Disability Sport, Inclusive Clubs and Accessible Activities

Disabled people take part in sport, exercise, recreation and social activity at many different levels — from gentle movement and friendly social sessions through to organised competition. There is no single “right” way to take part, and no requirement to be sporty, fit or experienced before you begin.

Across the United Kingdom you will find activities where:

• no previous sporting experience is needed;
• people take part standing, seated, using a wheelchair, using a walking aid, or with adapted equipment;
• sessions may be disability-specific, or inclusive sessions where disabled and non-disabled people take part together;
• the pace, contact, noise level, session length and level of support vary enormously between clubs.

The right activity depends on the person: their interests, access requirements, health, energy levels, communication preferences and the amount of support they want. An activity that suits one disabled person may be entirely unsuitable for another, even where both people have the same diagnosis.

You are allowed to ask detailed questions before you book. Asking about steps, toilets, equipment, staff experience or costs is normal and reasonable. A good provider will welcome the questions and answer honestly, including saying when something is not available.

This page cannot tell you whether a particular sport, venue or club is suitable or safe for you, and a club describing itself as “inclusive” is not a guarantee that it will meet your access requirements. Always check directly with the provider.

These words are used loosely, and they are descriptions rather than guarantees. It is always worth asking a provider what they actually mean by the word they have used.

The list below gives examples of activities that exist somewhere in the UK. It does not mean each one is available near you, and it does not mean any particular activity is suitable for any particular person or condition. Availability depends heavily on your area.

There is no single national list. Most people find something by combining several of these routes:

• Postcode-based activity finders run by national disability sport organisations.
• Your local council’s leisure or sports-development team, which often knows about sessions that are never listed online.
• Local leisure centres and pools — ask at reception or for the inclusion or activity coordinator.
• National governing bodies for individual sports, which usually hold a club list and can say which clubs run disability or inclusive sessions.
• Disability organisations and condition-specific charities, including local branches and peer groups.
• Schools, colleges and adult social-care services, including day services and supported living teams.
• Occupational therapists, physiotherapists or rehabilitation teams, where you are already under their care and activity is relevant to your goals.
• Local community groups and accessible outdoor organisations, community centres, libraries and social-media community pages.

Online listings go out of date quickly. Sessions move, change day, close, become full or change their eligibility. Always confirm dates, times, costs, eligibility and access directly with the provider before you travel.

Sport and leisure are organised differently in each UK nation. Use the organisation that covers where you live.

England and UK-wide

Every Body Moves lists accessible activities by area and activity type. WheelPower provides information for wheelchair users, including a “Find a Sport or Activity” route. Activity Alliance works nationally on inclusive activity and produces guidance for providers and participants. The relevant sport’s national governing body can point you to affiliated clubs, and your council’s leisure service knows local sessions.

Scotland

Scottish Disability Sport is the national body for disability sport in Scotland. Its regional branch directory lists the branch covering your area, which can advise on local clubs and sessions. sportscotland and your local authority leisure service can also help.

Wales

Disability Sport Wales works with clubs and local authorities across Wales, and its “Join In” finder lets you search insport clubs and sessions by postcode. Local authority sports-development services in Wales also run and support inclusive sessions.

Northern Ireland

Disability Sport NI is the lead organisation for disability sport in Northern Ireland, and its “Find an Opportunity” route lists clubs and sessions. Northern Ireland’s eleven councils run leisure services and can advise on accessible facilities locally.

Each organisation covers its own nation unless its official website states otherwise. Do not assume that a service for one nation will be able to help with clubs in another.

Not every point matters to every person, and you do not need to tick them all. Choose the questions that matter to you and ask them in one message or phone call.

