Earlier this week, on December 3rd, we united with the world to honour the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This day, led by the United Nations, recognises the rights of disabled individuals and raises awareness about their vital role in society.
Elevating lives through physical activity
Let's talk numbers: one in five people in the UK are disabled, and a robust 81% of disabled adults are eager for more physical activity. These statistics speak volumes about the critical importance of our sector. We are not just offering services; we are transforming lives.
For many, visiting leisure centres and gyms is more than a pastime—it is a lifeline. Physical activity is indispensable to their health and happiness, from mastering swimming skills and enhancing fitness to overcoming impairments and undergoing rehabilitation. This is why all children must be given physical activity opportunities at school and in their local community.
The essential role of physical activity
Imagine the impact of learning to swim, engaging in functional fitness, alleviating the challenges of impairments, or using exercise as a rehabilitation tool. Physical activity isn't just an option; it's a cornerstone of their quality of life. Everyone should be given the opportunity to develop a passion for sport and movement. However, data shows disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%), compared with those without a disability (23%).
Breaking barriers to inclusivity
At Aspire Active Education Group, we passionately support the physical activity sector through initiatives that bridge the gap with the disability community. Whether this be through the development of our Aspire:ED SEND CPD course, which focuses on the inclusion and SEND in PE and School Sport. With this course, we equip teachers and educators with the tools they need to positively impact children's lives. By offering a beacon of inclusivity, we can continue to inspire the education sector to unite, share knowledge, and create accessible opportunities for all.
Listening to the voices of disabled users
Through a poll of over 1,500 disabled individuals, the Everyone Can Task Force unearthed vital insights about their gym, pool, and fitness facility experiences. The "Experiences and Expectations of the 1 in 5" report illuminates themes like representation, perception, customer service, and accessibility.
Key findings reveal:
-35% feel too self-conscious to request additional support.
-50% of gym users find a good range of accessible equipment, compared to 28% of non-users.
-20% worry they’ll be the only ones with a disability or see few others like them in these facilities.
Your call to action: Join this movement
To excel in welcoming and supporting disabled users, our team at Aspire Active Education Group aim to:
Be supportive: Foster open dialogues to enhance the experience of disabled individuals in our schools and the community.
Communicate belonging: Ensure disabled individuals feel seen, included, and represented.
Enhance inclusivity: Advance inclusive equipment, adapt activities, and provide universal support.
Let's inspire change, unlock potential, and empower everyone to live active, enriching lives.