Disability inclusion
Disability Sport Network
Sported’s Disability Network brings together all of our members and allies who offer; or are looking to offer inclusive sport/physical activity for young disabled people.
The network is a growing group of Sported members who are able to work together and access specific webinars useful to this type of organisation as well as learn from each other.
Tony Barclay - Trustee and Director of Sport Northern Ireland
Former Cheshire police officer, registered blind at age 36, became something of a recluse, constrained by sight loss. Completed Couch to 5k at age 54 winter 2014, didn't look back - completed 10k trails June 2014, Belfast half marathon Sept 2014, Derry marathon May 2015, first ultra marathon August. Goal is to become the first VI guided runner to complete the annual Belfast - Dublin 107 mile run. First VI running coach in Ireland. Owner/operator of 'VI runners and guide runners NI', training sighted guides (including prisoners on release programme), and matching to VI runners of all abilities. Became parkrun VI ambassador after a photo of myself and 11 year old Hannah running at Stormont parkrun, Belfast went viral and broke the parkrun servers! Recently taken up archery, guest speaker (without realising!) at Archery NI coach's conference earlier this year.
Involved in charity work for 30 years, Trustee for 20 years including treasurer, vice chair and chair. Mentor for Sported in NI for last 6 years, specialising in governance. Particular interest in supporting groups to be truly inclusive, and also in safeguarding. Awarded MBE in 2023 for services to the visually impaired community in NI.
Currently in my 6th year as chair of a child contact centre (charity), Trustee/Director of Disability Sport Northern Ireland, and independent member of RNIB safeguarding committee.
Take a look at the information from previous sessions, and book onto the next session, looking at diversity in the workforce.
Representation and diversity in workforce matters, however, research by UKCoaching suggests that only 6% of coaches have a disability and only 2% of those coaches have a coaching qualification. This session aims to provide practical tips around how community sports groups can support disabled people to become involved in coaching and volunteering.
You can also contribute and communicate with other members of the network by posting a comment or question on the Padlet:
Disability access
If you are looking at improving access to sport and physical activity for disabled people, there are a number of steps you can take. We have some helpful resources below that will help you to make your offering as inclusive as possible, and provide opportunities to everyone in your community.
An important starting point is our inclusive language webinar. Inclusive language is ensuring the words and phrases you use avoid biases, slang, and expressions that discriminate against groups of people based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ability.
Ensuring physical access to your building and facilities is vital when looking to improve access to sport for disabled people. This guidance from Sport England is a good place to start.
Discounts and offers
Disability engagement
Information and resources to help you engage with disabled participants.
This guide from Sense on communication for sport and activity providers has lots of useful advice and guidance on how encourage interaction and build trust with participants with complex disabilities.
Further information and advice
National disability sport organisations
Lead organisation for disability sport in England
Lead organisation for disability sport in England
Team Members | Staff, Board Members & Advocates | Activity Alliance
Contact Us | Activity Alliance | Sports Charities
Lead organisation for disability sport in Northern Ireland
Disability Sport NI | (dsni.co.uk)
Telephone
028 9046 9925
Textphone
028 9046 3494
Email: [email protected]
Lead organisation for disability sport in Wales
Official Website of Disability Sport Wales
[email protected] , or call 0300 300 3115
Lead organisation for disability sport in Scotland
https://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com
T: 0131 317 1130 | E: [email protected]
Disability specific sport organisations
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Name |
Remit |
Website |
Contact Details |
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WheelPower |
National charity for wheelchair sport, provides sport and physical activity for individuals with a physical disability. |
01296 395995 Stoke Mandeville Stadium Guttmann Road Stoke Mandeville Buckinghamshire HP21 9PP United Kingdom
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British Blind Sport |
British Blind Sport enables blind and partially sighted people to have the same opportunities as sighted people to access and enjoy sport and recreational activities in the UK. |
Telephone Email
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DwarfSports Association |
Dwarf Sports Association UK is the leading National Disability Sports Organisation providing sport and activity for people with a restricted growth condition. |
Contact Phone: 01246 296 485 Mobile: 07889 922 736 |
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UK Deaf Sport |
UK Deaf Sport Leads in Opportunities for More Deaf People to Participate in Sport Throughout Their Lives & More Deaf Athletes to Perform on The World Stage
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LimbPower |
LimbPower supports amputees, individuals with limb difference and their families to bridge the gap between hospital rehabilitation and community and school engagement to rebuild lives and improve physical, social and mental well-being. |
Sport Enquiries: 07503030702
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CP Sport |
CP Sport is the national disability sports organisation supporting people with cerebral palsy to be able to access and enjoy being physically active throughout their lives. |
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or telephone the department you would like to speak to Membership: 07377142527
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Special Olympics GB |
Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) is a non-profit organisation and largest provider of year-round sports training and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults of ALL abilities with intellectual disabilities also known as learning disabilities. |
Main Switchboard: +44 (0) 20 7247 8891
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Disability organisations
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Name |
Remit |
Website |
Contact email |
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Deaf Action |
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Mencap |
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Learning Disability - Down's Syndrome - Williams syndrome | Mencap |
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RNIB |
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Sense |
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https://www.sense.org.uk/ |
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Disability Rights Uk |
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Scope |
We're Scope, the disability equality charity in England and Wales. We: provide practical information and emotional support when it's most needed campaign relentlessly to create a fairer society.
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Contact us form | Disability charity Scope UK
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