• Is the entrance step-free?
• Is there a lift where one is needed?
• Are doorways and activity spaces wide enough?
• Is accessible parking available, and does it have to be booked?
• Is there an accessible toilet?
• Is there a Changing Places toilet at the venue or nearby?
• Are accessible changing facilities, benches or hoists available?
• Do I need to bring my own sling?
• If there is a pool, is access by ramp, steps or hoist?
• Is adapted equipment provided, or must I bring my own?
• Can I stay in my own wheelchair?
• Is assistance available with equipment?
• Can a carer, personal assistant or family member attend?
• Is there a charge for the person accompanying me?
• Is there a quiet space or somewhere to rest?
• What is the noise and lighting like during the session?
• Can instructions be given slowly, visually, in writing, in Easy Read or using British Sign Language?
• What experience does the coach have with disabled participants?
• Can I visit or watch a session before joining?
• What happens if I need to cancel at short notice because of my health?

If a provider cannot answer a question, that is useful information too. It is reasonable to ask who else you can speak to.

Everyday wheelchairs and sports wheelchairs are built for different jobs. An everyday chair is designed for daily mobility, comfort and transport; a sports chair is designed for a specific sport and may have angled wheels, different seating and different stability. Using a sports chair is not compulsory, and many activities can be done in your own chair.

• Some clubs lend equipment for beginners; many do not. Always ask before you attend.
• Suitability, transfers, seating, straps and positioning should be discussed with competent staff who know both the sport and the equipment.
• Nobody should be lifted, transferred or strapped into equipment without their agreement and an appropriate, safe plan. You can say no, or ask to try something differently.
• Powered-wheelchair users should ask about powerchair-friendly activities, the space available, floor surfaces, charging arrangements and any equipment rules, including footguards or speed limits used in some sports.
• Do not buy expensive specialist equipment before trying the activity and getting suitable advice. Second-hand equipment, club loans and taster sessions are usually a better first step.

This page deliberately does not give technical instructions for modifying wheelchairs or equipment. Talk to the club, the equipment supplier or your wheelchair service.

Most people can be active in some way, but some people need individual advice before starting or changing activity — particularly after surgery, a new injury or a new diagnosis, or where symptoms are unstable or changing. If you are unsure, speak to your GP, consultant, physiotherapist or specialist nurse. This page is general information and cannot advise on your own condition.

• Pacing. Build up gradually. A short first session that goes well is better than a long one that sets you back.
• Pain. Some effort is normal; sharp, new or worsening pain is a reason to stop and take advice.
• Fatigue and post-exertional symptom worsening. Some conditions cause symptoms to worsen hours or days after activity. If that applies to you, plan smaller amounts and allow recovery time.
• Breathlessness. Know what is usual for you, and what is not.
• Temperature regulation. Some people cannot regulate temperature well. Ask about hall temperature, ventilation, water temperature and shaded or cool areas.
• Pressure care. Check seating, cushions and skin, and plan pressure relief during longer sessions.
• Hydration. Keep drinks within reach, and factor in toilet access when planning fluids.
• Seizures. Tell staff what to do and what not to do, and agree this before the session starts.
• Diabetes. Plan monitoring, food and timing around activity, and keep what you need nearby.
• Allergies. Tell organisers about serious allergies and where your emergency medication is kept.
• Medication timing. Some people function better at particular times of day; choose session times that fit.
• Emergency medication. Carry any emergency medication you have been prescribed, and make sure someone present knows where it is.

Sixpence Support UK does not give doses, and nothing here should be used as a reason to stop, start or change any prescribed medicine.

• Age and eligibility. Clubs set minimum ages and age bands. Ask what happens when a young person moves between groups.
• Parent and carer involvement. Ask whether parents or carers stay, watch or wait elsewhere, and what happens at drop-off and collection.
• School and college opportunities. PE, extra-curricular clubs, school games, and links between schools and community clubs.
• Safeguarding. Every club working with children should have a safeguarding policy, a named safeguarding lead and a way to raise concerns.
• Trained and checked staff. Ask about coach qualifications, safeguarding training and criminal record checks (DBS in England and Wales, PVG in Scotland, AccessNI in Northern Ireland).
• Supervision ratios and who provides personal care, if any is needed.
• Changing arrangements, privacy and whether a family or accessible changing room is available.
• Transport to and from sessions, including school or council transport where relevant.
• Communication needs — visual instructions, short steps, demonstrations and a familiar adult.
• Trial sessions before paying membership.
• The young person’s own preferences and consent. Their views about the activity, the group and any support they receive should be listened to.

