Collegiate Adaptive Sports Programs

CAF Staff

August 20, 2023

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Collegiate Adaptive Sports

For athletes with physical disabilities who dream of competing in college, this page lists schools that offer adaptive, para, or inclusive sport opportunities. Programs range from varsity/club teams to inclusive recreation and intramurals.

How to use this list

Program types: Dedicated teams/club programs; inclusive training alongside peers without disabilities; community-affiliated teams competing under the school name; and adaptive intramural/recreation.
Getting started: Use the link in each entry to contact the program, learn about tryouts/interest forms, equipment access, and scholarships.
Questions or updates? Email programs@challengedathletes.org.

Last updated: September 2025

Colleges & Universities

University of Cincinnati — Adaptive Athletics

Type: Dedicated collegiate program (adaptive track & field, adaptive tennis). Notes: UC fields collegiate teams and partners with UC Health for sport science and equipment support. Program page

CUNY (City University of New York) — Adaptive & Inclusive Sports

Type: Dedicated wheelchair basketball (men’s & women’s) plus inclusive offerings. Notes: CUNY competes in NWBA intercollegiate events. Program hub | CUNYAC Wheelchair Basketball

Eastern Washington University — EWU Adaptive Athletics

Type: Dedicated wheelchair basketball (NWBA intercollegiate). Notes: Established 2019; supported by CHSPH & Eagle Athletics. Program page | Team page

University of Michigan — Adaptive Sports & Fitness

Type: Dedicated multi-sport program; added Para Powerlifting in 2025. Notes: Also supports wheelchair sports and national collegiate initiatives. Program page

Clemson University — Wheelchair Tennis

Type: Dedicated team (wheelchair tennis). Notes: Scholarships available; hosts/competes in collegiate wheelchair tennis. Program news

Grand Valley State University — Adaptive Intramurals

Type: Recreational/intramural (e.g., wheelchair basketball, goalball; evolving menu). Notes: Regular seasons and posted champions indicate ongoing activity. Program page

University of Texas at Austin — Adaptive Rec Sessions

Type: Inclusive/recreation (adaptive tennis & pickleball in partnership with RecSports and community orgs). Notes: Weekly sessions; equipment provided. Events calendar

Auburn University

Type: Dedicated/inclusive. Sports: Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis; accessible strength/cardio and handcycles. Visit Auburn

Ball State

Type: Inclusive/club. Sports: Power soccer, wheelchair basketball. Visit Ball State

Edinboro University

Type: Dedicated/intramural. Sports: Men’s & women’s wheelchair basketball; adaptive intramurals (swimming, bowling, exercise, snow tubing). Visit Edinboro

Indiana State University – Purdue University Fort Wayne

Type: Club. Sports: Wheelchair basketball. Visit PFW

Michigan State

Type: Inclusive/rec. Sports: Adapted fitness centers, swimming, goalball, wheelchair tennis/basketball, wheelchair floor hockey. Visit MSU

Ohio State

Type: Inclusive/rec. Programs: Adapted aquatics, fitness classes, intramurals, outdoor adventure, indoor climbing, personal training. Visit Ohio State

Oregon State University

Type: Club. Sports: Wheelchair basketball (club). Visit OSU

Penn State University

Type: Dedicated/club. Programs: Ability Athletics & Adaptive Club Activities (wheelchair basketball, Run/Walk/Roll, seated volleyball, adapted soccer, Paralympic experiences, sled hockey). Visit Penn State

Portland State University

Type: Inclusive/rec. Programs: Overnight ski trip, wheelchair basketball tournaments, adaptive climbing/swim, goalball, adapted gym access. Visit PSU

San Diego State University

Type: Inclusive/rec (growing). Sports: Adaptive ambulatory track events, wheelchair tennis; campus support network for athletes. Visit SDSU

Southwest Minnesota State

Type: Club. Sports: Wheelchair basketball. Visit SMSU

Texas A&M

Type: Dedicated/club. Sports: Wheelchair basketball/football/soccer, beep baseball, sitting volleyball. Visit Texas A&M

UCLA

Type: Inclusive/rec. Sports: Wheelchair basketball, adaptive cycling/tennis, warm-water activities. Visit UCLA

University of Alabama

Type: Dedicated teams. Sports: Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, Para track & field. Visit UA

University of Arizona

Type: Dedicated multi-sport. Sports: Men’s & women’s wheelchair basketball, quad rugby, tennis, track/road racing, handcycling. Visit Arizona

University of Central Florida

Type: Inclusive/rec. Programs: Wheelchair basketball, goalball, swim lessons, student-assisted workouts with adaptive rock climbing. Visit UCF

University of Illinois

Type: Dedicated teams & camps. Sports: Men’s & women’s wheelchair basketball and track; summer camps. Visit Illinois

University of Michigan

Type: Inclusive & dedicated (see new Para Powerlifting above). Visit UM

University of Missouri

Type: Club/inclusive. Sports: Wheelchair basketball; team fitness room with accessible strength/conditioning. Visit Mizzou

University of New Hampshire – Northeast Passage

Type: Dedicated & community-integrated. Sports: Sled hockey, quad rugby, power soccer; robust recreational menu (archery, boccia, cycling). Program page

University of Texas – Arlington

Type: Dedicated multi-sport. Sports: Wheelchair basketball/tennis, cycling, fitness, track & field, swimming, table tennis, bocce. Visit UTA

University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

Type: Dedicated teams & intramurals. Sports: Men’s & women’s wheelchair basketball; intramural wheelchair basketball/football. Visit UWW

Wright State University

Type: Inclusive/rec. Programs: Adapted aquatics; intramural football, soccer, basketball, baseball. Visit Wright State

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