Paralympic Classification for US Athletes with Intellectual Impairment (II)

A. History of Paralympic Inclusion
B. Virtus Eligibility for Paralympic Classification
C. Three Paralympic Sports & Events (Swimming, Track & Field, Table Tennis)
D. Other Events that follow Paralympic Classification (Golf, Karate, Boston Marathon)

A. History of Paralympic Inclusion 

Since 2009 Athletes Without Limits has been the US Member of Virtus, the International Federation for athletes with Intellectual Impairments.  We have managed eligibility for US athletes competing at Athletes Without Limits National Events, on Athletes Without Limits US National Teams traveling to Virtus Global Games & World Championships (in up to 16 sports).

Virtus is also a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which re-included athletes with an intellectual impairment in select events within three sports in 2010: Swimming, Table Tennis, and Track & Field.

Because National Paralympic Classification is the same as Virtus II1 Eligibility for Intellectual Disability, as the US Member of Virtus, Athletes Without Limits manages this process for US athletes (in partnership with U.S. Paralympics).

Athletes Without Limits helped Michael Murray to become the first US athlete with an intellectual disability to qualify for the U.S. Paralympic Team when he competed in the London 2012 Paralympics. At the 2016 Rio Games five athletes with an intellectual impairment were selected to the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team (in all three sports) and four went to Rio to compete.

Like the Olympics, only a small number of athletes reach this level in select events offered in just a few sports — which is why Virtus competition through Athletes Without Limits offers additional high-performance opportunities in 14+ sports, and offers full event programs for athletes with intellectual impairment.

B. Virtus Eligibility for Paralympic Classification

Virtus is the International governing body for para-athletes with an intellectual impairment and a member of the International Paralympic Committee IPC. In addition to confirming eligibility for Athletes Without Limits trips to Virtus events, Virtus Eligibility is also the first step for athletes looking to pursue Paralympic opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment.  As the US Member of Virtus, Athletes Without Limits manages this process for US athletes (in partnership with U.S. Paralympics).

Virtus has expanded our competition to athletes with intellectual impairment to include the three eligibility groups below, while Paralympics has just one class for athletes with intellectual impairment (which is the same as the Virtus II1 group for Intellectual Disability).

Three Competition Groups offered at Athletes Without Limits and Virtus Hosted Events:

  • Virtus II1 Intellectual Disability (includes Autism with Intellectual Disability)
    (For athletes whose IQ and Adaptive Behavior scores meet the World Health criteria for Intellectual Disability – they may have a variety of diagnoses including IDD, Autism, Williams Syndrome, etc.)
  • Virtus II2 Intellectual Disability+Down Syndrome or similar Additional Impairment
    (For athletes who meet IQ and Adaptive Behavior criteria for Intellectual Disability above but have a difficult time being competitive with that group because of additional physical impairments associated with Trisomy21 or Translocation Down Syndrome or similar)
  • Virtus II3 Autism+
    (for athletes with Autism who don’t meet the IQ or Adaptive criteria for Intellectual Disability

One Competition Group (Class) offered at Paralympic-hosted events: 

  • The Paralympic Criteria is the same as the Virtus II1 Criteria for Intellectual Disability:
    -Full Scale IQ Score of 75 or lower (on WAIS, WISC or Stanford Binet)
    -Significant Limitations in at least one domain Area of Adaptive Behavior (Vineland, ABAS, or AAMR)
    -Onset before Age 22
  • At Paralympic events athletes with Down Syndrome compete as part of this group since they meet the IQ and Adaptive Behavior criteria for Intellectual Disability. (Unlike Virtus and Athletes Without Limits events which offer a separate competition group for athletes with Down Syndrome)

Completing Virtus II1 Eligibility with Athletes Without Limits is the pathway to obtain National Classification as a Paralympic athlete with Intellectual Impairment.

Athletes with Down Syndrome can have Virtus II1 Eligibility for Paralympics and Virtus II2 Eligibility for Virtus and Athletes Without Limits events.

Virtus II2

Virtus II2-Intellectual Disability with Down Syndrome (or Similar Additional Impairment)

Athletes with Trisomy 21 or Translocation Down syndrome (or similar additional impairment) compete separately at Virtus events.

For non-Virtus events that only offer the Virtus II1/Paralympic Class (Paralympics, Move United, Adaptive Sports, etc), athletes with Down Syndrome can obtain dual eligibility in the Virtus II1 Group for Intellectual Disability in order to compete. Be sure to provide all required Virtus II1 and Virtus II2 evidence with your eligibility application.

*Note that IQ and Adaptive scores do not have to be within the last 5 years for athletes with Trisomy21 or Translocation Down syndrome — an exception to that II1 requirement is made due to the genetic aspect of Down syndrome.

