New report highlights sport’s inclusion and accessibility barriers

A collaborative research project involving Nimbus Disability has published a report highlighting the barriers faced by disabled people wanting to participate in and watch sport.

‘The Power of Sport: A Lifetime of Opportunity’ report, which has been led by The Disability Policy Centre and social enterprise Soda, examines the importance of the introduction, improvement and preservation of accessibility and inclusion at all levels of sport.

Individuals and organisations were questioned about their experiences with participating in sport and physical activity, as well as watching sport, working in and volunteering in sport.

It found that over half of disabled people surveyed were prevented from watching sport due to a lack of accessibility in their venue of choice.

Meanwhile, just under half said that there was a lack of suitable options to play sport, or take part in physical activity, near where they lived.

Just over a quarter said that the lack of social care support was what prevented them from taking part in the activity they wish – and almost a quarter said that accessible transport was a major barrier for them.

It then includes several key policy recommendations for local and national government, small and large stadiums, leisure facilities and community clubs as well as hospitality venues.

Nimbus Disability was involved in the project in its capacity as one of the UK’s leading providers of disability-related advice and support to professional organisations – and its innovation in accessible ticketing through the award-winning Access Card.

Martin Austin MBE, founder and managing director at Nimbus, said: “This research highlights a multitude of barriers still exist at every stage of someone’s journey through a lifetime of sporting engagement.

“From inaccessible stadiums to overt ableism not going challenged, we have a long way to go to ensure that we have real equality of opportunity, to unlock the power and potential for everyone.

“As an organisation, we welcome the findings of the report which we regard as a stake in the ground and a starting point to finding the solutions to break down the barriers facing disabled people.”

Mark Briggs, director of partnerships at Nimbus Disability, who is also a celebrated ice hockey Paralympian, said: “The change in government and particularly the focus on regional autonomy is a particular opportunity to put accessibility and inclusion for disabled people in sport, leisure and beyond to be put back into the spotlight.

“We are proud to support the publication of this research which highlights the need for strategic responsibility and consistency – something we have been championing for some time.”