Adaptive Sports Consulting (Inclusive Athletics)
Adaptive Sports Consulting – Everyone Plays
Sports have the power to transform lives. At Say How Consulting, we believe everybody deserves a shot at the game – no matter their abilities.
Led by our founder, Joslynn Bigelow (an adaptive soccer coach with nearly two decades of experience), we help athletes with disabilities and sports programs find that “how” to make inclusion happen on the field.
For Athletes & Families
Do you or your athlete dream of scoring a goal or just being part of a team? We offer personalized coaching and support to make that dream a reality:
We work directly with athletes to develop sport-specific skills at their own pace. Whether it’s dribbling a soccer ball, improving wheelchair basketball technique, or building stamina, our coaching adapts to the athlete’s needs. We focus on what the athlete can do and expand from there, boosting confidence with each small win.
We know the landscape of inclusive and adaptive sports. We’ll help connect you with local programs – from Unified sports teams to Special Olympics to mainstream leagues willing to include adaptive players. If a suitable team doesn’t exist, we’ll brainstorm ways to start one or integrate into existing programs.
The first practice or game can be intimidating. SHC can attend initial practices as a support coach, helping the athlete acclimate and assisting the head coaches in understanding how to support the new player. We’ll equip you (and the coaching staff) with strategies for success, then fade into the background as everyone grows more comfortable.
Sports is about more than physical skills. Through our coaching, athletes also work on teamwork, communication, and leadership – skills that carry over into school, work, and social life. We celebrate progress in all these areas, not just the scoreboards.
For Coaches, Clubs & Schools:
Want to make your team or program more inclusive? We partner with organizations to break down barriers in sports:
Through interactive workshops and clinics, we teach coaches and PE teachers how to adapt drills, communicate effectively with athletes of all abilities, and cultivate an inclusive team culture. Expect practical tips and empathy-building exercises that move coaches beyond theory to real inclusive practice.
If you’re looking to start an adaptive sports program (like an inclusive soccer league or a unified basketball team at your school), we’ll guide you step-by-step. This includes advising on equipment (e.g., beeper balls for blind soccer, wheelchair-accessible drills), modifying rules for fairness, and outreach to participants. We bring proven frameworks from successful programs and customize them to your community.
Planning an inclusive sports day or adaptive sports camp? We can help plan and even lead the event. Our team can design activities that accommodate various ability levels and ensure everyone has a meaningful role. From pre-event training of volunteers to on-site coaching, we’ve got your inclusion playbook covered.
For larger organizations or sports facilities, we offer consulting on making your environment and policies disability-friendly. Are your registration forms accessible? Is your locker room navigable for a wheelchair user? We’ll provide recommendations so that physical and administrative barriers don’t sideline anyone.
Our Philosophy – “Don’t Say No – Say How” in Action
On too many fields, people with disabilities have been told “No, it’s not safe” or “No, this sport isn’t for you.”
At SHC, we challenge that. Joslynn has built a career on asking “How can we make it work?”. Sometimes it means trying something new, like a soccer program with rule modifications, or providing a buddy for a player who needs one-on-one support.
We champion the dignity of risk – the idea that athletes with disabilities deserve the chance to take on challenges, make mistakes, and grow, just like any other athlete. The result? Authentic inclusion.
Not token participation, but real roles: the goalie who is blind making crucial saves with auditory cues, the team captain with cerebral palsy leading the huddle – everyone has a place on the team.
Success Story
Last year, a local soccer club approached SHC because they had a 10-year-old player, Miguel, who uses a power wheelchair. They weren’t sure how to include him safely in their youth league. We stepped in to consult. First, we trained the coaches and teammates on wheelchair sports basics and disability etiquette.
Then we helped adapt some rules: Miguel’s chair was treated as an extension of him for the ball contact rules, and we allowed one peer buddy on the field to assist with certain plays. Fast forward – Miguel not only played the full season, he scored two goals and was the team’s assist leader!
The coach noted that having Miguel on the team improved everyone’s creativity and teamwork. The club has now committed to keeping at least one adaptive spot on every roster moving forward. That’s the power of saying “how” instead of “no.”
(Story shared with permission; individual results vary).