Breaking Barriers on the Field and the Fairway: How People with Disabilities Are Shaping the Future of Soccer and Golf
Across the country, adaptive sports programs are redefining what’s possible for athletes with disabilities. Two sports in particular—soccer and golf—are seeing remarkable growth in participation, innovation, and public recognition. Whether it’s a fast-paced match on the pitch or a quiet moment on the green, these sports prove that talent, determination, and love of the game transcend physical limitations.

This month, as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we wanted to reflect not just on the policy—but on its lived impact. At Envisioning Access, we believe it’s vital to center the voices of those directly affected by disability policy, especially when envisioning the future. To help guide that reflection, I sat down with Serjio Brereda, our Fund Development Manager, for a conversation on how the ADA has shaped his life, identity, and vision for what comes next.

Each time the United States engages in a new war or combat situation, a new generation of wounded veterans returns home—many with complex and permanent disabilities. While advances in battlefield medicine are increasing survival rates, they have also resulted in a growing population of veterans with amputations, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other lasting impairments. These visible and invisible wounds require long-term, adaptive solutions.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, introduces significant changes to federal programs, notably Medicaid and other safety net services. These changes are poised to have profound effects on individuals with disabilities, potentially undermining their access to essential healthcare, housing, education, and support services.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country will need to fill 9.3 million direct care job openings by 2031. Without targeted intervention, this shortage will accelerate, disproportionately impacting seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.