LA CROSSE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse said its Adapted Physical Education program will no longer be funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Leaders with the university said they were informed the grant that supported the program for over 40 years has been cut.
The program helped train future educators to work with children with disabilities.
“The last thing we want to do is reduce the on-campus opportunities to serve children with disabilities through our various physical activity programs,” said Associate Professor Brock McMullen, who oversees the program, in the release. “However, with reduced funding, we may have to make some tough decisions in the future.”
Leaders said with the loss of federal funding, there will likely be service gaps for families that rely on the program and decreased support for school districts that rely on special education teachers that the program helps train.
Marlis O’Brien, a parent whose son attended the UW-La Crosse program, said her son learned so much from the Adapted PE program, including how to run, catch a ball, climb a rock wall, talk and more.
“Losing this program would be taking a huge step backwards in meeting the needs of our diverse student population,” she said in the release.
School districts that benefit from the program also chimed in.
“The UWL Adapted PE program has been an incredibly valuable partnership for Sand Lake Elementary and the School District of Holmen,” said Matt Meyers, principal of Sand Lake, in the release. “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.”
UW-La Crosse said it will work to find alternative funding sources for the program. The university said those wanting to make contributions to the program can contact the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation online.
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