Making Activity Inclusive in Staffordshire

Disability and Physical Activity: Listening, Learning, and Driving Change

The 2021 Census revealed that 18.1% of Staffordshire residents (164,800 people) identify as disabled. That’s above the national average of 17.3%. Additionally, 18% of residents report having a limiting long-term illness, which accounts for one-third of all illnesses in Britain and 40% of disabilities.

These numbers tell a clear story: disabled people face systemic barriers to living healthy, active lives. Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey shows disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%) compared to non-disabled people (23%). This inequality grows with the number of impairments a person has.

At Together Active, we believe no one should be left behind when it comes to moving more and living well. But we know the barriers to physical activity for disabled people are more than just logistical; they’re systemic. That’s why our work focuses on working with partners to improve how systems design in physical activity which is accessible fir everyone.

We don’t just want to see change; we want to drive it.

What do we mean by disability?

Disabilities come in many forms: visible or hidden, lifelong or acquired, physical or mental. They’re diverse, complex, and often compounding. They might stem from conditions people are born with, experiences later in life, or circumstances like illness or injury. This also includes neurodiversity and mental health conditions.

What all disabilities have in common is that they impact how people experience the world, and often, the systems around them weren’t designed with those experiences in mind.

At Together Active, we’ve seen how these barriers prevent participation in physical activity. From inaccessible facilities to a lack of representation or awareness in coaching, disabled people often face environments that don’t support or welcome them.

These challenges don’t define disabled people, but they highlight the changes we all need to make.

Change in Action: Local Organisations Leading the Way

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are home to incredible organisations working to break down these barriers. For this year’s UK Disability History Month (14th November – 20th December) and International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December), we’re shining a light on some of them:

• Stoke City FC – Their Aiming High sessions offer two hours of multisport activities in a safe, friendly environment for children with all disabilities, providing vital respite for parents, guardians, and carers.
• Port Vale FC – Through their PAN Disability Football program, disabled participants can play competitive sport regularly, improving their confidence and health.
• Staffordshire FA – From a structured league for different impairments to a Football Your Way plan, they’re proving that football really is for everyone.
• Frontline Dance – This artist-led company in Stoke places disabled people and those with long-term health conditions at the core of everything they do—as dancers, artists, and leaders.
• Liberty Jamboree – Liberty Jamboree is an inclusive youth service based in Lichfield, Staffordshire for 8–35-year-olds, offering a wide range of provisions for young people with SEND/SEMH and neurodiverse barriers
• Staffordshire Cricket – Home to the Staffordshire Wolves Visual Impairment Team and the Staffordshire Ability Team, they adapt cricket to ensure players with disabilities can thrive.
• Disability Snowsports UK – Using specialised equipment, they open up skiing to both standing and sitting participants.
• Tamworth Unicorns – This Wilnecote-based group offers swimming sessions for disabled children, young people, and adults.
• dDeaflinks – A vital service for Staffordshire’s d/Deaf community.
• Accessible Countryside – Highlights green spaces with accessible routes and provisions across the county.

Each of these organisations is a testament to what’s possible when we prioritise inclusion.

What We’ve Learned—and What We All Can Do

In our work, we’ve learned that creating inclusive opportunities for physical activity isn’t just about access; it’s about listening to people’s lived experiences and reshaping systems around their needs. That’s why we’re sharing these tips to help sports clubs, coaches, and organizations take action:

• Create dedicated spaces: Offer sessions tailored to specific needs so participants can feel safe, supported, and understood.
• Make it affordable: Provide concessions or discounts for disabled participants and carers, recognizing that many face financial barriers.
• Invest in training: Disability awareness and safeguarding training can transform how staff engage with disabled children, young people, and adults. You can also access resources and tools such as the Disability Inclusion Hub
• Hire diverse voices: Representation matters. Coaches and staff with lived experience bring invaluable perspectives and can inspire others to take part.
• Adapt your spaces and equipment: Small changes, like adjustable equipment or improved accessibility, can make a big difference.

Driving Change Together

At Together Active, we see the inequalities in physical activity as an urgent challenge, but also an opportunity. By working with partners, amplifying community voices, and challenging outdated systems, we’re proving that physical activity can be a force for inclusion and transformation.

Disability History Month and International Day of Persons with Disabilities remind us how far we’ve come, but also how much more we can do. These aren’t just dates in the calendar; they’re catalysts for action.

If you know of other inclusive organisations or have ideas for improving accessibility, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create a Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent where physical activity truly is for everyone.