We are a council of highly experienced industry professionals who offer unmatched, comprehensive expertise to help organizations create exceptional programs, experiences, and environments that prioritize disability inclusion.
The Collective is leading this movement, working to build a sport community that recognizes disability as a business imperative.
The Disability and Sports Collective unlocks the potential of the disability and sport markets – driving impact, innovation, and measurable business results.
WHAT WE DO
$1T
Disability Market
Opportunity
61M
Americans living with a disabliity
$164M
Global Economic Impact
83%
Aquire a disability later in life
- The disability market = $1 trillion market (U.S. Department of Labor).
- The total economic impact of adapted and para sport-related events nationwide totaled approximately $164 million in 2024.
- 27% of fans with disabilities were more likely than the general population to spend on sports.
- People with disabilities spend an average of $40 more per person with leagues and teams compared to the general population.
- One in four Americans lives with a disability, and 83 percent of them acquire it later in life.
During a recent ESPN NFL Countdown broadcast, former NFL linebacker and ESPN correspondent Tedy Bruschi stated, “Sport is for everyone!”
We, and the 61 million Americans with a disability, agree.
OUR MISSION
To drive thought leadership and action at the many intersections of disability and sport, ensuring equitable access and inclusive opportunities across the entire sport ecosystem, from active participation to dedicated fandom.
OUR VISION
To partner with businesses and organizations to unlock the potential of the disability and sport markets – enhancing both bottom-line performance and the quality of sport experiences for everyone.
OUR SERVICES
In the next nine years, the United States will host two Paralympic Games – in Los Angeles in 2028, then in Salt Lake City in 2034 – presenting a historic opportunity for sport businesses to lead through innovation, collaboration, and competition.
The time to invest in this growing and influential market is NOW.
Create Awareness
and engage sport organizations that want to build a strong, data-driven business case for disability and sport inclusion through innovation and strategic influence.
Be a Trusted Convener
and provider of expert guidance, tools, and resources to implement inclusive practices that expand access and opportunity for disabled athletes and spectators throughout the sport ecosystem, while positively impacting bottom lines. and ensuring a positive ROI!
Reframe the Narrative
around disability and sport to center the economic contributions, market potential, and value of the disability community within the broader sport industry.
- Inclusive facility design
- Training and education
- Product innovation
- Program development, and more!
Working with the Collective is not a “check-the-box” exercise, but rather one that helps your organization execute a long-term strategy for entering and engaging with the disability market and ensuring a positive ROI!
Collective Experts and Collaborators
The Collective offers decades of shared experience in designing and executing strategic disability inclusion initiatives across an array of industries.
Our experts include:
Josh Barney – CEO, Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology Conference
Ann Cody, PLY – Global Sports Leader
Dawna Callahan – Founder & CEO, All In Sport Consulting
Skip Flanagan – Mental Performance Coach / Co-Founder of National Deaf Athlete Center
Disability inclusion must be seen not as an afterthought but as a driving force in shaping the future of sport.
Who’s Already Winning in Sport Inclusion?
A number of the biggest names in sport are already capitalizing on disability inclusion, creating athlete opportunities and engaging loyal disabled fans and consumers.
Adidas connected inclusion and innovation by creating the sport apparel industry’s first kit for female wheelchair basketball athletes, creating optimal movement for athletes on the court.
The Portland Trail Blazers were the first NBA team to partner with OneCourt, a tactile device company that uses real-time data for fans who are Blind or Low Vision to feel the action on the court through trackable vibrations.
The Buffalo Bills partnered with disability advocates to enhance the disabled fan experience by ensuring inclusion is a priority in building their new Highmark Stadium that will surpass minimum ADA requirements.
In a historic move, USA Track and Field harnessed sport inclusion as the NGB hosted the 2025 Para Track and Field National Championships together with the Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
READY TO LEAD THE WAY?
Connect with The Disability and Sport Collective to advance meaningful inclusion — whether by creating more opportunities for disabled athletes and participants or by enhancing the fan experience for disabled spectators. We can drive measurable business impact: expanded programs, loyal fans, broader market reach, and enhanced brand reputation that resonates with stakeholders.
The time to engage with the disability market is NOW.