Closing the Gap in Activity Levels for Children with Disabilities

It is no secret that sport, and physical activity can provide children with confidence, independence and a sense of belonging, yet many children with disabilities are missing out on these benefits. Research by Activity Alliance found that just 25% of children with disabilities say they get to take part all of the time at school, compared to 41% of children without disabilities. Their research also found that children with disabilities are twice as likely to be lonely as their non-disabled counterparts.

There are many barriers in place which can make it difficult for children with disabilities to access sporting activities, including lack of equipment and lack of accessible facilities, as well as worry about getting hurt, or not knowing what to do. Despite nine out of ten parents recognising the importance of sport for their children, less than half feel they have enough support to help their child be active.

With your help we are working alongside the incredible charities and organisations we support, to remove some of these barriers, and give more children with disabilities opportunities to get involved.

Here are just a few of the life-changing projects you have helped us fund:

Back in March Wooden Spoon Warwickshire provided four new youth wheelchairs to Coventry Stampede Wheelchair Rugby Club which will allow more children with disabilities to take part in this fantastic sport and make friends along the way.

Wooden Spoon Essex?provided funds for 'Sally' the pony at REACH (Rehabilitation, Education,?Assessment Centre for Hippotherapy)?who will help support children with disabilities.

New outdoor gym equipment was provided to The Oaks Specialist College ?by Wooden Spoon Kent?which has helped young people with disabilities to get active, keep fit, and work out together.

Funding from Wooden Spoon Ulster enabled Mae Murray Foundation to open up the first fully accessible beach in Northern Ireland. Inclusive beaches like this, which provide access, parking, and disabled toilets with hoisting, are important as they allow people of all ages and abilities to take part, have fun, and be included in a trip to the seaside. Mae Murray Foundation also offer all-terrain beach equipment free of charge which gives children with disabilities the opportunity to get involved in beach sports and activities.

Find out more about the projects we fund at?woodenspoon.org.uk/changing-lives/

Source:? Activity Alliance (2020)