Not-So Special Olympics?

According to this article, in recent years Special Olympics (SO) has made a rule that “ lateral (side view) neck X-rays [must] be obtained for individuals with [Down Syndrome] DS before they participate in the SO's nationwide competitive program. Further, SO has asserted that “those participants with radiologic evidence of [a spinal cord condition called Atlantoaxial Instability, also known as] AAI are banned from certain activities that may be associated with increased risk of injury to the cervical spine....”

Special Olympics is geared towards giving the opportunity for individuals to participate in athletics who normally couldn’t. We think that baring them from playing sports just because they may have a medical condition that may be dangerous in sports defeats the purpose of SO. Sports in SO are purposely modified to allow individuals with all kinds of disabilities to participate. Many individuals with Downs Syndrome have heart conditions. However, SO does not bar them from participating due to that fact alone. Why should Atlantoaxial Instability be any different? Not only are the X-ray screenings of “…unproven value in detecting patients at risk for developing spinal cord injury during sports participation” they seem to run against the core values of SO—allowing all students the opportunity to play regardless of their disability. What do you think about Atlantoaxial Instability screenings and its role in determining participation or nonparticipation in Special Olympics?

Deaf-Blind placement in school settings

The term Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is one that we have become very familiar with in our program.  Basically from the state's perspective LRE is typically as close to the general education classroom setting as possible.  This means to minimize pullout and outside services as much as possible. 

Many debate the controversy or LRE as to mainstreaming, inclusion, special classes or schools.  We would like to address this controversy in regards to the Deaf-blind student. 

Here are some articles about this controversy
Interpreters hired for the classroom or job setting
Deaf education in Utah  (start at the bottom of page 44 and read to page 47)
Eligibility requirements for Deaf-Blind  (go to page 3 of the pdf)

We think that one must consider the meaning of 'restrictive'.  A deaf-blind student in a mainstream setting would be restricted in their learning, especially if there is no qualified interpreter provided.  Having the deaf-blind student attend a special school with interpreters and aides would allow the student the freedom to use their natural language of sign.  There are many factors to consider such as finances for attending the school and location of school.  We understand that the decision is on an individualized basis that the IEP team must discuss and consider.  This is not a cookie-cutter situation.

What is your interpretation of "Least Restrictive" in the case of a deaf-blind student?