Question: Are PTOs required to comply with ADA provisions for PTO-sponsored activities?

A mom of a special needs child has asked PTO to fund a paraprofessional to attend an after-school activity with the child. Our principal told us PTO has to pay paras at $25/hr for any child who needs one for all activities PTO sponsors ($400 per child). We are a 501(c)(3) organization (private?) who would be burdened financially and administratively if we have to comply with ADA provisions. We maintain that school district is responsible. Are we correct? (P.S. Two PTO board members are moms of special needs children, including me.)

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
We are not experts in ADA law, so one good starting point would be to ask the school district's attorney what the school is responsible for providing in this circumstance. While we hear that school districts are typically responsible to provide these services for special-needs children, we can't honestly say based on your reference to an after-school activity. Please let us know how this is turning out. Best of luck with this.