Navigating NCAA Eligibility with an Education-Impacting Disability (EID)
My first professional role after graduate school was at Valley Collaborative, formerly known as Merrimack Special Education Collaborative, located 20 miles northwest of Boston. In this position, I was responsible for reviewing and developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans to support students in their educational pursuits while also providing post-secondary transition planning. I had the privilege of collaborating with families, school districts, and the broader community to implement innovative programs that helped our students recognize and develop their unique strengths, interests, and abilities. As a newly licensed Professional School Counselor at that time, this experience was invaluable—providing me with essential skills and insights that have continued to shape my career.
For student athletes with an education-impacting disability (EID), the path to NCAA eligibility can feel overwhelming. Understanding the necessary accommodations and documentation requirements is essential to ensuring a smooth transition to college athletics. Here’s what you need to know about the NCAA’s policies and how POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting can help you navigate this process with confidence.
What is an Education-Impacting Disability (EID)?
The NCAA defines an education-impacting disability as a current impairment that significantly affects a student’s academic performance and requires accommodation. Some of the most common EIDs include:
Learning disabilities or disorders
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Mental health disorders
Medical conditions
Deaf or hard of hearing
Autism spectrum disorder
While student athletes with EIDs must meet the same initial eligibility standards as their peers, accommodations may be available to help them fulfill those requirements. For example, students with documented EIDs may be able to take specialized classes if they are listed as NCAA-approved courses by their high school.
Submitting Your EID Documentation to the NCAA
If you have a documented EID and plan to enroll full-time at an NCAA Division I or II school while taking additional core courses post-graduation, you must submit your documentation to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Here’s what you’ll need:
A completed NCAA EID cover sheet
Your NCAA ID, high school graduation year, permanent address, and phone number
Current documentation of your diagnosis, including test data and recommendations from a qualified professional
A copy of your Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, or school-provided documentation outlining available accommodations
A signed Buckley Statement form, allowing designated individuals to discuss your EID information with the NCAA
Additional Core Course Opportunities for Student-Athletes with EIDs
Once your EID documentation is approved, you may have additional flexibility in completing your core courses:
Division I: You may take up to three additional core courses after high school graduation but before enrolling full-time, provided you graduate within eight consecutive semesters after starting ninth grade.
Division II: You may take an unlimited number of core courses after starting ninth grade but before enrolling full-time.
Your EID status is confidential, and information submitted to the NCAA is not shared with colleges unless you provide written consent.
How POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting Can Help
Navigating the NCAA eligibility process with an education-impacting disability can be complex, but POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team specializes in:
Personalized Eligibility Assessments: ensuring you understand how your EID status affects your NCAA eligibility and what steps to take.
Document Review & Submission Assistance: helping you gather, organize, and submit the necessary paperwork to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Academic Planning & Course Selection: advising on NCAA-approved courses and post-graduation core course opportunities.
Advocacy & Communication: liaising with high schools, medical professionals, and the NCAA to secure the accommodations you need.
Recruiting & College Matchmaking: identifying programs that support student athletes with EIDs and aligning your athletic and academic goals with the right college.
At POLARIS, we believe that an education-impacting disability should never be a barrier to achieving success in the classroom and on the field. With the right guidance and resources, student athletes can thrive in their journey to collegiate athletics. The support available for students with EIDs can make a significant difference in their academic and athletic experiences, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed. By proactively understanding the eligibility process and leveraging available accommodations, student-athletes can confidently pursue their goals without unnecessary obstacles.