Can an IEP address non-academic activities?

Non-academic activities are typically voluntary, and are more social than academic activities. According to Section 300.107 of the IDEA, if an IEP team determines that supplementary aid and services are necessary to ensure equitable access to nonacademic activities and services, then the state must ensure the provision of the resources (the resources need to be provided by the school). For example, if the student has an interest in pursuing track and field, the school must support the student in the pursuit. Support can manifest differently depending on the student’s interest, the resources available at the school, and the IEP team. The following services may be considered non-academic parts of an IEP: counseling services, athletics, transportation, health services, recreational activities, special interest groups or clubs sponsored by the public agency (school), and referrals to agencies that aid individuals with disabilities including both employment by the public agency and assistance in making outside employment available.

For more details, see our article Key Parts of an IEP.