Campus Connection

Federal cuts threaten UWL program serving children with disabilities

UW-La Crosse has been informed that the long-standing grant for the Adapted Physical Education (PE) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education for over 40 years, will no longer receive federal support. 

The Adapted PE program at UWL is dedicated to training future educators to work with children with disabilities. Each year, UWL prepares special education teachers to serve children both inside and outside the classroom. Through on-campus and in-school programs, UWL graduate students engage directly with children with disabilities and their parents, providing improved services, teaching physical exercise skills, and offering respite.

“The last thing we want to do is reduce the on-campus opportunities to serve children with disabilities through our various physical activity programs,” says Associate Professor Brock McMullen, who oversees the program. “However, with reduced funding, we may have to make some tough decisions in the future.” 

The loss of federal funding will have significant impacts: 

• Reduced teacher training: Fewer teachers will be trained to enter the workforce, exacerbating the shortage of special education teachers. 
• Service gaps: Fewer children with disabilities will benefit from UWL programming, both on and off campus, leaving service gaps for parents and families. 
• Decreased support for school districts: Fewer school districts will have student support in classrooms.
  

Marlis O’Brien knows the power of this program firsthand. Her adult son, Erik, has 1p36 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder that often results in intellectual disabilities and difficulty with speech and behavior regulation.

Erik participated in UWL’s Adapted PE program from the time he was 4 years old, and with the support of UWL’s students and faculty, he thrived.

“The college students that were working with the Adapted PE program were absolutely amazing. They were able to motivate him to do things we were never able to do,” O’Brien explains. “He learned how to swim in the program. He learned how to ride a bike. Because of this program, he learned how to run, catch a ball, hit a ball, dive into a pool, climb the rock wall and even talk. The list goes on and on.

“Many of the students that have worked with Erik over the years are now employed throughout our area,” O'Brien adds. “Losing this program would be taking a huge step backwards in meeting the needs of our diverse student population.” 

It’s a sentiment echoed by leaders in area school districts. 

“The UWL Adapted PE program has been an incredibly valuable partnership for Sand Lake Elementary and the School District of Holmen,” says Matt Meyers, principal of Sand Lake. “It not only provides our students with meaningful, inclusive physical education experiences, but also gives future educators from UWL hands-on learning that supports their development. We’ve even hired teachers from this program, a testament to its quality and impact. Our staff values the collaboration, and our students benefit greatly from the quality teachers this program has provided.”

UWL remains committed to finding alternative funding sources to continue its vital work in adapted physical education and special education, including contacting members of the Congressional delegation. 

The university urges stakeholders and the community to support its efforts in ensuring that children with disabilities continue to receive education and essential services. 

Individuals wishing to make gifts to support the continuation of this work may do so by contacting the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation at 608.785.8489 or foundation@uwlax.edu.