Small, practical adjustments often make the difference between an activity working and not working. It is reasonable to ask for:

• Easy Read information about the session, the venue and the cost;
• demonstrations rather than long verbal explanations;
• pictures, photographs or a visual schedule of what happens;
• short, clear instructions given one step at a time;
• extra processing time before a response is expected;
• predictable routines, so each session runs in a similar order;
• repetition without embarrassment or comment;
• a familiar supporter attending, at least at first;
• smaller groups or a quieter session time;
• a pre-visit to see the space before taking part;
• changes explained in advance, including a different coach or a different room.

Adults with a learning disability are adults. Information, choices and consent should be offered to them directly, in a format they can use, and staff should speak to them rather than only to a supporter.

Autistic and neurodivergent people have very different preferences, and some of the following will matter a great deal while others will not matter at all. Ask the person what helps.

• Sensory environment: noise, echo in a sports hall, lighting, smells, flooring and crowding.
• Communication preferences, including written information and time to reply.
• Uncertainty — knowing exactly what will happen, and for how long.
• Busy changing rooms and whether there is an alternative.
• Waiting time, queues and unstructured gaps in a session.
• A quiet space to use if needed, and permission to use it without explanation.
• A predictable session structure, with the same warm-up and finish each week.
• Advance notice of any change, including cancellations and new staff.

• British Sign Language interpretation or other communication support, arranged in advance.
• Written instructions, session plans or notes on a whiteboard.
• Captions on any video used in coaching or induction.
• Visual starting signals — a flag, a hand signal or a light rather than a whistle only.
• Coaches facing the participant when speaking, and not covering their mouth.
• Hearing-loop availability at reception and in meeting spaces.
• Emergency procedures that do not rely on sound alone, including how a fire alarm would be communicated.

• Orientation to the venue on arrival, including the route to toilets and exits.
• Clear verbal descriptions of the space, equipment and what is about to happen.
• Guides, sighted-guide arrangements or a regular partner where the activity needs one.
• Good contrast and lighting, and reducing glare where possible.
• Guide dogs — where the dog can be during the session, and who is responsible.
• Tactile markers, textured surfaces or sound cues.
• Safe storage for belongings and routes kept clear of obstructions and trailing equipment.
• Asking the individual what assistance they would like, rather than assuming — and not taking hold of a person or their cane without asking.

Arrangements vary widely between venues, clubs and local authorities, so check before the first visit. Useful things to clarify:

• whether the accompanying person needs to be booked in;
• whether there is an entry or session charge for them;
• whether they are expected to take part, to support, or simply to wait;
• changing facilities for a supporter of a different gender;
• who does any lifting or personal care, and what the club will and will not do;
• emergency contact details and who holds them;
• confidentiality and dignity, including where personal care takes place;
• staff speaking to the disabled person directly, not over them;
• whether support during the activity is the club’s responsibility, or must be provided by the participant.

Costs differ enormously. Possible costs include:

• membership or joining fees;
• per-session or block-booking fees;
• equipment hire;
• competition entry and affiliation fees;
• transport to and from sessions;
• specialist clothing or footwear;
• charges for an accompanying person.

It is always worth asking about:

• free or discounted trial sessions;
• concessions, including for people on certain benefits;
• free community sessions run by councils or charities;
• equipment loan schemes;
• payment plans or monthly membership instead of an annual fee;
• local grants or hardship funds, where a club or council operates one;
• exercise referral or supported-activity schemes;
• whether a carer or personal assistant can attend free of charge.

Sixpence Support UK cannot promise that funding exists in your area, and no scheme mentioned here is guaranteed. Ask the club, the leisure operator and your council what they currently offer.

• Accessible public transport, including step-free stations and stops, and booking assistance.
• Community transport and dial-a-ride schemes run by councils and charities.
• Taxis and private hire vehicles, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, booked in advance.
• Blue Badge parking, and whether the venue has designated bays.
• Drop-off points close to the entrance.
• The route from the bus stop, station or car park to the entrance — surface, distance and gradient.
• Travelling with sports or mobility equipment, and whether it will fit.
• Booking assistance where the operator offers it, and how far in advance.
• The return journey, especially late in the evening or on Sundays.

