Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2023–24
Dr. Olesya Zaglada took part in the Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2023–24 Research Webinar organized by Activity Alliance.
The survey is the primary source of insight for organisations working to achieve fairness for disabled people in sport and activity. It provides detailed insight into changes in disabled people’s perceptions and experiences of sport and activity year-on-year. It complements Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey, helping us understand why disabled people are still twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people.
This accessible event brought together people and organisations from many sectors, including sport, leisure, and disability, to explore the survey findings and areas for action. This year, the report focuses on five key areas:
∙ Participation and experiences
∙ The legacy of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis
∙ Outdoor spaces and active travel
∙ Mental wellbeing and loneliness
∙ Representation and belonging
The Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey revealed disabled people are still being left behind when trying to access sports and physical activities. This one-hour webinar, hosted by Paralympian Marc Woods, includes a briefing from research on the main Annual Disability and Activity Survey findings, a panel discussion with three research participants, and a panel discussion with two Get Out Get Active deliverers.
Activity Alliance’s Annual Disability and Activity Survey report 2023–24 shows that in a year where focus will be on the nation’s top Paralympians’ incredible achievements, the reality is that disabled people still face significant barriers when trying to be active in their communities.
This year’s results show disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people, a disparity that has remained consistent since the first report was released five years ago.
Among key findings of the report is that “Disabled people are less than half as likely to’ see people like them’ playing, working, and volunteering in sport and physical activity.”
Unfortunately, in accordance with the survey, disabled people are more likely to consider sport and physical activity a luxury rather than a necessity. They have feelings of a ‘disability tax’—it costs more to live the same quality of life.
The key recommendations of the research are:
- Prioritise and value collaboration with disabled people and their supporters backgrounds to create and shape accessible and inclusive opportunities.
- Understand the financial challenges disabled people are facing, consider the affordability of your offer, and be flexible.
- Continue to raise awareness about the inequalities in accessing outdoor spaces and share insight with partners. Provide information about the access and support available.
- Increase inclusive opportunities and create a more diverse community.
Dr. Olesya Zaglada found the webinar very useful in improving the work of PSF and providing more opportunities for disabled people through sports.
The link to view the Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey webinar with British Sign Language is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy88qUasdnY.