Article updated: 1/25/2013 11:33 AM

Suburban schools: Disabled sports directive a surprise

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19-year-old Eric Dompierre, right, who has Down syndrome and is the kicker for the Ishpeming High School varsity football team, arrives on the field for the first day of practice at the Ishpeming Playgrounds in Ishpeming, Mich. Breaking new ground, the U.S. Education Department is telling schools Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, they must include students with disabilities in sports programs or provide equal alternative options. The directive, reminiscent of the Title IX expansion of athletic opportunities for women, could bring sweeping changes to school budgets and locker rooms for years to come.

Associated Press/August 2012

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Local officials have yet to receive U.S. Education Department letters requiring schools to include students with disabilities in sports programs, or provide equal alternatives. Elgin Area School District U-46 officials were among those unaware of the new mandate as of late Thursday. Patrick Mogge, director of school and community relations, said the impact on the athletic budget is still unknown.

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