This section is general information written in plain English. It is not legal advice, and the law differs between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain)

• Clubs, leisure centres and other service providers may have duties under the Equality Act 2010, which can include making reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
• What counts as reasonable depends on the circumstances — the size and resources of the organisation, the practicality of the change, and the barrier being removed.
• An adjustment is not automatically unreasonable simply because it needs planning, notice or a small cost.
• You can ask in writing. Explain the barrier clearly, and say what change you think would help. A written request also creates a record.

Northern Ireland

The Equality Act 2010 does not apply in Northern Ireland. Disability discrimination in Northern Ireland is covered by separate Northern Ireland legislation, and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland provides current advice and can explain what duties service providers have there.

This happens, and it is disappointing rather than your fault. Practical steps that tend to work best:

• Record what was advertised — take a screenshot or save the page.
• Note what actually happened, with dates, times and names where you have them.
• Keep booking confirmations, emails and messages.
• Raise the issue calmly with the organiser or venue manager first. Many problems are fixed here.
• Explain the barrier plainly and say what outcome you are asking for.
• Request a written response, and a date by which you will hear back.
• Use the organisation’s formal complaints process if the first conversation does not resolve it.
• Escalate where appropriate to the sport’s national governing body, the council, or the leisure-service operator that runs the building.
• Seek independent equality advice if the problem continues.

Keep communication factual and polite. Abusive or threatening messages make it harder to get the outcome you want, and can end a complaint early.

Disabled people are not only participants. Clubs need volunteers, coaches, officials, organisers, committee members, welfare officers and social organisers, and disabled people do all of these roles.

• Reasonable adjustments apply to volunteering and training as well as to taking part.
• Ask whether coaching courses and qualifications are delivered accessibly.
• Ask what support the club offers to new volunteers, and what time commitment is realistic.
• Do not assume that a disabled person only wants to be an athlete — and do not assume they only want a non-playing role either. Ask.

Coming back after a long gap is common and nothing to apologise for. A gradual return usually works best:

• Start with a trial or taster session rather than committing to a season.
• Reduce the length or intensity of your first few sessions.
• Plan rest before and after, especially if travel is tiring.
• Review your access needs — they may have changed since you were last active.
• Get appropriate professional advice where you have had surgery, a new injury, a new diagnosis or unstable symptoms.
• Expect progress to be uneven. Missing a week is not failure.

This page does not set exercise targets and cannot predict how any activity will affect your health or condition.

Work through the points below before your first session. This is a planning tool to help you organise questions and arrangements. It is not a medical assessment and it is not an eligibility test.

1. Preferred activity — what you actually want to do, not what you feel you should do.
2. Location — how far you are willing and able to travel.
3. Eligibility — age, any classification or membership rules, and whether a referral is needed.
4. Access — step-free entrance, lifts, doorway widths and space in the activity area.
5. Toilets and changing — accessible toilet, Changing Places, benches, hoists and privacy.
6. Equipment — what is provided, what you must bring, and whether you can use your own chair.
7. Communication — BSL, written instructions, Easy Read, demonstrations and processing time.
8. Sensory needs — noise, lighting, crowding and a quiet space.
9. Rest — breaks during the session and somewhere to sit out.
10. Support person — whether they can attend, any charge, and what they will do.
11. Coaching — experience with disabled participants, qualifications and group size.
12. Costs — membership, sessions, hire, competitions and companion charges.
13. Transport — the journey there and back, parking, assistance and equipment.
14. Health planning — pacing, medication timing, food, hydration and pressure care.
15. Emergency arrangements — first aid cover, what staff should do, and your emergency contact.
16. Safeguarding — policy, named lead and staff checks, especially for children and adults at risk.
17. Trial visit — a chance to watch or try before committing.
18. Cancellation — what happens if your health means you cannot attend.
19. Contact details — a named person, phone number and email saved on your phone.
20. Feedback or complaints — how to raise a problem and who deals with it.

Find an activity

Nation-specific organisations

Sport-specific and specialist organisations

Rights, safeguarding and health