Introduction
For families of student-athletes with learning differences or disabilities, the college recruiting process can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, or an IEP/504 plan, opportunities to play college sports are absolutely within reach. In fact, NCAA rules specifically protect access and provide individualized review processes for these athletes.
This resource breaks down everything families need to know about eligibility, accommodations, recruiting strategies, and communication, along with expert advice on how to highlight your athlete’s strengths in a positive and empowering way.
⚖️ NCAA Eligibility for Students with Learning Differences
1. Academic Requirements
To play at the NCAA Division I or II level, students must meet these minimum academic standards:
16 core courses in English, math, science, and social studies.
Minimum GPA: 2.3 for Division I, 2.2 for Division II.
Standardized test scores: Optional through at least 2026.
👉 NCAA Eligibility Center Requirements
2. Individualized Review for Students with Disabilities
The NCAA Eligibility Center conducts case-by-case reviews for students with documented learning disabilities or other conditions (LD, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.).
Families should submit documentation during registration, including:
A recent psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation (within 3 years).
An official IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 Plan.
A high school transcript reflecting approved accommodations.
🟩 Pro Tip: Label and upload files clearly (e.g., “IEP 2024 – Testing Accommodations.pdf”). This helps prevent review delays and clarifies which documents apply to which school years.
If the Eligibility Center requests follow-up documentation or clarification, respond promptly to keep the case active.
👉 NCAA: Students with Disabilities Resource
3. Core Course Flexibility
Students with learning differences may take special education courses — as long as they meet the academic rigor standards required by NCAA-approved core courses.
Key reminder:
Always confirm with your high school’s NCAA Liaison or guidance counselor which courses appear on your school’s official NCAA-approved core course list.
(This prevents last-minute eligibility issues when submitting transcripts.)
🧠 Accommodations in College
Once in college, accommodations are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Every institution has a Disability Services or Accessibility Office that helps student-athletes access:
Extended testing time or quiet testing locations
Note-taking support or digital recorders
Access to audio textbooks or assistive technology
Priority course registration for balance with training schedules
Tutoring and study hall coordination with athletics
⚠️ Accommodations don’t transfer automatically from high school. Each student must apply for accommodations at their new college or university — even if they previously had an IEP or 504 Plan.
🏆 Highlighting Strengths in the Recruiting Process
1. Frame the Narrative Positively
Learning differences can build traits that coaches love — discipline, adaptability, and resilience.
Frame your athlete’s journey in terms of what they’ve learned, not what they’ve overcome.
Example:
“Using visual routines helped me memorize complex plays and improve my game awareness. That same structure helps me balance athletics and academics.”
2. Showcase Transferable Strengths
In your athlete resume or recruiting profile, highlight:
Consistency and perseverance
Time management and organization
Leadership and peer communication
Creative problem-solving (e.g., adapting strategies to remember plays)
Growth mindset and accountability
These are powerful signals to coaches — far stronger than GPA alone.
3. When and How to Discuss Learning Differences
You don’t need to disclose a diagnosis early in recruiting.
Once serious interest develops, it’s appropriate to share that the athlete has successfully used accommodations and thrives with structure.
Use our Coach Email Resource to help frame this naturally.
“I’ve learned to manage time and stay organized through strategies that help me balance school and sport. It’s made me a stronger student and teammate.”
💰 Financial Aid and Scholarships
Athletes with learning differences are eligible for the same athletic scholarships as everyone else.
Additional aid may come from:
Federal programs: Pell Grants, SEOG, or work-study opportunities.
Private awards: through organizations such as the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Institutional merit or hardship scholarships recognizing resilience or adversity.
Always ask each school’s Financial Aid Office if they offer disability or hardship-specific support — many do, but it’s rarely publicized.
🗓️ Recruiting Timeline for Students with Learning Differences
Year | Key Actions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Grade 9–10 | Ensure IEP/504 is current. Track accommodations and grades. | Keep documentation updated annually. |
Grade 10–11 | Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and upload documentation. | Confirm special-ed courses on NCAA-approved core list. |
Grade 11 | Begin contacting coaches; share academic and athletic progress. | Create highlight video emphasizing consistency and discipline. |
Grade 12 | Visit schools; meet Accessibility Offices. | Bring copies of updated testing and IEP/504 paperwork. |
🏫 Questions to Ask During Campus Visits
“How do athletics coordinate with the Accessibility Office?”
“Is tutoring or academic advising available for athletes?”
“Do accommodations apply during travel or away games?”
“What’s the process for renewing accommodations each year?”
