Previous EFDS research: Disabled People’s Lifestyle Report (Sept 2012) identified a significant mismatch between the way disabled people were currently taking part in sport and physical activity compared to how they would prefer to take part.
The report showed that 64% prefer to take part with a mix of disabled and non-disabled people (what the sector tends to call an “inclusive setting”). However, only 51% of disabled people are currently taking part this way.
EFDS want to reduce this gap and increase preferred opportunities by encouraging more sport and physical activity providers to offer “inclusive” settings. Although inclusive settings are not feasible for all situations, they can be invaluable to improve participation at a grassroots level. They can allow disabled people to take part with friends and family, making activities more appealing and enjoyable.
Previous EFDS research identified that providers may be nervous or lack confidence because they have a limited awareness and understanding of disabled people’s needs and abilities. As a result, they may provide less appealing opportunities. Therefore, to increase the number of inclusive opportunities, we also need to increase provider confidence.
This report:
- Pulls together the findings from the research
- Highlights the benefits for the provider and participant in offering inclusive opportunities
- Identifies the potential challenges that people may face
- Offers possible solutions to help overcome the challenges
- Offers advice about how to improve the chances of success
EFDS hope that this report will encourage more sport and physical activity providers to take the necessary steps towards improving what they provide. The result being that more disabled people can take part in sport and physical activity in the way that they want to.
[This article was edited by the Operating Team]
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