Disability Inclusion & Community Impact - The core issue is not the lack of awareness of the importance of inclusion, but the lack of knowledge on *how* to successfully include individuals with disabilities [2] - Hesitation due to uncertainty about interacting with individuals with disabilities can lead to exclusion, impacting both the individuals and their families [13] - Education, rather than mere expectation, is crucial for unlocking a community's potential for disability inclusion [22] - Small actions and learning about individuals within the community are key to fostering inclusion [24] - Equipping individuals with the tools to connect can build communities where inclusion is a way of life [25] Able Athletics' Model & Key Takeaways - Able Athletics was founded to create a supportive environment for children of all abilities to connect with their communities [14] - The organization addresses the disconnect between volunteers and athletes with unique needs through an onboarding process involving special educators and therapists [15][16] - Volunteers are educated on preferred language (e g, "person-first" vs "identity-first") when interacting with individuals with disabilities [16][17] - Able Athletics has grown to include over 1,000 volunteers from over 16 school districts, focusing on education and inclusive sports [19] - Key points from Able Athletics' curriculum include focusing on the person first, asking questions, and recognizing that success looks different for everyone [20][21]