a warning. Each additional missed

requirement will result in another warning. After receiving three warnings, the school will face budget cuts. These cuts

will come from the portion of the school’s miscellaneous budget allocated specifically for special education enrichment

and extracurricular programming.

 

The beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.