Virtus II3

Virtus II3-Autism Diagnosis with IQ 76 or higher Sometimes called ‘High Functioning Autism’

Virtus II3 athletes are not eligible for Paralympics, which is only open to athletes with an IQ of 75 or lower.

We understand that this can be disappointing which is why Virtus and Athletes Without Limits started this competition group at our events in 2017. Athletes Without Limits welcomes Virtus II3 athletes as part of our Athletes Without Limits trips to Virtus Competitions.

C. Paralympic Sports & Events

Virtus II1-eligible athletes can compete in the Paralympic Sport Class for Intellectual Impairment (II) in three sports in the Paralympic Games described in detail in the table below: Swimming, Track & Field and Table Tennis.

Paralympic Swimming for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment

Managed by U.S. Paralympics for US Athletes and World Para Swimming (IPC) Internationally

The Paralympic Swimming Class S14/SB14 is open to athletes with an Intellectual Disability. Some meets are open to athletes with National Virtus II1 eligibility (called “National Classification” in Paralympics) and some require higher time-standards and International Virtus II1 eligibility in order to become “Internationally Classified.”

Athletes Without Limits is proud to have managed the eligibility process for several Paralympians including Leslie Cichocki (Rio 2016) — the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to qualify for a U.S. Paralympic Team in swimming in the Paralympic Games.  Since then several other US swimmers with intellectual impairment have qualified for the Paralympics Games!

Who’s Eligible for Paralympic Swimming?

The Paralympic class for Track and Field athletes with intellectual impairment is S14/SB14.

The S14/SB14 class is open to athletes who meet the Virtus II1 Eligibility Criteria which is: an IQ of 75 or lower,  significant limitations in at least one domain area of Adaptive Behavior and onset before age 22.  As the US Member of Virtus, the first step toward classification is to apply to Athletes Without Limits for Virtus II1 Eligibility.

Note about Down Syndrome: While there is not a separate competition group for athletes with Trisomy or Translocation Down Syndrome who compete as Virtus II2 at Virtus events, athletes with Down syndrome who also meet the IQ and Adaptive Behavior criteria for the Virtus II-1 group are eligible to obtain dual eligibility in the Virtus II1 & II2 groups in order to compete as S14 athletes in Paralympic events and II2 Down syndrome group at Virtus events. (Note: Athletes with Tri21 or Translocation Down syndrome cytogenetic reports who apply for II1 eligibility can provide IQ and Adaptive Behavior reports from any year – they do not have to be within the last 5 years.)

Note about Autism: Athletes with Autism and IQ of 75 or below are Virtus II1-eligible and therefore eligible for Paralympics, while athletes with Autism and an IQ of 76 or higher in the Virtus II3 group are not Paralympic-eligible but may compete at Virtus-hosted events.

Individual Swim Events Offered in Paralympic Games

Note that while developmental meets may offer a full program, in high-level Paralympic competition there are a limited number of individual events open to athletes with Intellectual Impairment. In Swimming as of 2020-21 Games those include the following:

  • 200m free
  • 100m back
  • 100m breast
  • 100m fly
  • 200m IM
  • 4x100m free relay

Athletes with hopes of making the U.S. Paralympic Team must qualify in one of the events above so it’s important to consider when choosing a focus if that is an athlete’s goal.

Developmental Level – National Classification:
Many events in the U.S. that are sanctioned by Paralympics or use Paralympic Classification are open to new and developmental level athletes. These events only require “National Classification” and athletes do not need an International Paralympic License or International Classification Appointment, which are only intended or athletes who’ve met elite level time standards.

*Note: It is not necessary for new athletes to make a “National Classification Appointment” at your first event as these are intended for athletes with physical or visual impairments. Instead you should apply to Athletes Without Limits for National Level Virtus II1 eligibility 4-8 weeks prior to the event.

Paralympic Level – International Licensing & Classification:

Athletes who meet Paralympic Team Emerging Time Standards in one of the events open to S14/SB14 athletes at the Paralympic Games (200m free, 100m back, 100m breast, 100m fly, 200m IM or 4x100m free relay) qualify for higher level events that require Paralympic International Classification Appointments and Licensing.

  1. Virtus International Eligibility:
    The first step is to apply to Athletes Without Limits to complete full Virtus International Level II1 Eligibility ($150) if you have not done so already.
  2. IPC License:
    Athletes who have completed Virtus International Eligibility and who are meeting Paralympic Team Emerging Time Standards in one of the events open to S14/SB14 athletes at the Paralympic Games may then apply to the USOPC for an IPC License (25$/year).
  3. International Paralympic Classification Appointments:
    Once athletes have obtained an IPC License they may ask the USOPC to request an International Classification Appointment at the next event that offers International Classification specifically for athletes with Intellectual Impairment. International Classification appointments for athletes with an intellectual impairment involve skills testing and observation on a day prior to the competition. Athletes in contention for U.S. Paralympic Team selection must complete two such appointments (to go from “N” New to “R” Review to “C” Confirmed status) in time for Team USA Paralympic Team Trials.

