Young athletes with physical disabilities should have access to school sports, mentorship, and a supportive community just like their peers without physical disabilities. In Northern California, CAF helps students and families navigate that journey with grants, clinics, and connections that make movement possible. Whether a student is joining a sport for the first time or returning after time away, sport builds confidence, independence, and belonging.

Who We Support

CAF serves individuals of all ages with permanent physical disabilities affecting mobility, limb function, or coordination. In the NorCal region, students participate in track and field, basketball, cycling, swimming, and more. The goal is to ensure every athlete can take part in meaningful school and community experiences.

Grant Opportunities for Young Athletes

Families can apply for annual grants that support adaptive sports equipment and training. These grants help cover items like sport wheelchairs, running prosthetics, and other equipment that may not be available through schools.

For athletes who need a running prosthetic, the Össur Lower Limb Sports Prostheses Grant provides an Össur running prosthesis and access to skill-building opportunities at CAF + Össur Running & Mobility Clinics held in select cities throughout the year.

Camps and Clinics in Northern California

Throughout the year, the NorCal team offers clinics designed to help young athletes try new sports, build skills, and meet peers. Programs include running and mobility sessions, wheelchair sports, cycling, and multi-sport community days. Community members and families can also join the regional Facebook group for updates, meetups, and parent-to-parent connection.

A Hub for Local Support

In Northern California, CAF provides guidance for families learning how to access school sports, equipment, and community resources. The team can connect students to local adaptive sports organizations, loaner-equipment programs, and other families who have gone through similar experiences.

Families can reach out to the CAF NorCal team anytime at eva@challengedathletes.org for help getting started.

How Students Can Join a High School Team

Many families want to know how a student with a physical disability can participate in high school sports. Requirements differ by state, section, school, and sport, but the overall process is similar. CAF’s long-standing “Pathway to Competition” framework offers a helpful starting point for families and coaches.

Below is an updated, simplified version for today’s students.

Step 1: Start With a Conversation at School

Students and families should meet with the athletic director or coach as early in the season (or pre-season) as possible. This meeting helps align expectations, discuss equipment needs, and ensure all paperwork is completed before the season begins.

Schools may ask for documentation confirming a permanent physical disability. This can come from a physician, healthcare provider, or prosthetist and helps schools understand how to support the student safely.

Families can also involve a trusted advocate—such as a counselor, teacher, or healthcare professional—to help with communication.

Step 2: Know Your State Association Rules

Every state has a high school athletic association that sets eligibility rules and sport regulations. These associations can explain:

• What adaptive or para divisions exist
• How adaptive equipment is handled in competition
• What paperwork is required
• Sport-specific rules or requirements that may affect participation

State policies vary, so early research helps avoid delays once the season begins.

Step 3: Understand What Equal Opportunity Means

Schools must offer reasonable modifications that allow students with disabilities to participate safely. These may include adjusting certain practice drills or allowing adaptive equipment.

Equal opportunity does not require:

• Changing fundamental rules of the sport
• Giving an advantage to any athlete
• Altering selective-team structures
• Compromising safety

If a student is told they cannot participate or if the process is unclear, families can reach out for help at eva@challengedathletes.org.

Step 4: Explore Equipment Options Early

Some sports require adaptive equipment such as racing wheelchairs, throwing chairs, or running prosthetics. Schools may have limited budgets, so families often combine:

• CAF grant support
• Loaner equipment through local adaptive sports organizations

Early planning helps students begin practice with their teammates on time.

Step 5: Join the Team and Get Moving

Once equipment and paperwork are set, students can begin training. Communication remains key—athletes should share goals, any adaptive techniques or routines they use, and any relevant medical information with coaches.

Movement helps students find community, build strength, and develop confidence that carries far beyond sport.

Why This Matters

School sports play an important role in a young person’s life. They build resilience, leadership, and connection. With the right support, students with physical disabilities can thrive alongside their peers and experience everything movement has to offer.