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Inclusive Sport
MAKE IT INCLUSIVE
A survey by Activity Alliance shows that, when it comes to taking part in sport and physical activity, many disabled people feel forgotten following the pandemic
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© SHUTTERSTOCK/DAISY DAISY
Disabled people are now almost twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people
Areport by the Activity Alliance has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has widened existing inequalities in sport and physical activity for disabled people. The proportion of disabled people who regularly take part in physical activity fell from 25% in 2020 to just one in five (20%) in 2021. As a result, only four in 10 disabled people currently feel they can be as active as they want, in contrast to more than two thirds of non-disabled people (69%).
The figures come from the recently published Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2021-22. Now in its third year, the annual report tracks the perceptions and experience of sport and activity of disabled people and those with longterm health conditions. Most people (83%) who took part in the latest survey had more than one impairment type.
Falling activity levels
The report’s findings are in line with Sport England’s Active Lives data from April 2022, which showed that disabled people are now almost twice as likely to be inactive as nondisabled people (42.4% compared to 22.6%). What is clear, however, is that the low levels of activity among those with impairments
Only four in 10 disabled people said they can be as physically active as they want
isn’t down to choice. The Annual Disability and Activity Survey shows that nearly four in five of disabled respondents (77%) said they wanted to be more active, compared to just half of non-disabled respondents (51%).
This figure means that there is an ongoing, unmet need for activities and facilities that cater for those with impairments. When asked about what would enable them to be more active, a third (32%) of those with impairments said they would like to see better facilities and environments in which to be active in a safe way.
There is no doubt that the pandemic has made things worse. Describing the barriers they faced to being active, those with disabilities cited fewer opportunities
than before the pandemic – with activities, facilities, classes and/or programmes having stopped and not returned.
This fall in opportunities is reflected in how less than a third (28%) of those with impairments have been encouraged to return to activities following COVID-19 restrictions. Of those, it is people with mobility impairments that are the least likely (20%) to feel confident about playing sport in a post-pandemic world.
“The Annual Disability and Activity Survey gives us all greater insight into disabled people’s attitudes towards and involvement in sport and physical activity,” says Barry Horne, Activity Alliance’s outgoing CEO.
“Last year, the survey played a crucial role in helping to uncover the impact of an extremely challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge effect on disabled people’s motivations and ability to be active.
“Many of the findings this year show the stark differences between disabled and nondisabled people’s activity. They remind us of the extensive work yet to be done if we are truly going to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities that exist for disabled people.
“The survey gives an indication of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead after the pandemic. We know that organisations working within sport, leisure and physical activity continue
Those with impairments often feel that some activities “aren’t for them”
to be tested as they find new ways to recover and attract participants again.”
Bringing down the barriers
The findings have enabled the Activity Alliance to identify four key themes which often create barriers for disabled people to get active. These are that disabled people feel that: l they are being left out of the return to activity following the pandemic l they are less connected to sport and activity l when they do take part, experiences are less positive and inclusive than before the pandemic l physical activity isn’t suitable or safe.
To tackle these four barriers, the Activity Alliance has come up with
© ACTIVITY ALLIANCE
The survey suggests a decrease in the number of organised activities for disabled people
four recommendations for the physical activity sector. These are to involve those with impairments in all sport and physical activity offerings; to support and encourage the disabled to feel like being active is for someone like them; to educate the sport and physical activity sector workforce so it can provide a better experience; and to provide reassurance and tailored advice on how to be active.
“We urge leaders to make disabled people a priority,” Horne adds.
“Put disabled people at the heart of the pandemic recovery and establish plans that are more inclusive, accessible and welcoming like never before.
“We are particularly concerned about disabled people feeling like they are left out of the return to activity. There are signs we are losing the progress we made before the pandemic, with disabled people now recording fewer positive and inclusive experiences.
“There is a clear call for closer connections to health professionals within sport and leisure. To help reduce disabled people’s fears, like risk and safety while being active, and enable tailored support through trusted influencers.
“As we strive to achieve our vision – fairness for disabled people in sport and activity - this latest insight empowers us all to make meaningful changes. Changes that have genuine impact on disabled people’s lives in every community should be the goal. To have a happier and healthier nation in the future, disabled people must be part of the conversation. We must not let anyone miss out or feel forgotten.” l
