Scottish Disability Sport has launched a four-point Call to Action that calls on organisations across Scotland to take urgent action to remove the significant barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity.

The four-point Call to Action follows the publication of a new national survey by SDS, which highlights the ongoing inequalities experienced by people with a disability and the impact this has on their quality of life.

The survey conducted by Scottish Disability Sport in partnership with Queen Margaret University Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) revealed that 40% of people with a disability in Scotland are worried about losing their benefits if they are seen to be more physically active. With nearly 1 in 5 respondents doing no physical activity each week, yet 73% expressing a desire to do more, the results from the survey highlight concerns around the benefits system, rising living costs, public transport and more.

SDS is urging government, local authorities, health boards, education providers, leisure trusts and third-sector organisations to recognise the rights of people with a disability, as set out in Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and to collaborate on systemic change.

Key actions called for include:

Plan to Include
Deliver an inclusive whole system approach
A benefits and social care system that equips individuals to be active
Champion intersectionality through a person-centred approach

More information about the Call to Action, can be found here.

View the key findings of the National Survey here.

A message from Maree Todd MSP, the Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and Sport, on the importance, impact and next steps of the National Survey –