Breaking down barriers: Ensuring equal access to sport for disabled people
Through UK Disability History Month and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we're focusing on efforts to make physical activity truly inclusive for disabled people.
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We are part of a movement building a future where physical activity is truly for all. Alongside our partners, we are working to break down barriers and create spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate, thrive, and enjoy movement.
A big part of this work involves hosting conversations around inclusion, so we can learn from those with lived experience. At our conference in March, Andrew Whitaker from Activity Alliance led an insightful workshop.
Together, we asked: What is needed to include disabled people in sport? The workshop used the Inclusion in sport framework to explain how we can make sport accessible to everyone.
This framework aims to ensure disabled people help shape programmes and services, not just take part in them. Key points from the framework include:
- Understand your community: Find out who is taking part in your activities and who is not. Consider impairments, lifestyles, and age groups to identify gaps.
- Listen and work together: Talk to disabled people. Find problems, celebrate successes, and improve access.
- Improve experiences: Ask disabled people for feedback. Use it to improve services.
- Make spaces accessible: Ensure your facilities and activities are fully accessible. Everyone should feel welcome and included.
- Lead by example. Urge your partners to prioritise inclusion. Share what works to inspire others.
View the slides from the workshop here.
A commitment to change
The conference showed the progress happening in Greater Manchester, but more work remains. We all have a part to play in making physical activity inclusive. Alongside organisations such as Activity Alliance and the Inclusion in sport framework, we can create a future where everyone can enjoy and take part in physical activity.
To find out more visit Activity Alliance.
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