Episode 80: Chris Collins (Ability to Include, Inc.)
🎙 In this episode: I sit down with Chris Collins of Ability to Include, a nonprofit focused on reducing disparities in education, recreation, and advocacy for children with special needs and their families. We talk about how Chris’s love of soccer and background in special education shaped his coaching philosophy, why sports are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools for teaching social and emotional skills, and how inclusive programs can change the lives of not just kids—but entire families.Â
🔹 From Soccer Player to Inclusive Coach
Chris shares how growing up around soccer and coaching competitively intersected with his early work supporting preschoolers with special needs.
🔹 Teaching Meets Coaching
He explains how strategies used in special education translate seamlessly to motivating athletes in competitive environments.
🔹 Applied Behavior Analysis on the Field
Chris breaks down how ABA principles help reinforce effort, behavior, and emotional growth through sport.
🔹 Praise Is the Baseline
Regardless of wins or losses, positive feedback at the end of practice should be non-negotiable.
🔹 TOPSoccer and Inclusive Play
A look at the national TOPSoccer program and its mission to provide meaningful soccer experiences for athletes of all abilities.
🔹 Why Volunteers Matter So Much
Volunteer coaches and mentors are essential in creating safe, fun, and engaging environments for inclusive sports.
🔹 Sports Teach What Curriculum Can’t
Skills like flexibility, communication, emotional regulation, and handling loss develop naturally on playgrounds and soccer fields.
🔹 Generalizing Skills to Real Life
Chris explains why the ultimate goal is helping kids apply classroom learning to real-world situations.
🔹 A Different Kind of Coaching Fulfillment
Transitioning away from club soccer, Chris reflects on the gratitude and perspective he’s gained from inclusive coaching.
🔹 Breaking the Isolation for Families
Ability to Include provides community and connection for families who often feel isolated raising children with disabilities.
🔹 Sports as a Lifelong Connector
Chris shares how his strongest friendships came through sports and why every family deserves those same opportunities.
🔹 The Missing Piece: Adults with Disabilities
We discuss a major blind spot in society: limited programs and community options for individuals with special needs after high school.
🔹 Hot Take Life Advice
A personal lesson learned the hard way: never compare a friend’s ex to vanilla ice cream… especially if they might get back together.
