The MSHSL Adapted Athletics CI Division program is specifically intended for students with cognitive impairments who have medical clearance to compete in competitive athletics.
A student is eligible to compete in the CI Division by meeting criteria 1 or 2 below:
Eligibility Criteria #1 – The student qualifies for DCD special education services as outlined in Minnesota Rule: 3525.1333 DEVELOPMENTAL COGNITIVE DISABILITY
Definition: “Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD)” means a condition resulting in significantly below average intellectual functioning and concurrent deficits in adaptive behavior that adversely affects educational performance and requires special education and related services. DCD does not include conditions primarily due to a sensory or physical impairment, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, severe multiple impairments, cultural influences, or inconsistent educational programming.
Criteria: The team shall determine that a pupil is eligible as having a DCD and is in need of special education instruction and related services if the pupil meets the criteria in items A and B. The pupil demonstrates below average adaptive behavior in school and home, and, if appropriate, community environments. For the purposes of this item, “below average” means: a composite score at or below the 15th percentile on a nationally normed, technically adequate measure of adaptive behavior; and documentation of needs and the level of support required in at least four of the seven adaptive behavior domains across multiple environments. Systematic observation and parent input must be included as sources to document need and level of support. All of the following adaptive behavior domains must be considered: daily living and independent living skills; social and interpersonal skills; communication skills; academic skills; recreation and leisure skills; community participation skills; and work and work-related skills. Other sources of documentation may include checklists; classroom or work samples; interviews; criterion-referenced measures; educational history; medical history; or pupil self report. The pupil demonstrates significantly below average general intellectual functioning that is measured by an individually administered, nationally normed test of intellectual ability.
Eligibility Criteria #2 – The student must have a diagnosed and documented cognitive impairment. Cognitively impaired refers to students with sub-average intellectual function defined by a Full Scale intelligence quotient of 70 or below, using a standardized, nationally-normed, technically adequate, and individually administered intelligence test.
Specific exclusions from CI competition: A student becomes ineligible to participate in adapted athletics when they have attained a level of cognitive performance that exceeds the eligibility requirements.