NC H170

Authorizes the Department of Public Instruction to use up to $300,000 per fiscal year from 2017-2019 appropriations to develop and implement a pilot program for integrated community-based adapted sports programs for students with disabilities in grades K-12.

Requires the pilot program to align with the U.S. Department of Education's January 25, 2013 "Dear Colleague" letter on equal access to extracurricular athletics for students with disabilities.

Mandates the program include strategies to overcome barriers to participation in extracurricular athletics and incorporate personal empowerment philosophy for students with disabilities.

Permits the pilot program to operate in one or more local school administrative units and allows collaboration with universities, community colleges, and community organizations.

Effective date: July 1, 2017.