Adam Blaze
CEO, Activity Alliance
Following a year of incredible sport, now is the time to recognise the reality that disabled people still face significant barriers when trying to be active in their communities.
Sport and physical activity should be for everyone, regardless of age, ability or background. Yet, despite the known physical and mental health benefits, there remains a significant fairness gap in participation levels between disabled and non-disabled people. This disparity is both stark and persistent, highlighting the ongoing need for inclusive initiatives that ensure sport and physical activity are accessible to all.
Underrepresentation of disabled people
The figures speak for themselves with disabled people twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people. Moreover, 43% of disabled people feel they have the chance to be as active as they desire, compared to 69% of non-disabled people.1 Disabled people are less than half as likely to ‘see people like them’ playing, working and volunteering in sport and physical activity.
Six in ten disabled people say
they rely on their benefits or
financial assistance to be active.
Major events have their place, but more is required
Off the back of an incredible summer of sport, we need to take action to ensure we create a fairer society for everyone. A place where everyone can be active however and wherever they want.
The Paralympic Games are an example of a much-needed positive representation of disabled people. However, the extraordinary achievements of the country’s top athletes can feel far removed from disabled people’s own lives and experiences.
We have an opportunity to significantly improve the opportunities that disabled people have in sports and physical activities. However, there are deep-rooted inequalities that exist in society that need to be overcome.
Policy change will be needed
Six in ten disabled people say they rely on their benefits or financial assistance to be active.1 Almost two-fifths say that a fear of their benefits or financial assistance being taken away prevents them from trying to be more active.
This is something that needs to be addressed by the Government. Policy Makers must provide clearer understanding and wider safeguarding to reassure disabled people that being regularly active will not threaten their benefits and other forms of government financial assistance. People should not be penalised for living an active lifestyle.
Everyone’s life is enriched by sport and physical activity. Many incredible organisations are working to close the fairness gap, but now is the time to place inclusivity at the forefront of society.
Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2022–23
