Minister for Disabled People champions EFDS Charter for Change
The Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, has championed the English Federation of Disability Sport’s Charter for Change and urged organisations to back the campaign. On Tuesday 24 November, representatives from 70 organisations heard from leaders in disability rights, sport and Government at the Making Active Lives Possible conference.
The event, held at Central Hall Westminster, united key influencers with the aim to tackle low disability participation in sport and physical activity.
Held during the UK Disability History Month, the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and Disability Action Alliance (DAA) worked together to present a half-day conference. Attendees included Disabled People User-led Organisations, EFDS Members and EFDS Associate Members.
Since its launch earlier in the year, EFDS is asking organisations, and those who support disabled people, to back the Charter for Change. The national charity believes that everyone has the power to change opinions and increase the number of active disabled people. This includes those within Government, sport, fitness, health, charities, the media and in wider communications.
The Charter outlines three Asks. This conference focused in particular on the second Ask, which says disabled people will have the same opportunity as non-disabled people to be active throughout their lives. Many disabled people have connections, in some way, to a disability organisation. Given the right support and funding, disability networks can play a crucial role in supporting more people to be active.
Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, said ahead of the event:
“In my role I have seen first-hand how taking part in sport and active recreation can benefit and transform lives. However, disabled people’s participation is much lower than that of non-disabled people and this has to change. That’s why I’m urging organisations to back the English Federation of Disability Sport’s Charter for Change.
“Together we can make sure that in the future disabled people have the same opportunities to be as active and involved in sport as anyone else.”
During her inspiring introduction, Liz Sayce, Chair of Disability Action Alliance and Chief Executive for Disability Rights UK, highlighted the power of bringing people from the world of disability rights and the world of physical activity together, to make rights to inclusive activity a reality. She addressed the stigma and barriers that disabled people face when wanting to be active and said:
“It’s important to not make assumptions - and to start from what disabled people want, not from what someone thinks they might or should want. One thing that people have been telling us is that they are afraid of tabloid headlines.
“If people are in receipt of disability benefits, and are seen playing golf or swimming, the fear is that somebody is going to assume that they are not “really disabled”, and I think that we really need to get across some key messages.
“For a start, many impairments are not visible. Mental health issues- you can't see them, but there may be times when people are not feeling well enough to work, but doing physical activity might be a brilliant part of your recovery. Or it might be a part of how you are managing a long-term condition.
“We need to nail this myth, that any sign of physical activity means that you can't really be disabled. It is not the case. It is disabled people’s right to take part in physical activity and we need to celebrate ways of making it easy."
The organisers hope the event will allow people to talk openly about supporting more disabled people to be active for life.
After the event, Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:
“There is significant amount of work to do before more disabled people can or choose to adopt an active lifestyle, so it is fantastic that the Minister has championed our Charter for Change.
“We are delighted that the event went so well and the networking sessions proved an overwhelming success. Thank you to all the organisations who gave up their valuable time to be involved.”
Following the presentations, attendees were able to network as well as share their experience and expertise. Among the subjects discussed were engagement, research, marketing and training within sport and physical activity.
