JACOB KAPLAN
Meet Jacob Kaplan, a New Jersey native now based in Atlanta, and a professional player with the U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy National Soccer Team. Growing up with cerebral palsy taught him resilience and fueled his passion for soccer, which he now channels into making the game more inclusive. After completing U.S. Soccer’s Adapt and Thrive Leadership Course, he launched his first Audio Descriptive Commentary pilot with U.S. Soccer in January 2025 and again in June 2025, with the goal of ensuring every fan, regardless of ability, can fully experience the joy of the game.
“I am hoping that my journey demonstrates organisations can create quality and purposeful accessibility programs to include peoples with disabilities and also expand their own fan engagement across their organisations.
I hope to leave behind the message that engaging in and attending sports events are for everyone of all abilities.”
BRINGING SPORT TO EVERY FAN
The achievement I am most proud of in my career is helping U.S. Soccer pilot their first ever audio descriptive commentary (ADC) experience for blind and low vision fans. In January 2024, I left the U.S. Soccer Adapt and Thrive Leadership course with the goal of piloting ADC at a United States Men's or Women's National team match.
I spent many months researching the operations, logistics, and engaging with the visually impaired company. Following the research, I spent many months talking with many different departments in U.S. Soccer. After a lot of persistence, hard work, planning and determination, I helped U.S. Soccer test ADC for the first time in January 2025 for a small group of blind and low vision fans.
GUIDED BY GREAT MENTORS
There are 2 people who played a crucial in my journey:
First is José Soares who has been instrumental in connecting me with people all over the world to help build my knowledge of ADC, meet people in the blind and low vision community, and people who have helped me accomplish planning for pilots with U.S. Soccer and other organisations. Even after I graduated the Adapt and Thrive Leadership course, he still meets with me to support and champions me where needed.
The second person who played a crucial role is Jaspreet Rehal the former director of growth strategy U.S. Soccer. Jaspreet was my first point of contact and the biggest champion of my project with U.S. Soccer. He was constantly pushing within the organisation to make an ADC pilot a reality. In addition, he allowed me to take on a significant amount of responsibility in the planning and logistics of the pilots to further my career development. He played a crucial in making the pilots with U.S. Soccer possible.
WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION OPEN DOORS
Technology can play a huge role in breaking down barriers in sports. With tools like Audio Descriptive Commentary, streaming apps, and assistive devices, we can give blind and low vision fans the chance to experience the game in real time just like anyone else. Technology also makes it easier to connect communities, train commentators, and scale accessibility so that inclusion isn’t limited to one stadium or one event but becomes the standard across every level of sport.
Touch2See and Field of Vision are positive innovations that use tactile technology to bring blind and low vision fans closer to the game. By combining touch, vibration, and audio with tactile boards for mapping plays and field positioning, they create a more interactive and inclusive experience for both players and supporters.
“I see innovation as the key to creating a more inclusive sports environment by using new technology and ideas to remove barriers, enhance accessibility, and ensure every fan and athlete can fully experience the game.”
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
I would tell my younger self to be more confident. For a large portion of my life, I let my disability prevent me from believing in myself. Since joining the Cerebral Palsy MNT and helping to bring ADC to America, I’ve realized that what once felt like limitations can actually become strengths. I’ve learned that believing in myself not only opens doors for me but also creates opportunities for others to experience the game in ways they never thought possible.
