Uniting partners to develop a disability inclusive learning framework
Activity Alliance has joined forces with key partners to make learning and workforce opportunities in sports and physical activities more inclusive and empowering for disabled people.
Together with the Active Partnership National Organisation, CIMSPA, Sport England, and UK Coaching, we’re developing a disability inclusive learning framework. This collaborative project aims to ensure that everyone working or learning in the sector feels welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.
We know that disabled people often face barriers when accessing learning, training, and employment in sport and physical activity. These barriers can prevent many talented people from progressing or even getting started.
Activity Alliance’s Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2023-24 found that just 17% of disabled people said they ‘see people like me working in sport and physical activity’. Just 9% of disabled people agreed they have the opportunity to become a coach or take on a role in delivering sport or physical activity. That is compared to 24% of non-disabled people.
Working together we want to change that. We want to create environments where everyone can learn, work, and belong.
Adam Blaze, CEO, Activity Alliance, said:
"Everyone should feel they belong in sports and activities, and that extends well beyond just participation. Opportunities should be accessible for disabled people to both work and learn. Bringing together organisations to showcase our joint commitment to inclusive learning is a very important starting point to breaking down barriers.
"This project will create an easy-to-follow standard by which organisations can embed inclusive principles into their learning and development programmes. The work reflects our shared ambition to address inequalities by working together, and our belief that collaboration can help unite organisations around a more inclusive future."
The new framework will be co-created with and for disabled people. It will provide clear guidance and practical tools for coaches, tutors, and organisations.
This framework will be supported by a set of inclusive principles. From advice on design and language through to ensuring you are led by those with lived experience, these will provide an easy to follow backbone for any learning that organisations wish to create.
By committing to this shared approach we’re setting the expectation that inclusive learning is the standard, not an optional extra.
