When we were first looking into inclusive college programs for Sebastian, many of the DIII schools I spoke to told me he was ineligible to compete because NCAA regulations did not allow for non-matriculated students. As a special needs parent, I know that in order to be an effective advocate, I can’t solely rely on what others tell me. It is my job to come to the table fully educated and with a firm grasp on my son’s rights. I was genuinely curious to find out if this eligibility issue really stemmed from the NCAA or the individual colleges. That central curiosity led me to research the NCAA regulations and connected me to Dee Sapp.

I met Dee in a Facebook group. She was also seeking a waiver for her son Lawrence, who is an accomplished swimmer and Paralympian. You can read more about him on his website. 

Like Sebastian, Lawrence dreamed of competing at the collegiate level. I am thrilled to say that Lawrence is currently a student in the Succeed program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a DII school, and will be competing on the men’s swim team this year. While both Sebastian and Lawrence are fulfilling their dreams of becoming collegiate athletes, their journeys to getting there were very different.

Continue reading →