Disability Sport and Physical Activity

Disability Sport and Physical Activity

According to Sport England, almost 1 in 5 people in England have a long-standing disability or illness, and that compared to other groups, disabled people are much less likely to take part in sport or physical activity. That means that currently in England, there are around 11.5million people with a disability! Research has also shown that of those 11.5million people, 4 out of 5 want to be more active.

The motives to be physically active are the same for someone with a disability as they are for a non-disabled individual. Research carried out by the Activity Alliance shows that 70% of responses wanted to improve or maintain their physical health, 54% to lose or maintain weight and 45% highlighted the desire to get fit. Each individual and each disability will be different, even with participants who have the same condition. Therefore, it is important to ensure that inclusive activities are adaptable and that the environment is accessible.

There are also 5 different types of activities that enable inclusion:

1) Open Activity - Everyone in the group does the same activity and tasks, with little to no modifications in place

2) Modified Activity - The group all do the same activity, however, there woudl be modifications and adaptations to rules/equipment/space to suit the ability of each person in the group. For example, you may allow an extra bounce in tennis for those with limited mobility

3) Separate Activity - Groups or individuals will do a different activity. This might be at a different time or place to the rest of the group. For example, if the activity is Volleyball, a group without a physical disability may play the standing version, whilst the group with a physical disability may play an adapted version such as sitting volleyball

4) Parallel Activity - Participants are grouped based on ability. The whole group will be working on the same activity, but tasks will be different to meet individuals need and there may be adaptations and modifications to rules/equipment/space in place. For example, if performing throwing participants may use different size balls to catch

5) Disability Sport Activity - Here the whole group will take part in the adapted version of the sport. for example Wheelchair Rugby, Boccia or table cricket. This provides those without a disability with an understanding of how their peers participate in sport.

Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire is committed to raising the profile of inclusive opportunities across both counties, supporting and increasing the awareness of these sessions. Working with a national and local organisations, we help to advocate inclusive practice, share insight, offer inclusion education and training and fund new projects.

Use our Inclusive Activity Finder below to find out about local activities and sessions. If you require public transport to get an activity Traveline is a great way to find the best route.

Coronavirus - Stay Active at Home

We believe that it has never been more important to become and stay active, to support our physical and mental wellbeing through the Covid-19 crisis. Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire remain committed to ensuring disabled people can get active. The Activity Alliance has pulled together a range of resources that are inclusive in nature and offer activity ideas for disabled people: http://www.activityalliance.org.uk/news/5673-moving-more-while-at-home

Special Olympics Herefordshire

Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of year-round, all ability, sports programme in Great Britain and supports over 10,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities on a continued basis. We are excited to team up with registered charity Echo to continue the delivery of Special Olympics Herefordshire for an initial one-year pilot project. As a newly established local network, Special Olympics Herefordshire aims to provide a number of local and regular opportunities for adults and young people to take part and compete in a range of sports. Special Olympics Herefordshire will offer:

  • Opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate and compete in a variety of local sports
  • An opportunity for clubs to expand and engage a new audience as well as be involved in a rewarding experience
  • Club Funding via our Satellite Club programme

If you are a sports club interesting in delivering Special Olympics sessions or you are interested in attending any of the above clubs please contact Nick Baker the ECHO Sport Inclusion Manager - nick.baker@echoherefordshire.co.uk.

To find the latest information on your nearest Special Olympics competitions visit - https://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/events

National Disability Sport Organisations

There are National Disability Sport Organisations that can provide you with more information on activities and events for specific disabilities. Below are links to each of these: