The requirement to complete first aid knowledge and skills training will be waived for those with a disability so more people will be able to become high school sports coaches under a law signed this week by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

The measure still requires schools to have another coach or staff present at a sporting event who is CPR training certified. 

“This is an exciting day for New Yorkers who would like to coach high school sports but can’t physically perform CPR and other first aid," said state Sen. Rachel May. "Of course, the safety of players is paramount; this legislation maintains high safety standards and allows people with disabilities to coach high school sports."

The law was cheered by people with physical disabilities who have sought to coach high school sports. May's office pointed to Josh Virgil, who was injured in a car crash and cannot physically perform CPR.

“I would like to thank everyone that has helped get this bill started, passed, and officially signed," he said. "This opens the door for so many of us to be able to do what we love. It also shows that anything is possible as long as you believe and do not take anything for granted."