Disabled people fearful of being physically active, says new report

Drawing on research led by Dr Toni Williams of Durham University involving more than 200 Disabled people, the report found that only one in five participants were satisfied with their current level of physical activity. Nearly three quarters said they would be more active if they were confident doing so would not negatively affect their benefits.

The report highlights that the Activity Trap is more than a perceived risk. More than one in four participants reported having experienced benefits being denied, reduced or removed in ways they associated with their physical activity.

The findings raise important questions about how current approaches to the assessment of disability, may discourage physical activity, with negative consequences for Disabled people's health, wellbeing and social participation.

The report comes as the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) approaches its conclusion. The Review has explored how the PIP system can better support Disabled people, and its draft recommendations propose more personalised, accessible and humane assessment processes.

The Activity Trap report calls on Government to work with Deaf and Disabled People's Organisations, to redesign aspects of the social security system that could act as barriers to physical activity.

Recommendations include improving benefits application and assessment processes, reducing the risk that physical activity is misinterpreted during assessments, and ensuring decisions are informed by a better understanding of fluctuating conditions and impairments.

The report also recommends enhanced training for assessors and decision-makers, rooted in the Social Model of Disability, alongside stronger collaboration across Government departments, to improve policy coherence around disability and physical activity.

The findings have already informed a series of roundtable discussions involving Government officials, policymakers, Disabled people and disability organisations.

Evidence from the study has been discussed directly with Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, as part of ongoing conversations about the future of disability benefits and physical activity.

The research was co-produced by Dr Toni Williams and Disability Rights UK in partnership with Disabled people, disability charities and Disabled People's Organisations.

It forms part of a wider transdisciplinary programme of research examining the relationship between disability, physical activity and social security.

Dr Toni Williams, Associate Professor at Durham University, said:

“Our research found that many Disabled people want to be more physically active, but they’re afraid of losing vital financial support if they do. The social security system needs to change and support Disabled people to be active for health, wellbeing and enjoyment, not discourage it. Our co-produced policy recommendations provide this path forward.”

Laura Horton, Head of Get Yourself Active at Disability Rights UK said:

“Disabled people should not fear taking part in physical activity, in a society where Government and the NHS, regularly promote the importance of keeping active for maintaining our health and wellbeing. Government departments concerned with sport and health should uphold the rights of Disabled people to stay active and provide guidance on how this should be done. DWP should ensure that assessment processes don’t discriminate against Disabled people who are trying to stay active.”

In 2018, The Activity Trap: Disabled people's fear of being active, commissioned by the Dwarf Sports Association UK and released by Activity Alliance, first reported about disabled people fear losing their benefits if they are seen to be physically active. 

Adam Blaze, Chief Executive, Activity Alliance, said about this latest report:

“Our landmark Activity Trap research in 2018 first exposed the unacceptable reality that almost half of disabled people feared losing their benefits if they were seen to be physically active. This latest research shows that the trap not only remains but continues to hold too many disabled people back from being active. No disabled person should have to choose between being active for their health, wellbeing and enjoyment, and protecting the vital financial support they rely on. Government must now work with disabled people to create a fairer social security system that understands fluctuating conditions and enables active lives rather than discouraging them.” 

Event information

Activity Alliance is hosting a webinar on Thursday 22 October 13.30 – 14.30 exploring the report and this important topic. Media representatives are welcome to attend, and free tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Enquiries and requests for interview:

• Sophia Kleanthous: kleanthous@disabilityrightsuk.org
• Toni Williams: williams@durham.ac.uk