Virtus II1 Events are Paralympic Sanctioned!
Note that Virtus-hosted Track & Field events, while only open to athletes with intellectual impairments are sanctioned by Word Para Swimming — so traveling with Athletes Without Limits as part of our US Team participating in these events provides high-level Virtus II1 S-14 competitors an opportunity to achieve Paralympic-qualifying times and obtain International Paralympic Classification appointments. Future Virtus events are posted on the AWL Event Calendar.

Quick Links to Information Referenced in this Section:

Paralympic Track & Field for US Athletes with Intellectual Impairment

Managed by U.S. Paralympics for US Athletes and World Para Athletics (IPC) Internationally

Following the 2009 vote to re-include athletes with intellectual impairment into Paralympic competition, Track & Field became one of three inclusive sports, managed internationally by World Para Athletics and in the United States by the USPOC.  Eligible athletes with intellectual impairment have the opportunity to qualify to compete in U.S. Paralympic meets and to try to earn a spot on Team USA to compete at the Paralympic Games and other World Para Athletics events.

Athletes Without Limits is proud to have managed the eligibility process for several T20 Paralympic Team Members, including Mike Brannigan (Gold Medalist Rio 2016), Briana Clark (Gold Medalist Rio 2016), Michael Murray (Rio 2016, London 2012), Tysheem Griffin (Rio 2016) and others who’ve gone on to compete in more recent Paralympic Games.

Who’s Eligible for Paralympic Track & Field?

The Paralympic class for Track and Field athletes with intellectual impairment is T20/F20. The Prefix “T” to the class denotes Track events (e.g. T20) while “F” denotes Field events (e.g. F20).

The T20/F20 class is open to athletes who meet the Virtus II1 Eligibility Criteria which is: an IQ of 75 or lower,  significant limitations in Adaptive Behavior and onset before age 22.  As the US Member of Virtus, the first step toward classification is to apply to Athletes Without Limits for Virtus II1 Eligibility.

Note about Down Syndrome: While there is not a separate competition group for athletes with Trisomy or Translocation Down Syndrome who compete as Virtus II2 at Virtus events, athletes with Down syndrome who also meet the IQ and Adaptive Behavior criteria for the Virtus II-1 group are eligible to obtain dual eligibility in the Virtus II1 & II2 groups in order to compete as T20/F20 athletes in Paralympic events and II2 Down syndrome group at Virtus events. (Note: Athletes with Tri21 or Translocation Down syndrome cytogenetic reports who apply for II1 eligibility can provide IQ and Adaptive Behavior reports from any year – they do not have to be within the last 5 years.)

Note about Autism: Athletes with Autism and IQ of 75 or below are Virtus II1-eligible and therefore eligible for Paralympics, while athletes with Autism and an IQ of 76 or higher in the Virtus II3 group are not Paralympic-eligible but may compete at Virtus-hosted events.

Individual Events Offered in Paralympic Games:
Note that while developmental meets may offer a full program, in high-level Paralympic competition there are a limited number of individual events open to athletes with Intellectual Impairment. In Track & Field as of the 2020-21 Paralympic Games these include:

      • 400m  (Men/Women T20 Class)
      • 1500m (Men/Women T20 Class)
      • Long Jump (Men/Women F20 Class)
      • Shot Put (Men/Women F20 Class)

Athletes with hopes of making the U.S. Paralympic Team must qualify in one of the events above so it’s important to consider when choosing a focus if that is an athlete’s goal.

Developmental Level – National Classification:
Many events in the U.S. that are sanctioned by Paralympics or use Paralympic Classification are open to new and developmental level athletes. These events only require “National Classification” and athletes do not need an International Paralympic License or International Classification Appointment, which are only intended or athletes who’ve met elite level time standards.

*Note: It is not necessary for new athletes to make a “National Classification Appointment” at your first event as these are intended for athletes with physical or visual impairments. Instead you should apply to Athletes Without Limits for National Level Virtus II1 eligibility 4-8 weeks prior to the event.

Paralympic Level – International Licensing & Classification:

Athletes who meet Paralympic Team Emerging Time Standards in one of the events open to T20/F20 athletes at the Paralympic Games (400m, 1500m, Long Jump or Shotput) qualify for higher level events that require Paralympic International Classification Appointments and Licensing.