👉 NCAA Recruiting Calendar and Visit Rules
🚫 Common Myths and Realities
Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
“A learning disability disqualifies you from NCAA eligibility.” | False — the NCAA provides individualized reviews for students with disabilities. |
“Coaches won’t recruit students with IEPs or 504 plans.” | False — coaches care about skill, work ethic, and academics. |
“Accommodations transfer automatically from high school.” | False — students must apply for college accommodations separately. |
“You must disclose your diagnosis before being recruited.” | False — disclosure is voluntary; universities cannot require it prior to admission or aid decisions. |
“Colleges don’t offer academic support for athletes with disabilities.” | False — every NCAA institution has resources through Accessibility or Academic Support Services. |
📚 Helpful External Resources
💡 Final Thoughts
“A learning difference doesn’t define limits — it defines how you learn, compete, and succeed.”
Success in college recruiting isn’t just about overcoming challenges — it’s about understanding them. Athletes who know how to work within their learning difference, use the right resources, and stay on top of every other part of the recruiting process — grades, highlight video, communication, and campus visits — put themselves in the strongest position for scholarships.
The truth is, NCAA coaches want prepared, self-aware athletes who know how to manage their academics, advocate for themselves, and bring consistent effort both on and off the field.
If your athlete can do that, their learning difference becomes one more proof of character — not a limitation.
👉 Explore our free resources and sport-specific Playbooks to make sure every piece of your athlete’s recruiting journey — from eligibility to outreach — is dialed in.
Because when all the pieces fit, opportunities follow.
Introduction
For families of student-athletes with learning differences or disabilities, the college recruiting process can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, or an IEP/504 plan, opportunities to play college sports are absolutely within reach. In fact, NCAA rules specifically protect access and provide individualized review processes for these athletes.
This resource breaks down everything families need to know about eligibility, accommodations, recruiting strategies, and communication, along with expert advice on how to highlight your athlete’s strengths in a positive and empowering way.
⚖️ NCAA Eligibility for Students with Learning Differences
1. Academic Requirements
To play at the NCAA Division I or II level, students must meet these minimum academic standards:
16 core courses in English, math, science, and social studies.
Minimum GPA: 2.3 for Division I, 2.2 for Division II.
Standardized test scores: Optional through at least 2026.
👉 NCAA Eligibility Center Requirements
2. Individualized Review for Students with Disabilities
The NCAA Eligibility Center conducts case-by-case reviews for students with documented learning disabilities or other conditions (LD, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.).
Families should submit documentation during registration, including:
A recent psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation (within 3 years).
An official IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 Plan.
A high school transcript reflecting approved accommodations.
🟩 Pro Tip: Label and upload files clearly (e.g., “IEP 2024 – Testing Accommodations.pdf”). This helps prevent review delays and clarifies which documents apply to which school years.
If the Eligibility Center requests follow-up documentation or clarification, respond promptly to keep the case active.
👉 NCAA: Students with Disabilities Resource
3. Core Course Flexibility
Students with learning differences may take special education courses — as long as they meet the academic rigor standards required by NCAA-approved core courses.
Key reminder:
Always confirm with your high school’s NCAA Liaison or guidance counselor which courses appear on your school’s official NCAA-approved core course list.
(This prevents last-minute eligibility issues when submitting transcripts.)
🧠 Accommodations in College
Once in college, accommodations are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Every institution has a Disability Services or Accessibility Office that helps student-athletes access:
Extended testing time or quiet testing locations
Note-taking support or digital recorders
Access to audio textbooks or assistive technology
Priority course registration for balance with training schedules
Tutoring and study hall coordination with athletics
⚠️ Accommodations don’t transfer automatically from high school. Each student must apply for accommodations at their new college or university — even if they previously had an IEP or 504 Plan.
🏆 Highlighting Strengths in the Recruiting Process
1. Frame the Narrative Positively
Learning differences can build traits that coaches love — discipline, adaptability, and resilience.
Frame your athlete’s journey in terms of what they’ve learned, not what they’ve overcome.
Example:
“Using visual routines helped me memorize complex plays and improve my game awareness. That same structure helps me balance athletics and academics.”
2. Showcase Transferable Strengths
In your athlete resume or recruiting profile, highlight:
Consistency and perseverance
Time management and organization
Leadership and peer communication
Creative problem-solving (e.g., adapting strategies to remember plays)
Growth mindset and accountability
These are powerful signals to coaches — far stronger than GPA alone.
3. When and How to Discuss Learning Differences
You don’t need to disclose a diagnosis early in recruiting.
