Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 13, 1994 TAG: 9402150009
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-9 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: MAX MEADOWS LENGTH: Medium
It would not be the first time Judy Taylor has gone to court on behalf of her son, David. Last summer she threatened a suit before her son was admitted to a 4-H camp near Abingdon.
The Max Meadows Athletic Commission has agreed to let David play on the school's team in a wheelchair, but imposed limits. He would be allowed to pass the ball into play, for example, but not travel on the court with it.
``My understanding is they think it's unsafe,'' Taylor said. But she said her son plays basketball during the school's physical education classes and sees no reason why he should not be able to play in the county league.
The only problem he had on the court was once when another child bumped him and knocked his hearing aid loose, she said. ``It was no big deal for anybody.''
Taylor took her case Tuesday to the Wythe County Board of Supervisors but got no real encouragement.
Board Chairman Tom DuPuis said other children have rights, too.
Taylor says parents are hung up on wanting their kids' team to win games.
``This is supposed to be a learning process and a fun occasion,'' she said. ``He can learn to shoot that ball and he can learn to hit that backboard eventually.''
Taylor said she has been trying since last October to make sure David is allowed to play basketball. ``He plays at home and he plays with other people, so I see no reason why he can't.''
by CNB