Disabled People's Access to Physical Activity: A Sobering Reality

A recent study by the leading voice for disabled people in sports and activity reveals a stark divide in disabled people's access to physical activity, with only 51% feeling they have the opportunity to be active. The findings point to a particularly concerning situation for those living with mental health problems, who are even less likely to feel they have access to sport and physical activity. Despite this, 80% of disabled respondents express a desire to be more active, with this figure rising to 82% in the North West of England. The study highlights significant variations in participation, enjoyment, and representation based on region, gender, age, sexual orientation, and type of impairment.

Key Takeaways:

Only 51% of disabled people across the country feel they have the opportunity to be active, with a sharp divide for those living with mental health problems.
80% of disabled respondents express a wish to be more active, with this figure rising to 82% in the North West of England.
Enjoyment remains high, with nearly 7 in 10 (69%) saying they enjoyed their last physical activity experience, with 75% of disabled people in Yorkshire and the Humber reporting a positive experience.
Those living with mental health problems are even less likely to feel they have access to sport and physical activity.
The channels through which information is accessed are changing, with the internet now the most common source of information, used by 53% of disabled respondents.
Disabled people who enjoy being active are significantly more likely to seek out online information than those who do not.
Worrying trends in representation are emerging, with disabled people who are older, LGBT+, female, or from lower socio-economic backgrounds less likely to see themselves as participants, workers, or volunteers in sport.

Statistics:

51% of disabled people across the country feel they have the opportunity to be active.
80% of disabled respondents express a wish to be more active.
82% of disabled people in the North West of England express a wish to be more active.
69% of disabled respondents say they enjoyed their last physical activity experience.
75% of disabled people in Yorkshire and the Humber reported a positive experience.
53% of disabled respondents use the internet as a source of information about being active.
79% of disabled people rely on health and social care professionals for guidance about being active.

Sources:

Activity Alliance: Annual Disability and Activity Survey: Secondary Analysis
The Guardian: Disabled people's access to physical activity a "sobering reality" report finds
BBC Sport: Disability and sport: What's the problem and how can we fix it?