Accessible Sports Facilities for All
Participation in sports, recreation and physical activities has many benefits for people with disabilities including improved health and fitness; social inclusion and assisting all people to participate in the local community and within society.
According to Sports England "An accessible and inclusive sports facility sometimes requires a few physical adjustments to buildings but more than anything it needs some forward planning and continuing commitment". So what are the key areas that should be addressed:
- Make it easy for people to find you by telling everyone and letting them know where you are and how to get there using various modes of public transport.
- Let people know what you do well. Promote the facilities and services you have in place for people with disabilities.
- Ensure all of the information you provide is accessible for everyone including people with disabilities.
- Ensure all staff are welcoming and trained on meeting and greeting customers with disabilities.
- Appoint a staff member with responsibility for managing accessibility. Ensure members of the public are aware who this person is.
- When designing the sports facility ensure you understand how people will use the facility as a whole, from transport links, to initial approach, through to specific areas, for example the changing rooms, the social area and activity spaces.
- Ensure the sports facility has at least one clearly signposted unisex accessible WC cubicle on every floor of the facility. Be aware of cultural and religious implications at the facility. Also, at least one unisex accessible changing room complete with shower and toilet should be provided.
- Ensure the fitness equipment at the facility is accessible. For example, equipment such as submersible platform lifts provides a flexible and more dignified means of entering a swimming pool for a person with limited mobility.
Further information on making sports facilities accessible is available below:
- Link to Access for All Opening Doors published by Sports England and the English Federation of Disability Sports.
- Link to Accessible Sports Facilities published by Sports England.
Alternatively, if you would like further information on Accessible Sports Facilities for All please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected]