Once serious interest develops, it’s appropriate to share that the athlete has successfully used accommodations and thrives with structure.
Use our Coach Email Resource to help frame this naturally.
“I’ve learned to manage time and stay organized through strategies that help me balance school and sport. It’s made me a stronger student and teammate.”
💰 Financial Aid and Scholarships
Athletes with learning differences are eligible for the same athletic scholarships as everyone else.
Additional aid may come from:
Federal programs: Pell Grants, SEOG, or work-study opportunities.
Private awards: through organizations such as the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Institutional merit or hardship scholarships recognizing resilience or adversity.
Always ask each school’s Financial Aid Office if they offer disability or hardship-specific support — many do, but it’s rarely publicized.
🗓️ Recruiting Timeline for Students with Learning Differences
Year | Key Actions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Grade 9–10 | Ensure IEP/504 is current. Track accommodations and grades. | Keep documentation updated annually. |
Grade 10–11 | Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and upload documentation. | Confirm special-ed courses on NCAA-approved core list. |
Grade 11 | Begin contacting coaches; share academic and athletic progress. | Create highlight video emphasizing consistency and discipline. |
Grade 12 | Visit schools; meet Accessibility Offices. | Bring copies of updated testing and IEP/504 paperwork. |
🏫 Questions to Ask During Campus Visits
“How do athletics coordinate with the Accessibility Office?”
“Is tutoring or academic advising available for athletes?”
“Do accommodations apply during travel or away games?”
“What’s the process for renewing accommodations each year?”
👉 NCAA Recruiting Calendar and Visit Rules
🚫 Common Myths and Realities
Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
“A learning disability disqualifies you from NCAA eligibility.” | False — the NCAA provides individualized reviews for students with disabilities. |
“Coaches won’t recruit students with IEPs or 504 plans.” | False — coaches care about skill, work ethic, and academics. |
“Accommodations transfer automatically from high school.” | False — students must apply for college accommodations separately. |
“You must disclose your diagnosis before being recruited.” | False — disclosure is voluntary; universities cannot require it prior to admission or aid decisions. |
“Colleges don’t offer academic support for athletes with disabilities.” | False — every NCAA institution has resources through Accessibility or Academic Support Services. |
📚 Helpful External Resources
💡 Final Thoughts
“A learning difference doesn’t define limits — it defines how you learn, compete, and succeed.”
Success in college recruiting isn’t just about overcoming challenges — it’s about understanding them. Athletes who know how to work within their learning difference, use the right resources, and stay on top of every other part of the recruiting process — grades, highlight video, communication, and campus visits — put themselves in the strongest position for scholarships.
The truth is, NCAA coaches want prepared, self-aware athletes who know how to manage their academics, advocate for themselves, and bring consistent effort both on and off the field.
If your athlete can do that, their learning difference becomes one more proof of character — not a limitation.
👉 Explore our free resources and sport-specific Playbooks to make sure every piece of your athlete’s recruiting journey — from eligibility to outreach — is dialed in.
Because when all the pieces fit, opportunities follow.
Introduction
For families of student-athletes with learning differences or disabilities, the college recruiting process can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, processing disorders, or an IEP/504 plan, opportunities to play college sports are absolutely within reach. In fact, NCAA rules specifically protect access and provide individualized review processes for these athletes.
This resource breaks down everything families need to know about eligibility, accommodations, recruiting strategies, and communication, along with expert advice on how to highlight your athlete’s strengths in a positive and empowering way.
⚖️ NCAA Eligibility for Students with Learning Differences
1. Academic Requirements
To play at the NCAA Division I or II level, students must meet these minimum academic standards:
16 core courses in English, math, science, and social studies.
Minimum GPA: 2.3 for Division I, 2.2 for Division II.
Standardized test scores: Optional through at least 2026.
👉 NCAA Eligibility Center Requirements
2. Individualized Review for Students with Disabilities
The NCAA Eligibility Center conducts case-by-case reviews for students with documented learning disabilities or other conditions (LD, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.).
Families should submit documentation during registration, including:
A recent psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation (within 3 years).
An official IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 Plan.
A high school transcript reflecting approved accommodations.
🟩 Pro Tip: Label and upload files clearly (e.g., “IEP 2024 – Testing Accommodations.pdf”). This helps prevent review delays and clarifies which documents apply to which school years.
If the Eligibility Center requests follow-up documentation or clarification, respond promptly to keep the case active.
👉 NCAA: Students with Disabilities Resource
3. Core Course Flexibility
Students with learning differences may take special education courses — as long as they meet the academic rigor standards required by NCAA-approved core courses.