  1. Step 1: Virtus International Eligibility:
    The first step is to apply to Athletes Without Limits to complete full Virtus International Level II1 Eligibility ($150) if you have not done so already.
  2. Step 2: IPC License:
    Athletes who have completed Virtus International Eligibility and who are meeting Paralympic Team Emerging Time Standards in one of the events open to T20/F20 athletes at the Paralympic Games (400m, 1500m, Long Jump or Shotput) may then apply to the USOPC for an IPC License (25$/year).
  3. Step 3: International Paralympic Classification Appointments:
    Once athletes have obtained an IPC License they may ask the USOPC to request an International Classification Appointment at the next event that offers International Classification specifically for athletes with Intellectual Impairment. International Classification appointments for athletes with an intellectual impairment involve skills testing and observation on a day prior to the competition. Athletes in contention for U.S. Paralympic Team selection must complete two such appointments (to go from “N” New to “R” Review to “C” Confirmed status) in time for Team USA Paralympic Team Trials.

Virtus II1 Events are Paralympic Sanctioned!
Note that Virtus-hosted Track & Field events, while only open to athletes with intellectual impairments are sanctioned by Word Para Athletics — so traveling with Athletes Without Limits as part of our US Team participating in these events provides high-level Virtus II1 (T20/F20) competitors an opportunity to achieve Paralympic-qualifying times and obtain International Paralympic Classification appointments. Future Virtus events are posted on the AWL Event Calendar.

Quick Links to Information Referenced in this Section:

USATT LogoParalympic Table Tennis for US Athletes with Intellectual Impairment

Managed by USATT/U.S. Paralympics Nationally and ITTF Internationally

Following the 2009 vote to re-include athletes with intellectual impairment into Paralympic competition, Table Tennis became one of three inclusive sports, managed internationally by the ITTF and in the United States by the USATT & U.S. Paralympics (USPOC).  Eligible athletes with intellectual impairment have the opportunity to qualify to compete in U.S. Paralympic meets and to try to earn a spot on Team USA to compete at the Paralympic Games and other ITTF events.

Athletes Without Limits is proud to have managed the eligibility process for some Paralympic contenders including Melissa Middleton and Raymond Sacco.

Who’s Eligible for Paralympic Table Tennis?

The Paralympic class for Table Tennis athletes with intellectual impairment is called Class 11.

Class 11 is open to athletes who meet the Virtus II1 Eligibility Criteria which is: an IQ of 75 or lower,  significant limitations in at least one domain area of Adaptive Behavior and onset before age 22.  As the US Member of Virtus, the first step toward classification is to apply to Athletes Without Limits for Virtus II1 Eligibility.

Note about Down Syndrome: While there is not a separate competition group for athletes with Trisomy or Translocation Down Syndrome who compete as Virtus II2 at Virtus events, athletes with Down syndrome who also meet the IQ and Adaptive Behavior criteria for the Virtus II-1 group are eligible to obtain dual eligibility in the Virtus II1 & II2 groups in order to compete as T20/F20 athletes in Paralympic events and II2 Down syndrome group at Virtus events. (Note: Athletes with Tri21 or Translocation Down syndrome cytogenetic reports who apply for II1 eligibility can provide IQ and Adaptive Behavior reports from any year – they do not have to be within the last 5 years.)

Note about Autism: Athletes with Autism and IQ of 75 or below are Virtus II1-eligible and therefore eligible for Paralympics, while athletes with Autism and an IQ of 76 or higher in the Virtus II3 group are not Paralympic-eligible but may compete at Virtus-hosted events.

National vs. International Class 11:
Some events are open to athletes with National Virtus II1 eligibility and some require higher ratings and International Virtus II1 eligibility. A separate licensing and classification system for Table Tennis is managed by USATT Nationally and ITTF Internationally.

Virtus II1 Events are Paralympic Sanctioned!
Note that Virtus Global Games and World Championship Table Tennis events are sanctioned by the ITTF (for the Virtus II1 Group) so are Paralympic-qualifying opportunities for athletes with Virtus II1 International Eligibility. Future Virtus events are posted on the AWL Event Calendar.

Quick Links to Information Referenced in this Section:

D. Other Sports & Events that Follow Paralympic Classification

Virtus II1-eligible athletes can also compete in events that choose to follow Paralympic Classification (but are not in the Paralympic Games) featured by sport below:

Golf

While there may be EDGA international golf opportunities for athletes in all three Virtus Eligibility Groups ( II1, II2 and II3) there are two major US Adaptive Golf Events that follow Paralympic Classification, so are only open to athletes who can meet the Virtus II1 Criteria for Intellectual Disability. (See our Golf page for details)
Two major US events that follow Paralympic Classification:

Karate

Virtus II1, II2 and II3 athletes can compete at Virtus Karate Events.
Virtus II1 & II2 Groups are eligible to be a part of US Para Karate.
See our Karate Page for details.

Boston Marathon T20 Class

New in 2024 the Boston Marathon includes a competition group for athletes who meet the same Virtus II1 Eligibility requirements as T20 Paralympic Classification.

Learn more at our event link below:
2024 Boston Marathon