Physical activity should be for everyone, right? At least that’s what we believe at Defiant Sports. However, following a recent survey by Activity Alliance, we are saddened, but not shocked, to see that many people with disabilities still feel excluded from sport.
Released in June 2022, the Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey reveals that “many disabled people feel forgotten as we recover from the pandemic”. This comes as only 3 in 10 people with disabilities feel encouraged to become physically active again post-pandemic, despite 8 in 10 disabled people having a desire to be more active. The most disheartening statistic is that only 52% of disabled people found returning to sport to be a positive experience, opposed to 70% of non-disabled people.
Surveys like these only reinforce our mission of breaking down barriers in sports for people with disabilities. Although much of this survey indicates the lack of inclusivity and provision in sports for people with disabilities, it also highlights that there is a desire from disabled people to be physically active. This should serve as a motivating factor for sports providers and organisations to look at what they’re currently providing and considering how they can make it more accessible for all.
At Defiant Sports, all our sessions are inclusive and are intended for anyone to attend, no matter their ability or disability. Physical activity has numerous benefits that we’re all well aware of by now, so it’s time we start expanding these benefits to the disabled members of our community by being more accessible. 78% of disabled people say their condition stops them partaking in sports, mostly due to “low awareness” and “fears about safety and risk”, both of which are easy fixes that can be made by educating your staffing team and providing inclusive sessions.
It’s our hope that by the 2023 Activity Alliance survey, these numbers will change significantly. Particularly with campaigns such as We Are Undefeatable raising awareness of the need for disability sports, and the Eastbourne Festival of Accessible Sport (4th September 2022) promoting accessible sports on offer across Sussex.
If you have any suggestions for what would make you feel more included, safe, and motivated to partake in physical activity despite your disabilities, please let us know! We are always keen to improve our sessions, and to be as inclusive as possible.
As always, stay Defiant!
#Team Defiant