Key reminder:
Always confirm with your high school’s NCAA Liaison or guidance counselor which courses appear on your school’s official NCAA-approved core course list.
(This prevents last-minute eligibility issues when submitting transcripts.)
🧠 Accommodations in College
Once in college, accommodations are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Every institution has a Disability Services or Accessibility Office that helps student-athletes access:
Extended testing time or quiet testing locations
Note-taking support or digital recorders
Access to audio textbooks or assistive technology
Priority course registration for balance with training schedules
Tutoring and study hall coordination with athletics
⚠️ Accommodations don’t transfer automatically from high school. Each student must apply for accommodations at their new college or university — even if they previously had an IEP or 504 Plan.
🏆 Highlighting Strengths in the Recruiting Process
1. Frame the Narrative Positively
Learning differences can build traits that coaches love — discipline, adaptability, and resilience.
Frame your athlete’s journey in terms of what they’ve learned, not what they’ve overcome.
Example:
“Using visual routines helped me memorize complex plays and improve my game awareness. That same structure helps me balance athletics and academics.”
2. Showcase Transferable Strengths
In your athlete resume or recruiting profile, highlight:
Consistency and perseverance
Time management and organization
Leadership and peer communication
Creative problem-solving (e.g., adapting strategies to remember plays)
Growth mindset and accountability
These are powerful signals to coaches — far stronger than GPA alone.
3. When and How to Discuss Learning Differences
You don’t need to disclose a diagnosis early in recruiting.
Once serious interest develops, it’s appropriate to share that the athlete has successfully used accommodations and thrives with structure.
Use our Coach Email Resource to help frame this naturally.
“I’ve learned to manage time and stay organized through strategies that help me balance school and sport. It’s made me a stronger student and teammate.”
💰 Financial Aid and Scholarships
Athletes with learning differences are eligible for the same athletic scholarships as everyone else.
Additional aid may come from:
Federal programs: Pell Grants, SEOG, or work-study opportunities.
Private awards: through organizations such as the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Institutional merit or hardship scholarships recognizing resilience or adversity.
Always ask each school’s Financial Aid Office if they offer disability or hardship-specific support — many do, but it’s rarely publicized.
🗓️ Recruiting Timeline for Students with Learning Differences
Year | Key Actions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Grade 9–10 | Ensure IEP/504 is current. Track accommodations and grades. | Keep documentation updated annually. |
Grade 10–11 | Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and upload documentation. | Confirm special-ed courses on NCAA-approved core list. |
Grade 11 | Begin contacting coaches; share academic and athletic progress. | Create highlight video emphasizing consistency and discipline. |
Grade 12 | Visit schools; meet Accessibility Offices. | Bring copies of updated testing and IEP/504 paperwork. |
🏫 Questions to Ask During Campus Visits
“How do athletics coordinate with the Accessibility Office?”
“Is tutoring or academic advising available for athletes?”
“Do accommodations apply during travel or away games?”
“What’s the process for renewing accommodations each year?”
👉 NCAA Recruiting Calendar and Visit Rules
🚫 Common Myths and Realities
Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
“A learning disability disqualifies you from NCAA eligibility.” | False — the NCAA provides individualized reviews for students with disabilities. |
“Coaches won’t recruit students with IEPs or 504 plans.” | False — coaches care about skill, work ethic, and academics. |
“Accommodations transfer automatically from high school.” | False — students must apply for college accommodations separately. |
“You must disclose your diagnosis before being recruited.” | False — disclosure is voluntary; universities cannot require it prior to admission or aid decisions. |
“Colleges don’t offer academic support for athletes with disabilities.” | False — every NCAA institution has resources through Accessibility or Academic Support Services. |
📚 Helpful External Resources
💡 Final Thoughts
“A learning difference doesn’t define limits — it defines how you learn, compete, and succeed.”
Success in college recruiting isn’t just about overcoming challenges — it’s about understanding them. Athletes who know how to work within their learning difference, use the right resources, and stay on top of every other part of the recruiting process — grades, highlight video, communication, and campus visits — put themselves in the strongest position for scholarships.
The truth is, NCAA coaches want prepared, self-aware athletes who know how to manage their academics, advocate for themselves, and bring consistent effort both on and off the field.
If your athlete can do that, their learning difference becomes one more proof of character — not a limitation.
👉 Explore our free resources and sport-specific Playbooks to make sure every piece of your athlete’s recruiting journey — from eligibility to outreach — is dialed in.
Because when all the pieces fit, opportunities follow.
