National Charity, Activity Alliance, the leading voice for disabled people in sport releases their latest Annual Disability and Activity Survey findings today.

While last year’s survey highlighted the impact of the pandemic on disabled people, this year’s exposes the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we recover. More than 1,800 disabled and non-disabled respondents aged 16+ took part in the largest survey of its kind, from October to December 2021.

Sam Orde, Chair at Activity Alliance, commented on the latest report:

“This year’s Survey highlights the true impact of the pandemic on disabled people and the changes required so nobody feels forgotten. We appreciate many providers and decision makers faced enormous challenges during the pandemic. But we are almost a year from restrictions being lifted, and still hearing too many negative experiences from disabled people.

We must double our efforts and prioritise disabled people in the recovery. Whether this is through opportunities, strategy, or investment, we need leaders to play their part and drive change through their work.

This Survey provides the evidence that we need a mixture of solutions to get us moving in the right direction. One in five of us identify as a disabled person in this country so one size will not fit all. Our charity can help organisations to improve and embed the necessary inclusive practices. 

Many of the findings show negative changes and stark differences between disabled and non-disabled people. We have listened to disabled people and urge decision makers to do the same. Some barriers that have existed for a long time have been exasperated during this crisis. We cannot allow our nation to ignore and exclude a large proportion of society.”

 

The responses taken during a period of eased restrictions indicate disabled people’s fears and disappointment at being forgotten. Of those respondents, 20 disabled survey participants also took part in a series of online focus groups. They shared their reactions to the findings and led discussions on this year’s recommendations. 

The recommendations outline the changes leaders, commissioners and organisations must make urgently to achieve greater fairness in sport and activity. They are split into four key themes:

1. ‘Involve me as we recover from the pandemic
2. ‘Support me to feel like being active is for someone like me’
3. ‘Your workforce can make it a better experience for me’
4. ‘Involve the health professionals I trust the most’

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England Chief Executive and Government Disability Access Advisor for Sport & Physical Activity, said:

“This report is an important and salutary reminder of the work still to do when it comes to making sport and physical activity genuinely welcoming and inclusive for all disabled people. I would urge all organisations in the sector to reflect on the report and its recommendations as part of a collective effort to break down the barriers to inclusion for disabled people.”

"We welcome the findings of the latest Annual Disability and Activity Survey which highlights there are still real challenges that impact on disabled people and their participation in sport and physical activity as we recover from the pandemic. We fully resonate with the key challenges that have been highlighted in this survey."

Chris Ratcliffe, Boccia England Chief Executive Officer said:

"For Boccia England, the pandemic has had a huge impact on opportunities and provision. The initial suspension of all boccia activity including training sessions, competitions, leagues, and courses, followed by the gradual return to play with strict guidance in place for the safety of all members, has significantly affected our network of clubs.

Over the next two years, we will support clubs, players, and volunteers to return to boccia with confidence and in a safe and sustainable way by building the infrastructure to support the recovery of our sport and future growth of clubs across England."

The full report is available to view at www.activityalliance.org.uk/annual-survey