running prostheses, Indiana HS athletic association

Walter Afable

Description

Title:

running prostheses, Indiana HS athletic association

Creator:

Walter Afable

Date:

2/7/2016

Text:

Hi list serve friends,

I'm gathering additional support materials to help the family of a patient
gain the accommodation necessary to compete in high school track in
Indiana. She wears bilateral, lower-limb prostheses (BK/AK). After
receiving the initial request, the state's athletic board send a letter
with the following language,

 The *Request *submitted requires that the student provide evidence (1)
that the use of the *prosthesis does not fundamentally alter an essential
aspect of the sport*, (2) that an accommodation *does not provide an unfair
advantage* and (3) that the use of the prosthesis *will not pose a direct
threat to the health and safety of others*.

Regarding number (2), I'm planning on citing the Weyand article about the
Rice University study that ultimately allowed now infamous Oscar Pistorius
to complete for a spot in the Olympics. I understand the Weyand himself has
suggested after writing that article that he does believe that the
prostheses can offer an advantage, using the speed of reciprocating limb
advancement argument. In my patient's case I think that argument falls
apart because she wears both a BK and and AK device so her limb timing is
not equal.

Can anyone on the list share any additional, peer-reviewed literature to
help address these three concerns? What states can I point to that have
allowed high school persons with amputations compete with able-bodied
peers?

For some reason the state's athletic board wants this information rather
urgently so any help you wonderful people can provide is greatly
appreciated.

Walter Afable CP
Chicago

                          

Citation

Walter Afable, “running prostheses, Indiana HS athletic association,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/242013.