New findings published today by national charity Activity Alliance reveal the growing inequalities caused by the pandemic in the East of England, with only 3 in 10 adults overall (30%) saying that disabled people have the same opportunity to be active as non-disabled people.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by Activity Alliance, the leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity, also revealed that only 4 in 10 adults overall (44%) agree that sport and physical activity is fair for disabled people.
The findings published today come as Activity Alliance launches their new strategy, ‘Achieving Fairness’. Despite a slight improvement in activity levels before the pandemic, disabled people remain twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people.
The strategy sets out a clear ambition to close this gap within a generation. Two clear goals will drive the strategy forward – changing attitudes towards disabled people and embedding inclusive practice in sport and activity.
Of those polled in the East of England, just 41% agree that disabled people are made to feel welcome in sport and physical activity settings. Yet 77% of adults in the East agree that attitudes about disabled people need to improve generally, which suggests there is a strong mandate for positive change.
Phil Friend, Hertfordshire local and vice-chair of Activity Alliance, is buoyed by the community’s support for a keener focus on equal opportunities within sport and activity. Reflecting on the findings, he said:
“The pandemic has been a huge wake up call for the entire nation who have come to understand the countless benefits of being active. It is not right, nor fair, that disabled people continue to miss out on these benefits, particularly when one in five of the population is disabled, making up a large proportion of every community.
“As a wheelchair user myself, I know how important it is that we address issues of inequality in sport and physical activity, some that have existed for far too long. Particularly in areas like the East of England, it is evident that the community is invested in ensuring disabled people have fair and equitable access to sport and activity. Activity Alliance is striving to maximise opportunities for all disabled people in sport, and as we move out of the pandemic it is imperative we see social inclusion and accessibility at the forefront of the recovery.”
The motivating factor following this poll, for Activity Alliance and others, is that the people of the East of England know how much we need their support on this issue. It will take a collaborative effort from all organisations in the community to make the changes necessary to curtail any widening inequalities.
